Match reports here….

Match Reports 09/10/11

Under 7

AFC Liverpool 6 NSC 0

A strong display today against a physical NSC side Ellis McCarthy {sniffer} putting us 1-0 up after 5 mins then Stevie Bennet making it two with a cool finish

The second half was all AFC with the midfield dominating Paul kyffin causing havoc down the left wing Caiden Donovan and Leighton Riley clearing up any NSC attacks

the ever present John Hayes reassuring in his net, making a couple of subs playing James Broughton up front and Charlie on the right rattled them james scoring a cooly taken side footer in the net followed by a well taken second, Finley firing a goal directly from a corner and Charlie with a screamer,

The lads are looking forward to playing Tranmere on Friday were they will all get a run out.

Man of the Match ever improving Stevie Bennet

Steve one happy manager and lads

Under 9

AFC Liverpool 5 Chellwood 0.

The rain didn’t dampen the team spirit today; right from the whistle the boys took control of the game and produced some great football and communication going on between the boys. Beck opened the scoring with a great run and chipped the goalie 1-0.  Their heads held high they took the game to chellwood who had a few good chances, only to be denied by our keepers AFC then produced four great goals by beck and a scramble involving cam and tom, tom getting the other goal.

Great team effort, onward and upward.

Man of the Match Beck HB. (a great team performance by all the boys)

Chris Wood

Manager

Under 13

Saturday 8-10-11

AFC Liverpool 6-1 knowsley rangers

this was a big game for the team against the unbeaten league leaders and lads put on a brilliant performance to take the 3 points with goals from Connor swain 3,elliot Jenkins 2, Nathan Carlisle. Well played lads mom Connor swain

Joe Wright

Sunday 9-10-11

AFC Liverpool 4-1 Woolton diamonds

Another good win for the team with a battling performance from the lads. The team dug in and got another 3 points with goals from Connor swain 2, Joe Wright, Jack Johnston. Well played again lads

A good weekend for both teams

Under 14 Walton & Kirkdale league

Free week no game

Under 14 Craven Minor League

Sunday the 9^th of October 2011.  Sandy Lane, Lydiate.

AFC Liverpool 4 v Birkdale Blacks 0

A much improved Birkdale Blacks arrived at Sandy Lane this week determined to overturn the 6-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of AFC earlier in the season.  This clearly took the AFC lads by surprise as it took the whole of the first half of the game for AFC to show anything like the effort, skill and passion that they had displayed in their previous games.

The first half didn’t go past without the odd player within the team displaying their usual attributes, Liam Werth, James Tyrer and Tom Keller all showed determination and effort to shake AFC out of their poor start.

The second half saw one or two changes and a change in formation, with Declan Williams and Joshua Wright introduced.  The substitutions paid off early in the second half with a goal.  A superb through ball from Ross Bailey was latched onto by Declan Williams who saw his shot saved by the Birkdale keeper, however the keeper could only parry the shot and Joshua Wright was on hand to score a classic centre forwards goal.

Declan’s name was soon on the score sheet, when he finished another good AFC move with a smart finish.  The two early goals seemed to knock the stuffing out of Birkdale and third and fourth goals came fairly quickly.  The third goal was again scored by Williams after some superb wing play from Tom Keller.  The fourth was finished by ‘Wrighty’ after he latched onto a goal bound attempt from Declan Williams.

The result certainly didn’t flatter AFC and the 4 goal cushion allowed the players to relax and saw some fantastic pieces of skill, the first from Patrick Blair on his own half way line and another from Josh Wilkinson who produced a ‘back heel stepover’ which completely fooled his opposition.

Throughout the game AFC’s defence never looked in danger and they should be all proud of the clean sheet!

Paul Nield

Assistant Manager

Under 15

AFC Liverpool 1 – Neston Nomads 3

Neston Nomads beat us once in last year’s league and drew the reverse fixture, so in the pouring rain of the first A League encounter of the season, there was a fair amount riding on the game.

In what was to be an ill tempered game, peppered with poor refereeing decisions; AFC Liverpool were to see two yellow and two red cards.

As might be imagined, the challenges were stern from both sides, but, after 20 minutes, a through ball was met cleanly by Jimmy Rainford outside of the penalty area and was cleared. However, the momentum of the opposing player saw him topple over Jimmy and the Referee brandished a Red Card.

Liam Hall, who had been operating well as Centre Half donned the keeper’s shirt and play restarted.

Shortly, before the break, the reshuffled reds had been having the better of the play, but when a ball was knocked towards the touchline by Alexander Northover, the opposing player gave chase, collided with him and both players fell. The referee pointed to the spot and up stepped their Number 10 to make it 1-0.

In to the second half and with AFC looking the better team, the play stepped up a gear. A through ball to Callum Morrison in the area allowed him to lose his marker, skirt around the keeper and shoot at the open goal. His shot was deliberately handled by a Neston defender on the line with the keeper well beaten, but he still found the back of the net, to level it at 1-1.

As tempers frayed on both sides, Alexander Northover was incensed by the referee’s decision not to award a free kick for an obvious foul right in front of him, but the ensuing dissent from him at the referee, earned him a straight red.

Ultimately, the lack of a recognised keeper and missing two players was to take its toll on the rest of the team and Neston took advantage adding to their earlier first half goal, to take all three points.

Our man of the match was Dion George.

Howard Northover

Manager

Under 16

AFC Liverpool Under 16s 1 South Liverpool 0

the under 16s finally got there season up and running with an excellent performance against South Liverpool. The young reds took the lead on 3 minutes when James Petches beat 2 defenders to get to the by-line before crossing for Rhys Jones to place his left footed volley in the bottom corner. AFC continued to dominate despite playing into a strong wind coming in from the River Mersey. The boys kept creating chances throughout the half only for wayward finishing or the South Liverpool goalkeeper preventing us from extending our lead. The 2nd half was more of the same with James Cope who has recently been selected to represent Merseyside school boys having very little to do in goal for the reds. It was another player who will be representing Merseyside that came closest to putting us further ahead, midfielder Leighton Kearns struck a thunderous effort from 30 yards which crashed against the cross bar. Kyle Wilson, a recent signing from Accrington Stanley almost marked his debut with a goal when he rose highest from a Rhys Jones corner only for the keeper to pull a great save off from his powerful header. Another excellent display of attacking football brought the win but it should really have been by a more comfortable score line

Griff Jones

Manager.

Under 17

Meister 1 v 2 Afc liverpool

As the saying goes this was definitely a game of 2 halves on what was a wet and blustery day .

We kicked off with the wind behind us and tested the meister goal repeatedly so it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken as Matty tyrer sent in an inswinging corner which  was met by Olly Charles to finish for his first goal of the season.

We continued to push for the second goal but to no avail .

The second half started with meister pushing on our goal when totally against play, a well worked move from midfield put Marley Hamilton through to score our second . With the spell of pressure it was inevitable that meister would score but Danny obrien in goal was on form and looking for a clean sheet and was well on his way when a dubious free kick was given. It was hit high into the box and carried with wind finding the head of a meister player and into the net .Everyone worked hard to see the game out 2-1 to Afc LIverpool.

Oonly downside was a possible hamstring pull to Ben Waydock .well done lads and the lads at meister.

Next game Saturday 15th October 10.00

Under 7

AFC Liverpool 12-1 North Park

Yet again a fantastic performance from the lads including full debuts for four players. The lads let in a sloppy goal to go behind in the first five minutes, and then it was all uphill from there taking a 2-1 lead into half time with goals from Steve Bennett and Aidan Lunt.

In the second half the lads totally outclassed the opposition easing in another 10 goals with Finley Riley scoring 4, Charlie Holgate with 3, Paul Kyffin scoring 2 and Ellis McCartney with 1. We also have to praise a strong defensive performance by Joe Bennett, Leighton Riley, Caiden Donovan and a solid performance in goal by John Hayes. With there also being a strong midfield battle being won by captain for the day Joe Fury and James Broughton.

Man of the Match going to the reliable Finley Riley.

Next Match 9th October, 10:45 kick-off against NSC at long lane.

Steve and the lads

Under 13

Sat 1st October

AFC Liverpool 16- Paramount 1

The lads played well today in the 1st round of the Tesco cup and dominated the game from start to finish. The Goals were scored by Connor Swain 4, Nathan Carlisle 4, Sam Price 3, jack Johnston, Joe Wright, Sean McVeigh,Nial Walsh, josh wignall.

Well played lads

Joe Wright

Manager

Sunday 2nd October

AFC Liverpool 8 Halewood 2

Another good performance from the team today the effort was excellent all over the pitch. Goals, Connor swain 3, Joe Wright 2, Nial Walsh, Nathan Carlisle, Sean McVeigh.

The lads we’re brilliant this weekend

Let’s keep the effort up lads

Joe Wright

Under 14 Walton & Kirkdale league

2nd October 2011

AFC Liverpool 4 v Rice Lane 1

If there was ever a game of two halves this was it, AFC started slow and never got going at all in the 1st half, Rice Lane looked up for it, but the ball seemed to land at the opposition players feet every time, very frustrating and it was topped off when Rice Lane scored with an unbelievable strike from their midfielder, running onto a loose ball and hitting the ball from just inside our half, right into the top corner

HT 0-1

We changed a few players for the 2nd half, and the response was immediate, we looked busy and ready to have a go, we drew level when Joe Hazard struck from 25 yards, the ball squeezing past the keeper, hitting the post and going in. This calmed us down and we started to play, Callum Lang put us ahead when he reached the ball 1st to nod past the keeper,2-1,the game had swung our way and we were controlling the midfield, James Ackers then struck when his free kick took the slightest of touches off a head to make it 3-1,chances were coming thick and fast and we looked dangerous in every attack, Alex Clark giving a brilliant 2nd half display. The game was drawing out when Alex Clark was brought down in the box in the last minute, Callum Lang tucking the penalty away 4-1

Goals-Callum Lang 2, Joe Hazard 1, James Ackers 1

MOM-Alex Clark

Joe Hazard

Manager

Under 14 Craven Minor League

Sunday 2^nd Oct 2011.  Sandy Lane, Lydiate (L31 4DW)

AFC Liverpool (5) vs. Burscough (0)

The under 14’s fashioned a very solid display at home in the first round of the Allan Langfeld Cup that saw them beat Burscough 5–0.

The performance was based on some sturdy and unyielding defending from Liam Worth and Ross Bailey who controlled the strong Burscough forward line with support from both of their wing backs; Ryan Patterson and James Tyrer. James produced a display full of energy and running which saw him over lapping the midfield on numerous occasions and creating several chances down the left hand side.

The Liverpool midfield controlled the game with pace and purpose whilst playing some quality football and they used the full width of the pitch to their advantage during a number of flowing moves. Some smart pass and move football produced excellent defence splitting passes from the midfielders who also displayed some strong support running for the attackers.

The strikers worked extremely hard to keep the Burscough defence under pressure throughout the match and linked well with the midfield and helped in creating a number of scoring opportunities.

The first half saw Matty Davies break the dead lock and score after he had chased down a Burscough defender and also the keeper; he got his just deserts by forcing the ball into the back of the net. The second was scored by Declan Williams who coolly slotted home after being put through one on one with the keeper following a well worked and decisive move.

After the half time break Liverpool pushed on and looked to put the game out of reach and have their names in the next round of the cup. Joshua Wright latched on to a great through ball to lob the advancing keeper and get his name on the score sheet; Josh Wilkinson saw a long range attempt from close to the side-line loop into the net and a fierce drive from Declan Williams put the game beyond doubt.

A good all-round football display from the AFC lads with every single player showing commitment and effort.

Daniel Blair

Manager

Under 15

Ridgewood Rangers 2 v AFC Liverpool 2

Plymyard 8 , 2nd October 2011 , 2.30 pm Kick Off

Following the unusual heat wave of recent days, the rain that had softened the pitch in the early morning, was probably to benefit both
teams for a match in a much more typical autumn afternoon.

Still not able to choose from a full squad, due to the injury of Aaron Cross, our versatile utility player, we opted for the favoured 4:4:2 formation, away to Ridgewood at their new home.  Our Captain, Dion George who was nursing a thigh strain and Ben Dunn at right wing, was hampered by a heavy cold. But both had made themselves available for selection.

This time, Ridgewood had their previously absent centre forward, number 17 Robinson, who had terrorised our defence in last year’s cup fixture, so this was going to be a tough reverse fixture for us.

AFC Liverpool were equally committed from the kick off as their hosts, although Ridgewood, with our former player, Connor McCappin, looked to have some of the early opportunities by trying to break up the play in midfield, to release their attack.

Committed, as always, but showing signs that his match fitness has yet to return, after breaking his thumb early in the season, Shaun Creighton was still challenging in the aerial bombardment from the home side, when he was substituted by Paddy Jones, who was to stick to his man marking role well, with his special brand of no-nonsense defensive
play.

With Jimmy Rainford in fine form, the long range shots from Ridgewood were confidently collected, as both teams played some very open football, in an effort to finding an opening….but, with five minutes of the first half remaining, the Ridgewood midfield moved forward with purpose, a player broke forward and crossed from just outside the area, where the ball was met magnificently by their number 17, whose looping header narrowly beat Jimmy Rainford in the top left hand corner to make it 1-0 to the hosts.

After the break, the same team took to the field of play and the early chances fell to the visitors, building from the sure left foot of Sam Casey, who was linking well with Mikey Dodd at left mid; eventually the ball drifted over to Callum Morrison, who shot from 30 yards out, to
beat the Ridgewood keeper, but not the woodwork. The ball ricocheted off the post, but because he had his shot away so early and from such distance, AFC were unable to capitalise on the rebound and the opportunity faded.

Moments later though, Callum Morrison was not to be denied again; finding himself in space on the right hand side, this time, his first touch was exquisite, but the subsequent shot was imperious, curling around the diving Ridgewood keeper to level the score at 1-1.

With Dion George having played his heart out in the centre of the park, his niggling injury was to take it’s toll and he was replaced by Ben Dunn, meaning a reshuffle in the midfield.

The enforced change saw the powerhouse work ethic of Thomas Breslin take up where Dion had left off, as he came in to the centre, allowing Ben Dunne to form an impressive partnership with Ben Jafrate that had meant that “Jaffa” had caused himself to be a thorn in the side of Ridgewood all day. If plenty of the wrong type of attention can be deemed flattery, then picking up quite a few fouls in the days play was a mark of how skilled his endeavours had been.

Still, in an evenly fought match, which had  called upon all of the tenacity and presence of our stalwart centre half Connor Branscombe on many occasions, there were chances available to both sides as each pushed on for the winner.

After 30 minutes of the second half, the home side put together another flowing attack which saw a rare moment of confusion in the defence and the ball floated in to the net from short range: 2-1 to Ridgewood.

AFC Liverpool was made of sterner stuff today than had been hoped for from the hosts and stuck to their task well. Mikey Dodd had made a nuisance of himself all day on the left and he wasn‘t about to give up now. Both teams were starting to feel the pressure of the game and the fresh legs of Liam Hall had been brought on to replace the solid right back of Lewis Galer, whose earlier curling balls in to the box had been useful, but ultimately unrewarded.

With five minutes of the game remaining a fine ball from Jaffa, released Alexander Northover, whose surging run in to the area saw him beat three men, before unleashing a savage shot that left the keeper no chance: AFC Liverpool 2 Ridgewood Rangers 2.

Into the dying minutes of the game, yet AFC Liverpool continued to press, with Mikey Dodd performing superhuman breaks from midfield and recovering from some very robust challenges, but we weren’t able to find a winner, settling instead for a hard earned point.

A very pleasing performance from all of the players, who deserved particular recognition for the sterling effort that they all put in, but the decision went the way of the day’s man of the match: number 8,
Callum Morrison.

Howard Northover

Manager

Under 7

AFC Liverpool 8 farmers 0

A superb display by the lads today against an unbeaten farmers side.

Paul kyffin opening the scoring with a bullet of a header followed by a well taken goal running down the wing, and putting in a low shot.

The lads then took complete charge of the match with a great goal from Aiden Lunt on his full debut, Finley Riley and Charlie having a solid display in midfield – Finley bagging two goals and super play by James Broughton taking a excellent goal to his tally, Joe bennet having a full debut at right back letting nothing past him, Charlie Holgate getting two goals on a fine display.

Man of the Match: Aiden Lunt with his commitment and attitude

Thanks for the backing of the parents on this display

Next week North Park KO 10.45 long lane

Steve Smith

Manager

Under 9

24/9/11

AFC Liverpool 0 vs. River Alt 8

Unfortunate result for the boys again, results are not going our way at the moment, partially due to major changes within the squad and managers.

We will soon get back to our winning ways … (Rome wasn’t built in a day) better luck for next week boys…

Man of the match …Ben Marc Richmond

Under 13

Rainhill & St Helens Saturday league 24-9-11

Blackbrook 3 AFC Liverpool 8

After a bad performance from our team last Saturday the lads turned up with a better attitude and played some good football and scored some fantastic goals. A hatrick for Sean McVeigh, 2 from Nial Walsh, and 1 each for Connor Swain, Danny Bolton, Nathan Carlisle.

Wwell played lads we need to keep the same attitude.

Man of the Match Nial Walsh

Joe Wright

Manager

Under 13

Sunday 25-9-11

AFC Liverpool 7 Dunlop 0

The team showed up today and showed great attitude and played some excellent football. We went 2 up after 10mins with both goals coming from our new signing Lewis Baines and the team dominated the rest of the 1st half with more goals coming from Joe Wright, Nial Walsh, Adam Carroll, Connor McBride and Connor Swain. The referee then come over and told us the other team were not going to play the 2nd half so the score stayed 7-0 and the lads were disappointed that the game didn’t get finished. A good weekend for our sat + sun teams after losing both games last weekend.

Joe Wright

Manager

Under 14 Walton & Kirkdale league

25th Sept 2011

AFC Liverpool 2 v Acanthus 1

A gritty display from the boys today, despite going down 4 minutes before half time, Mike Taylor unfortunately slipping on a patch of mud allowing Acanthus to take the lead.

HT 0-1

With changes made Callum Lang levelled when Mike Taylor put a ball through for Callum to score. With chances at either end, Callum Lang was then felled in the box and he then tucked away the penalty, good performances from an improving squad. Mike Taylor, James Ackers, Ant McDougall, Callum Lang and Alex Clark to name a few, but Sean Parle got the vote.

Goals-Callum Lang 2

Man of the Match-Sean Parle

Joe Hazard

Manager

Under 14 Craven Minor League

25/09/2011

Burscough U14 (3) vs. AFC Liverpool U14 (6)

KO 14:00hrs, Abbey Lane, Burscough L40 7SR

A solid performance by AFC under 14’s that saw them register another win on a very heavy pitch in Burscough.

The first half was largely controlled by AFC, who produced some good passing interchanges down each flank, given the pitch conditions. Strong running on the right of midfield from Dave White helped give AFC  a two goal lead in the first half via Luke Banks and also Dave White. The first half lead should have been added to on several other occasions but a combination of the sodden conditions and some wayward finishing meant the teams went it 0-2 at the break.

Burscough seemed to take heart from not being further behind and came out from the half time break quickly and showed some fighting spirit and desire to get back in contention. Strong running up front from the Burscough forwards and some AFC inaccuracy meant the home team drew level at 2-2 midway through the second half and the match turned very scrappy for a period, during which both team scored again before AFC dug in and scored another three goals in the last 15 minutes.

James Tyrer produced some quality play down the left hand side and three promising debuts from Declan Williams, Tom Keller and Joshua Wright assisted AFC in gaining all three points. The team showed real character after Burscough tried to harry and pressurise during the their second half fight back and every AFC player played their part in some exceedingly tiring conditions which didn’t lend itself to the normal passing football the AFC lads have become use to playing.

Two goals apiece for Luke Banks, Declan Williams, and Dave White along with forceful displays from the other AFC players secured a good win but they ultimately made the job much harder that it should have been because of missed opportunities during the first half.

Daniel Blair

Manager

Under 15

AFC Liverpool 1 – Liscard Panthers 2

Plymyard 3 Pitch, Bridle Road, Bromborough 25 September 2011 2:30 Kick Off

At home, but still without a full squad to choose from due to the illness of Paddy Jones, but with Shaun Creighton having recovered from his broken thumb, he went back in to the team for our preferred 4-4-2 formation.

The early play was one of confidence from the home side, but it was the visitors who were to score first, after 5 minutes; a bobbling ball was not picked up by the midfield and their forwards were straight on to it. The resulting sliced shot wrong footed Jimmy and found the back of the net; 1-0 to the Panthers.

AFC regrouped and pulled themselves together for a number of attacks that were broken down by the visitors who, to their credit, broke quickly for the counter. Sterling work from Liam Hall at right back, and decisive saves from our industrious keeper kept the score level.

With 17 minutes gone, after another fine save from Jimmy, he rolled the ball out to Sam Casey at left back, who coolly beat his man in mid field to thread the ball through to the vigilant Mikey Dodd at left mid, who raced deep in to the final third, imperiously leaving the opposition in his trail, to lay off a fine ball for Alexander Northover near the corner flag. Alexander steadied the ball and then ran parallel to the goal line, beating two defenders then faced the oncoming keeper.

He was practically inline with the net, 10 yards out when he nutmegged the Panther’s keeper and pulled one back for the hosts.

AFC Liverpool 1- Liscard Panthers 1.

Stunned by the equaliser, the panthers pushed men forward, trying to win the ball in midfield for their attackers to run on to. However, further industry from the tricky Callum Morrison, cut through the Panther’s defence having turned his men on a number of occasions, but not to the satisfaction of the referee who claimed that he was offside.

The score was to remain level until half time. After the break, with the midfield battle hotting up, Callum was reluctantly sacrificed for Dion George to make an impact, as we switched to a 4-5-1 formation. AFC looked the more dangerous side, with plenty of possession and a number of efforts being saved by the visiting keeper, after having been floated in by Ben Jafrate and Lewis Galer. Still quick to counter, our midfield was most effective at breaking up the visitors play, such that the longer range efforts being made, were saved magnificently by Jimmy.

Ben Dunn at right wing continued to make a nuisance of himself for the home team, but the resistance of the visitors held. Time and again AFC Liverpool were able to forge convincing attacks, but as the game advanced, the Panthers were starting to defend in numbers.

One such repost, left Alexander Northover nursing a clipped ankle and Callum Morrison returned to lead the line. More incisive midfield invention from Mikey Dodd on the left released Callum on a number of occasions, but the Panthers were able to counter.

Then, with five minutes remaining the Panthers were awarded a free kick just beyond the penalty arc. Jimmy built his wall, but the resulting ball in to the box was beyond him as he was impeded by a Panther’s attacker, whilst the referee failed to notice the two off side Panther’s players to his left on the goal line. The referee ignored the pleas from the home side…AFC Liverpool 1 – Liscard Panthers 2

Despite being a bit sore, Alexander came on in place of Ben Dunn as we pushed for another equaliser from three forwards, but with the few minutes remaining, it was beyond the home side and so it stayed  AFC Liverpool 1 – Liscard Panthers 2.

A great disappointment as we played impeccably and deserved, at the very least, a point from the game.

Jimmy’s fearless efforts in goal were recognised by the away manager, who gave him man of the match, which he deserved, but as a whole, the Team were superb.  More performances like that from AFC Liverpool will undoubtedly reap the rewards that their endeavours demand.

Howard Northover

Manager

Under16

St Anne’s Rovers 3 AFC Liverpool 2

AFC started the game against last season’s league champions really brightly and had 2 goals harshly disallowed inside the first 10 minutes by the referee, who had previously had an unsuccessful trial with the AFC under 16s squad. Despite that disappointment the lads continued to dominate the game with excellent pass and move attacking football and should have really opened the scoring before we finally got the first goal with 5 minutes of the half remaining.

The goal came after a great move by the young Reds, found Rhys Jones on the edge of the area and his through ball allowed Adam Campbell to lob the keeper to make it 1-0. The 2nd goal came almost immediately, a great move down the right set Josh Hamilton free and his low driven cross found Campbell who smashed home with his left foot for his and AFC’s 2nd of the game.

We let St Anne’s back into the game 5 minutes after the restart when they pulled a goal back and 5 minutes after that they were level when the referee awarded them a penalty which gave James Cope no chance in the AFC goal. After that the rest of the game was pretty even with St Anne’s direct, physical approach to the game and AFC’s passing style of play providing a very entertaining game.

The home side got what proved to be the winner with 7 minutes remaining when they were awarded another penalty which was fired into the corner to put Rovers 3-2 up. James Petches almost earned a point for AFC in the last minute after John Edgertons cross found him at the back post but he fired his volley into the side netting. The lads were very disappointed at the end with the result and some of the decisions that didn’t go our way, but if they can maintain the very high standard of football that they set today then the future looks very bright indeed.

Griff Jones

Manager

Under 17

Free date this week

Ron Royston

Manager

Under 7’s

AFC Liverpool 8 Eldonians 1

The mighty reds continued their unbeaten record today with an 8-1 win over Eldonians who had an unbeaten record until today.

The goals were scored by Paul Kyffin 3, two goals from James Broughton, and one each from Finley Riley, Steve Bennet and Ellis McCartney.

Another solid defensive performance, with some great tackles being made by Lleyton Riley, Joe Bennett and Cayden Donovan and great saves from John Hayes. Man of the Match went to Lleyton Riley.

Match next week 9.30 kick-off against The Farmers.

Steve Smith

Manager

Under 14’s Craven Minor League

Wednesday 14^th of September 2011.  Carr Lane, Southport.

Birkdale Utd Blacks 1 v AFC Liverpool 6

Another fine performance saw AFC record their second win in 3 games.  AFC proved that their hard work and effort put in during pre-season is now paying off.

From the beginning of the game the team played with pace and purpose whilst playing some excellent passing football.  Patrick Blair scored his first goal of the season from a long range effort that the keeper failed to handle.  AFC did not settle for their one goal lead and scored another two goals before the break, with excellent finishes from Liam Werth and Ross Bailey.

The half time break did not affect AFC’s focus and the goal scoring continued in the second half with a superb run and finish by David White.

Birkdale attempted to get back in the game but this only left AFC with more space to exploit and they did with further goals from Luke Banks and Danny Dooley.  Birkdale did score a consolation goal towards the end of the game which was frustrating for the defence as they had been exceptional all game, marshalled well by Liam Werth & Ross Bailey.

Paul Nield

Coach

Under 14’s  Walton & Kirkdale league

18th Sept 2011

AFC Liverpool 4 v North Park 3

AFC secured their 2nd win of the season with a hard fought win against a determined North Park team, AFC took the lead when James Ackers rose in the box to head back across goal for Callum Lang to nod in.

AFC were pegged back when the ball rebounded off the post straight to the opposition on the edge of the box and from the resulting shot, squeezed under Mike Taylor on the stroke of half time.

HT 1-1

AFC went behind early in the second half, a test of character was needed. Callum Lang levelled when a speculative shot flew into the top corner of the net from the corner of the box 2-2.

Sean Parle with some good work broke into the box on the left and squared to Callum Lang 3-2.

It was soon 4-2 when Callum Lang then set up Liam Van Gelder to fire home. The game was over when unfortunately in the last minute Adam Handford with a slight tug in the box gave away a penalty which was scored 4-3

Goals-Liam Van Gelder 1, Callum Lang 3

MOM-Callum Lang

Joe Hazard

Manager

Under 15’s

West Kirby Wasps 4 AFC Liverpool 1

16th September 2011 Hoylake 6.00 Kick Off

Away to the “Wasps” and without Sean Creighton at Centre Half, we enlisted Paddy Jones to deputise; it was to be a baptism of fire.

The early play went the way of the hosts, with AFC looking decidedly jaded from a punishing week of school football. The attacking play from Wasps left AFC flat footed on a number of occasions.

But when a header back to goal wasn’t convincing enough, a fierce shot made it 1-0 to the home side. Further sloppy play later on in the first half saw the ball bounce clear of the defence and the Wasps run in to double their lead, which is how it stayed until half time.

In to the second half and AFC started to look a bit brighter with some surging runs which were being thwarted by the large physical presence of the Wasps defence, however, it was the Wasps who were to prosper from more overlapping play that we struggled to contain, resulting in two further goals, to leave us with a mountain to climb at 4-0.

Still, we didn’t give up and when Alexander Northover picked the ball up on the left, just inside the Wasps half, he weaved his way through the midfield and defence, before curling the ball past the keeper, to grab the consolation goal and perhaps earn him the man of the match award.

A disappointment to see our unbeaten run end, although we were up against a well disciplined team.

Howard Northover

Manager

Under 15’s

Stork Youth 6 AFC Liverpool 2

18th September 2011 Ship Canal Ground, 2.30 kick off Eastham

Away to Stork and at their new home, we were still without Shaun Creighton, so Paddy Jones was again on hand. Straight from the kick off, the ball was laid off to Mikey Dodd, who ran from deep at the left mid to round the Stork defence and rifle a shot under their hapless keeper; 1-0 after only a minute.

The game restarted and the ball was threaded through to Alexander Northover who took the same route as Mikey and found the net from the same place and with a left foot shot: 2-0 after two minutes.

The tempo then took a turn for the worse and the interlinking play from Stork was causing problems for the visitors and the home side capitalised by beating our off side trap to make it 2-1.Further lethargy saw the equaliser before half time, but the lead was to be taken by the home side straight from the kick off in the second half.

The midfield was then changed, but AFC still couldn’t deal with the long balls raining down in to the final third, nor break up play in the midfield, such that the hosts were able to extend their lead by four goals without further reply from AFC Liverpool. This culminated in a thoroughly demoralising end to the match that had seen a commanding lead of conviction evaporate and lead to an abject defeat, with our second loss on the road.

Man of the Match went to Connor Branscombe

Howard Northover

Manager

Under 16’s

Hillfoot 3 AFC Liverpool 0

The Under 16’s were beaten 3-0 by Hillfoot at Jericho Lane on Sunday morning. AFC were dealt a blow before the game really got going with two players getting injured in the first 15 minutes. Centre half Chris Lowe and striker James Petches had to be substituted before Hillfoot took the lead.

The goal came from a Hillfoot free kick just outside the penalty area which James Cope tipped onto the post only for an opposition attacker to react first an tap in to make it 1-0. A few minutes’ later things got worse for AFC when Jack Lunt, another centre half had to come off injured.

AFC started the 2nd half with 2 full backs playing centre half and central midfielder Ste Clarke filling in at right back. Even with players playing out of position the boys still had the majority of possession and were still creating chances only to be undone by 2 long clearances that the speedy Hillfoot attacker got on the end of to score 2 goals in the final 10 minutes to make the score 3-0 to Hillfoot.

Griff Jones

Manager

Under 17’s

WEST LANCS 2 AFC LIVERPOOL 7

On a wet and blustery day a ray of sunlight from the lads today with a well fought 7.2 victory .With early goals from Matty Tyrer and Jack Wilding we took control of the game early into the first half on what was a difficult pitch.

With one way traffic a goal was coming when up popped Matty Tyrer for his second and AFC’s third. With goals from Cameron Chambers and Jack Wilding the half finished 5.0 .The second half was much tougher as we looked like we had switched off as west lancs got 2 goals back to make it 5.2 to AFC. However any hopes of a comeback where short lived as Marley Hamilton added number six followed by Cameron chambers with number seven .

Another good result from the lads well done and thanks to Terry and the lads from west lancs for a great game.

P.S The lads looked great in the new kit thanks to Kev for getting ready for today’s game

Ron Royston

Manager

Under 7’s

Another good result today for the lads, with a 4-0 win over Memphis. The goals were scored by Paul Kyffin, Steve Bennett and two goals from Finley Riley. Furthermore it was also a great defensive performance as we kept our first clean sheet of the season, with some great tackles being made by Lleyton Riley and Cayden Donovan and great saves from John Hayes. Man of the Match went to Paul Kyffin.

Match next week 10:45 kick-off against Eldonians

Steve Smith

Manager.

Under 9’s

AFC Liverpool 0 Westpool 4 Venue. Mossley hill .

Date 10/9/11.

AFC u9’s were caught out on the break today, that cost us dearly. Hats off to Beck and Ben each shared the goalie gloves today and did us proud. The score didn’t reflect on the game, we had more possession and more shots on goal. We just got caught out by West Pools number 10, top match and don’t let the defeat get u down.

Man of the match. today went to Alex, well done you ran your socks off and didn’t give up.

(Remember boys it’s a new season and we have had to make a lot of changes due to players leaving, but we will get stronger and better each game) well done to all the team on their first game.

Under 13’s

Knowsley Celtic 0-5 AFC Liverpool

Today we had a tough opening game to start the season and the lads were superb with some great football being played. We got off to a really good start and penned knowsley in their own half for most of the 1st half and went in 2-0 at Half time with 2 good goals from Nathan Carlisle.

Into the 2nd half we carried on playing some great passing as a team and Nathan Carlisle completed his hatrick with another excellent goal. The other 2 goals came from Sam Price with two superbly taken goals to mark a fine debut for our team.

Overall it was a fantastic team performance which gives AFC a great start on retaining the Rainhill & st Helens league. Mom went to Nathan Carlisle who was outstanding today.

Next up is Albright at home next sat 12.30 ko at King George v playing fields Huyton

Joe Wright

Manager

Under 14’s Craven Minor League

Wed 07/09/11 (18:15hrs)

· AFC Liverpool 0 – 2 Birkdale United

· Sandy Lane, Lydiate L31 4DW

A very unfortunate first game loss for AFC to last year’s league winners Birkdale United during yesterday evenings monsoon like weather. The under 14 AFC players dominated the majority of the game and played some excellent football from front to back, with every player looking very comfortable on the ball in every part of the pitch – given the atrocious weather conditions, and with a little more composure in front of goal, the game could have and should have been very much in AFC’s favour.

Birkdale scored via two AFC errors caused by the conditions, leading to a long range effect and another from just inside the penalty box, but Birkdale didn’t have any other attempts on goal of any merit throughout the rest of the match. Ross Bailey was very unfortunate not to score for AFC after latching onto a fine through ball from Ryan Patterson, but saw his shot strike the post in the first half and Josh Wilkinson saw a couple of shots flash just wide. Liverpool had some great play down both wings and produced some crosses of real quality that blazed across the face of goal.

Overall a very disappointing result for the under 14 lads given their effort in controlling the vast amount of possession and producing the number chances throughout the game without reaping the rewards they deserved.

Daniel Blair

Manager

Under 14’s (Walton & Kirkdale)

11th Sept 2011

AFC Liverpool 2 Magna boys 4

Despite going ahead twice, AFC went down 4-2 to Magna, Callum Lang opened the scoring, and Magna levelled when a long punt by their keeper was tucked past Jake Young.

James Ackers put us ahead with a thumping header from a corner, we didn’t seem to be in any danger but conceded two quick goals, and the second one to make it 3-2 was a cruel deflection which looped over Jake Young.

AFC continued to press in the second half, with Callum Lang going close and James Ackers hitting the post, and it was unfortunate that from a free kick for us, that Magna broke to get a 4th.

Goals-Callum Lang 1 James Ackers 1

MOM-James Ackers

Joe Hazard

Manager

Under 14’s (Craven Minor League)

Sunday 11/09/11 (14:00hrs)

· Maghull Youth 0 – 3 AFC Liverpool

· Sandy Lane, Lydiate (L31 4DW)

A great result and performance from the AFC Liverpool under 14’s against a good Maghull Youth side at Sandy Lane, Lydiate, in some very blustery conditions.

AFC started the game under the cosh in the opening stages because of the windy conditions, and saw Maghull hit the post from a long range shot. After this opening salvo, AFC then started to take control of the game and play some flowing football especially down the left, that produced the first goal thanks to Patrick Blair and Matty Davies, with excellent interchange passing and movement throughout the AFC team, backed by tenacious and purposeful play in every position, producing a performance that dominated a very robust opposition.

Goals from Danny Dooley, Matty Davies and Luke Banks finished off some top quality movement that cut through the opposition, this sort of play also fashioned numerous other chances where Dave White, Patrick Blair and Josh Wilkinson were very unlucky not to score thanks to some good saves from the opposition’s keeper.

This attacking fluency was backed by some very determined defending from the likes of Liam Werth, Ross Bailey, James Tyrer and a special mention about Marcus McGinn and Joe Mitchell who showed great versatility by playing in unaccustomed positions, showing confidence and quality that helped us score three and keep a clean sheet.

Overall a very good result and performance from the AFC Liverpool under 14’s lads, who reaped the rewards given their effort and thoroughly deserved the win and three points.

Daniel Blair

Manager

Under 15’s

AFC Liverpool 1 Ellesmere Port 1

Plymyard 3 Bridle Road Bromborough 9th September 2011 6.00 ko

Even with home advantage, our second game of the season against last year’s A League runner’s up was never going to be an easy fixture, so AFC weren’t surprised to encounter some fierce opposition.

The starting line up was the same as that for the previous match, with our favoured 4-4-2 formation. Ben Jaffrate was again in fine form, spraying intelligent passes from midfield for our centre forwards to run on to, so the earliest chances fell to the home side.

However, Ellesmere’s right back used his electrifying pace to counter the threat from Alexander Northover. Some fine overlapping play from Ben Dunn on the right resulted in some efforts on goal, but the physical presence of Ellesmere held firm. Quick on the counter, the visitors were also able to recover with nicely linked counter attacks, which did trouble our midfield, although the resulting long range shots rarely tested Jimmy Rainford, as the defence held their own.

Realising that Jimmy was more than a match for the howitzer efforts on goal, a nicely weighted Ellesmere ball found their centre forward unmarked at the far post, but with Jimmy wrong footed and the goal at his mercy, the shot was spooned way over the open goal. Mindful of this lucky escape and just shortly before half time, a through ball from midfield found Alexander Northover in space on the left, but his shot was pushed wide by the opposing keeper and bobbled agonisingly along the front of the open goal.

Half time arrived goalless and with the introduction of the tireless Aaron Cross to midfield, AFC set about looking for the opener, but it wasn’t to be as, with only five minutes on the board of the second half, Ellesmere Port beat the offside trap superbly with a great ball that found their centre forward deep in AFC’s half. He latched on to it, headed straight for the goal and, with only Jimmy to beat, but with our pursuing defence fearful of bringing him down for an inevitable red card, sent a chipped shot just over the despairing lone figure of Jimmy and under the bar…1-0

Hardly had the high fives subsided when a further effort from AFC was put behind by Ellesmere Port. Ben Jafrate stepped up to take the resulting corner and sent a wonderfully flighted ball in to the six yard box, which was met magnificently by Connor Branscombe who almost flew in to the area to fire a bulleted header past the helpless keeper, who hardly had time to react.

It is no exaggeration to say that it was a truly exceptional headed goal; so much so, that it was applauded by both the home and away fans and couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment…1-1.

Both teams now realised that the game was back on and tried to push for the winner, Callum Morrison fell victim to a stern challenge and had to leave the field of play. Once again, our versatile utility man: Aaron Cross moved up front for AFC and helped to press for the elusive winner. As the tempo of the game increased other changes in defence were made, which saw fine displays from Paddy Jones coming on as substitute. However, with further sterling performances from both defences, it ended honours even, and AFC Liverpool claiming a well earned point from the title contenders, which pushed AFC to the top of the league.

Howard Northover

Manager

Under 16’s

AFC Liverpool 3 Croxteth Park 3

The under 16s started their season with a 3-3 draw Against Croxteth Park at Jericho Lane on Sunday morning.

AFC started the game really brightly and had two excellent chances in the first 5 minutes. Firstly John Edgerton rounded the keeper only to see his shot come back off the post and was scrambled to safety, then Rhys Jones went passed 3 players before squaring the ball to Ben Dillon, but his shot flew just inches wide of the goal.

But it was Croxteth Park who took the lead on 15 minutes when their centre forward bent a brilliant free-kick into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out. The goal seemed to dent our boys confidence as we stopped playing the football we usually do and 5 minutes later Croxteth doubled their lead as a long ball over the top caught our defence flat footed as their forward ran onto it to make it 2-0.

AFC got back into the game when Ray Maxwell put in a magnificent cross from the left hand side and Rhys Jones got ahead of his marker and volleyed in from 10 yards. The goal really gave the lads a lift and it wasn’t long before we were level, another cross in from Maxwell seen Adam Campbell challenge with the keeper and the ball dropped to Jones on the edge of the area for him to lob it over a ruck of players for his 2nd of the game.

2 minutes later we took the lead when Campbell played a through ball for Edgerton to round the keeper again but this time the winger put it into the net to put us 3-2 up going into half time. Half time came at the wrong time for us as we’d just started dominating the game and scored 3 goals in 10 minutes.

As the 2nd half started the wind coming in from the Mersey seemed to really pick up speed and cause our boys some problems, as the opposition used the wind to full effect most notably when they took a free kick from the half way line which nearly went straight in, only for James Cope to tip the ball onto the cross bar and over for a corner.

We still managed to create chances in the 2nd half but it was Croxteth that scored the only goal of the half when another long ball into our penalty area caused us problems and it was scrambled into the net to make it 3-3.

Griff Jones

Manager

Under 15

Ashville 1 AFC Liverpool 3 – Valley Road, Bidston – 11th September
2011 2.30

Buoyed up by their victory on the Friday and grateful for all players reporting that they were fit to play, particularly Callum Morrison, who had limped off at home on Friday, AFC arrived on a blustery day for their first away trip of the season, to recently promoted Ashville at their new home pitch at Valley Road.

The fine surface was eminently suited to the flowing AFC style of football, so it came as no surprise to the visiting fans that a fine ball from Dion George on the left, found Callum Morrison just outside the area. Still with a lot to do, the tricky Morrison lost both of his markers before coolly rifling the ball under the goalkeeper…1-0 after only four minutes. The home team were shaken by the early goal and were testing AFC in the next five minutes, with some fairly robust challenges, before a lively run from Ben Dunn, cutting in from the right wing saw his shot hit the bar. The rebound wasn’t cleared at all and the vigilant Callum Morrison made no mistake from 3 yards out to head convincingly past the stranded ‘keeper; 20 minutes gone and it was 2-0 to AFC Liverpool.

The midfield engine of Aaron Cross and Thomas Breslin worked tirelessly for the rest of the half, which saw Alexander Northover, hit the post twice, as well some other efforts from Dion George going wide. A particularly strong challenge on the stalwart Shaun Creighton at centre half left the manager with no choice but to substitute him.

Paddy Jones came on in the centre of defence, to help Connor Branscomb continue to deal with the physical presence of the Ashville attacks, which saw a fierce dipping shot tipped magnificently over the bar by the commanding Jimmy Rainford, to maintain the lead.

Time and again the Ashville attack tried to penetrate the AFC area, only to see Lewis Galer at right back or, Man of the Match, Sam Casey at left, calmly break down the threat and start counter movements, which caused all sorts of problems for the Ashville back four. However, the referee was to blow for half time, with the AFC lead remaining at 2-0.

In to the second half and the midfield invention of Ben Jafrate, on in place of Aaron Cross, was once again evident, when after 22 minutes a looping ball from him was chested down by Alexander Northover and threaded through to Callum Morrison, who, in search of his hat trick, was going through on goal, only to be simultaneously challenged by an Ashville defender and their ‘keeper.

The first effort struck the keeper, but eluded his grasp; however, the endeavours of the industrious Morrison were to be rewarded when, with his back to the keeper and the goal, he was able to flick the loose ball in to the back of the net for an imperious third goal…3-0

With the match ball safely claimed by Callum Morrison and having given a fine example to our hosts of the goal poachers art, he was to be replaced by Liam Hall in midfield, as we opted for a lone striker and five in midfield to defend our sizeable advantage against an increasingly frustrated Ashville.

With the visitors now in a commanding lead, they literally took their eye off the ball, with only eight minutes remaining which allowed a rocket of a shot from distance to catch Jimmy Rainford unaware, as it carved clean thorough our defence…3-1.With Aaron Cross back on for Thomas Breslin, who had run himself ragged in the centre of the park, we saw our lead preserved at 3-1 to come out as worthy winners and retain the top slot:

AFC Liverpool 3 Ashville 1

Howard Northover

Manager

Back in May this year, a group of lucky AFC Liverpool men who had attended the LFC action 4 Health courses to make lifestyle changes got a chance to live their life long dream to play at Anfield. Part of that day the lads were proud to raise awareness for the Blue September Campaign, as you can see in the photograph all the lads had blue painted on their faces taken in front of the kop.

In recent weeks John Bishop, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have also backed this crucial campaign to raise cancer awareness in men.

Blue September is about men facing up to cancer

154,000 men a year are diagnosed with cancer in the UK and 81,000 men a year die. Men in the UK are about 60% more likely to develop one of the cancers that affects both men and women, such as lung or bowel cancer.  Men are also about 70% more likely to die from one of these cancers.

But many male cancer deaths can be prevented through healthy lifestyle decisions and early detection.

Blue September is a campaign created to get the message out about cancer in men. It aims to raise awareness among UK men and women about all the cancers that can affect men.
It urges men to take preventative action by improving their lifestyle choices and to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have a worrying symptom.

The campaign is also about encouraging people to make a donation to support the Men’s Health Forum’s charitable work to raise men’s awareness of cancer and other important men’s health issues.

Gary Beggs Business development officer of AFC Liverpool told us ” This is a very important campaign that we at AFC Liverpool are proud to support. We want all men to be cancer aware and not to be afraid to visit the GP.

As in all cancers, if it is caught early, the chances of survival are dramatically increased. The reason for the high death rates in men is down to the fact that men are afraid to visit the GP, or try to be brave and ignore the signs thinking it is nothing and will go away. Our Free Mens Health courses with the LFC Action 4 health team work on improving health, but also educating the men about health issues most importantly including cancer awareness. Not only are the men aware of their own symptoms, they can also act as signposts for other family members which is vital!

We want to educate as many men as possible throughout the city to dramatically reduce death rates and with all the advances in technology lets hope we can totally beat cancer in the very near future.

Below is a picture of our recent health course group showing their support for the Blue September Campaign all receiving football shirts for completing the drop a shirt size campaign

To find out more about the Blue September campiagn please visit the official website

http://www.blueseptember.org.uk/

The LFC Action for Health Men’s Health programme is funded by the Premier League, Football Pools and Liverpool PCT.

Recently, Daniel offered his services to us at the Brazilica Festival held in Liverpool. He took part in the Soccerzone, where he treated the crowd to an exhibition of skills, as well as judging the open freestyle competition.

The soccerzone was a huge success, and as a result, we have been invited back next year to host it again.

Daniel has worked with companies such as Adidas, Sky Sports, SONY, BBC and Carlsberg and is available for corporate performances, football presentations, festivals, parties etc.

Check out www.danielcutting.com for more details.

You can also become a fan of DC Freestyle on Facebook or follow daniel @dcfreestyle on twitter.

Everyone at AFC Liverpool would like to say thanks to Daniel for offering us his services.

Youth Development Officer Paul Young told us “As part of the clubs plan to provide a professionally ran genuine grass-roots football club that always puts the fans first, we have decided to intensifying our youth development strategy. We hope to provide a genuine route for young player’s to progress through into our own first team and also give opportunities into League Academy’s and Centres of Excellence.

Match Reports 4/09/11

Under 7’s

Great result today. Brilliant performance by all. They were up for it from the start, but against all odds went down 1-0, after that it was all one way with the forwards taking the game to Quarry Green, Charlie Holgate firing in a first half hat-trick then Paul Kyffin getting his hat-trick, the midfield took charge and giving the subs a run out, Finlay Riley scored a brilliant 5 goals, two free kicks from 20 yards and Steve Bennett scoring his goal with a good run through the defence. Roll on next week !

Final score:

AFC Liverpool U7’s  12-1 Quarry Green.

Man of the Match, Charlie Holgate.

Report: Steve Smith -Manager

Under 13

AFC Liverpool 6 v 0 Copperas Hill

The lads played some really good football today, with some great passing between the players. Copperas Hill started the game well, and closed down our players quickly, and tried not to give us time on the ball.
Our first goal came from a corner which was headed in by Joe Wright, the 2nd came a couple of minutes later after some good passing.

Joe Wright again ran through on goal and slotted past the keeper.

Half Time: 2-0 .

The 2nd half was a very good performance from our team. The 3rd goal came from a well worked corner from Sean McVeigh, which ended up in jacko scoring a long range shot. The 4th goal came from a free kick which the Copperas Hill goalkeeper tipped onto the post and Callum Wright tapped home from 2 yards out.
The 5th goal came from some great passing again which was finished off into the bottom corner from Nial Walsh.
The final goal came from Connor Swain who rounded the keeper to score a good individual goal.
I was really pleased with the team’s performance today, and I’m really looking forward to next week’s games.

Well played lads, let’s keep it up

Joe Wright

Manager

Under 14 Walton & Kirkdale League

AFC Liverpool 4 v Kenbury Boys 1

With a full squad to choose from, AFC raced into a 3-0 half time lead with Liam Van Gelder (2) and Callum Lang scoring their 1st goals of the season. Kenbury pulled 1 back just after the restart when unfortunately from a corner the ball drifted into the top corner of the goal.

AFC piled on the pressure and were rewarded when Callum Lang broke free to add a 4th.

A confident start to the season.

Goals-Liam Van Gelder 2, Callum Lang 2

Man of the Match: Connah Scott

Joe Hazard – Manager

Under 15

AFC Liverpool 4 – Ridgewood Rangers 3

Home Plymyard 3 Pitch,

Bridle Road,

Bromborough

The first game of the season saw the Under 15s at home to the team that had put them out of the second round of the cup convincingly last season, and also lured away one of our more versatile players. The pitch had benefited from the rest, which added to the fine weather for what promised to be a great fixture – spectators weren’t to be disappointed in a fiercely contested opener.

The earliest opportunity fell to the home side on 5 minutes, after the first of many physical challenges, that were to set the tone of the match and a free kick was awarded some 35 yards out. The ensuing free kick was looped perfectly in to the box by our right back, Lewis Galer, finding Ben Dunn beautifully at the left post, who controlled it, before rifling a shot under a helpless Ridgewood keeper: 1 – 0 to AFC Liverpool.

Startled by the ease of the first set piece to be conceded, the visitors upped their game, but were to be thwarted again by more tricky play from the Reds, when Alexander Northover latched on to a through ball from Thomas Breslin and surged down the left hand side, before running on to their keeper and nutmegging him to double the score. Again the visitors pushed for their equaliser, with a succession of long range shots that barely troubled our goal, but the home team continued to press with some fine passing and Ben Jafrate bossing the midfield, with some great overlapping play.

Ultimately, this led to Callum Morrison in space, whose shot was blocked; the return was then teed up by Callum for Alexander, who made it 3-0 with a 20 yard left foot drive that nestled in the bottom left hand corner. By this time, Ridgewood were starting to become even more physical and when a loose ball wasn’t cleared, the visitors capitalised with a close range effort from inside the six yard box, to make it 3-1, which is how it stayed until half time.

Second half, and the visitors piled on further pressure with a series of long range shots and an increasing dominance in midfield, before Alexander Northover made another run in to the penalty area, the resulting tackle nearly up-ended him, but he stayed on his feet to leave the ball for the onrushing Ben Dunn who was clear through on goal before being brought down in the area. Ben stood up to take the resulting penalty which was almost saved by the Ridgewood keeper, who was only defeated by the power and accuracy of the ball, to his right hand side: 4-1.

After that, the visitors pressed at every opportunity, which eventually saw them pick up the ball by our corner flag. Their number 7 (and man of the match) then made a fine individual run to score and make it 4-2.Their pressure continued and eventually saw a third goal from the visitors, when they scored from a player who moved from a questionable offside position; the referee waved away our protests: 4-3.The game swung one way then the other, with our keeper, Jimmy Rainford  heroically keeping our lead intact, plus a spirited performance from  Connor Branscombe at centre half, despite an earlier injury, returning to the field. Although we had a few opportunities to really wrap things up late on, the game finished 4-3, after 5 minutes of extra time and AFC Liverpool claiming the opening first three points in a nail biting finish. A promising start from a great team effort in the top flight with a true baptism of fire.

Howard Northover

Manager

Under 16

AFC Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley 0

The Under 16s finished their preparations for the new season with an impressive 1-0 win against Accrington Stanley’s Under 16 Centre of Excellence team.

AFC who were without 6 players due to family holidays and injuries, started the game the livelier of the two teams with Josh Cotton and Leighton Kearns dominating the centre of midfield.

There were no clear cut chances created in the first 20 minutes although AFC had Accrington scrambling to clear the ball from the numerous short corner routines from Rhys Jones, John Edgerton and Josh Hamilton.

Rhys Jones scored what proved to be the winner after 25 minutes with a cool finish after a great team move. A clearance out of the AFC defence went forward to Adam Campbell who played the ball into Edgertons path with a great first time ball, Edgerton then took the ball past the full back before cutting the ball back for Jones to fire into the corner of the net.

Stanley didn’t create much during the first half as the centre half pairing of Ryan Davies and Chris Lowe were in fine form heading and clearing everything that came their way. Accrington had a bit more possession during the 2nd half than they did in the first, but it was AFC that had the better chances. The best chance of the half came when Andy O’Hare played a through ball for Rhys Jones to race clear of the defence and chip the on rushing keeper from 20 yards, only for the ball to land just wide of the post. During the last 15 minutes Stanley put pressure on the AFC goal, but the lads still tried to play their way out rather than just hoofing the ball away, with full backs Ray Maxwell and Joe Brooks both attacking and defending superbly. Goalkeeper James Cope, a recent signing for AFC from Accrington, showed good handling and was quick off his line throughout the game will no doubt be delighted to have kept a clean sheet against his former team.

The Accrington coaching staff said after the game they were very impressed with the attitude and style with which our boys played, and offered 3 of the players trials with the League 2 club.

Griff Jones

Manager

Although this is not the first time the website has reached a total such as this, it shows a steady increase in the amount of traffic we attract, particularly over the last 12 months.

The actual figures for August are as follows:

The website has seen quite a few changes over the last 12 months, with the implementation of the new Members Only .tv channel, a new Youth section and Links to fans sites across the world.
As a result of this, we have had visitors from countries such as: United States of America, Norway, Australia, Italy, India, China, Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Ireland, Indonesia and Malaysia to name but a few.

Many people recognise the LFC Action for Health project for its vast community health check schemes and large scale health events, but we also offer FREE health programmes to:

(1) Anyone over the age of 50 years (Called Half Time Score 1)

(2) Men aged 18 to 35 Years (Called Half Time Score 2)

Funded through the Premier League, the Mens’ Health Course is aimed at reaching men aged between 18 and 35 years. The innovative approach allows participants to enjoy a laid back but informative method of learning about their health.

If you are interested in attending, please contact GARY BEGGS at businessdevelopment@afcliverpool.org.uk