AFC Liverpool » Reserves

AFC Liverpool Res v Atherton LR Res – Match Report

karlos — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:06:50 +0000

After two challenging away fixtures to open the season, it was good to get to play at home, at the Reserve team HQ, Formby FC. The Chairman and Staff at Formby FC should be commended for the work that has been done to improve the stadium, since the end of last season. The pitch, in particular, is looking in a first class condition and our players were relishing the opportunity to go out and play on it.

This weeks team sheet, showed three changes to the one that started at Colne. Dean Jones and Danny Lyons returned to the starting line up, Brodie Kearns stepped off the subs bench, for his first full start. Jon Daly and John Higham were included in the squad for the first time this season.

The game started as brightly, as both teams probed and pressed, trying to find an early advantage. However, it was AFC Liverpool who were quickest into their stride. In the first quarter of the half, we constructed several moves, which involved a series of intricate passes to release both Giwa and Opare to run free into our opponents area. On each occasion they were foiled by some fine saves from Pearson, the Atherton keeper.

On 23 mins we got the goal our early work deserved. An early ball by Judge, released Opare away down the right, his pace took him away from the Atherton left back, and a quality cross fell invitingly to Lanre Giwa, for him to lash into the net, before the keeper could reach it.

The goal increased our ever growing confidence and all the AFC players looked like they wanted to put on a show for the supporters who’d kindly come over to watch the match, in glorious sunshine. As the game went on we were finding more space out wide and Kearns in particular, was starting to cause the Atherton defence problems. Despite this though, the Atherton players had other ideas and to their credit they continued to press for an equalizer. Our defence held firm and it was a great interception by Murphy, that led to our 2nd goal on 43 min’s. Conor Murphy took the ball from the Atherton striker, Smith, and made a simple pass to Kev McEllin. His first pass into Giwa rebounded back, but McEllin’s awareness spotted a good forward run by his midfield partner Wes Farrington. He run into the box, drew the keeper and slipped the ball into the net, for his first goal for the Club

HT AFC Liverpool Res 2 Atherton LR Res 0

The 2nd half began, as we finished the 1st. The range of passing, movement and general build up play was excellent at times. Once again the Atherton keeper denied our players the chance to increase the lead, on several occasions.

On the hour mark though, our pressure told. Charlie Opare, made it 3-0 as he scored, right in front of goal, after a great run by Kearns. After this goal we saw the introduction of John Higham to the action, giving him his debut for the Club. On 66 mins, Brodie Kearns then made it 4-0, another determined run and shot, gave Kearns a thoroughly deserved goal. Charlie Opare quickly added a 5th goal, his second of the day, with an opportunist strike on 70 mins. At this point Orme and Daly came on to freshen up the team. Conditions were extremely hot and the effort the players had put in, must have left them feeling drained.

On 73 mins, Atherton LR grabbed a consolation goal. The lively striker, Matt Smith, broke free and cooly converted, after a well timed run.

AFC Liverpool were not finished, or should that be Brodie Kearns wasn’t. On 90 mins, the young man scored the goal of the game. With the match drawing to a conclusion, he picked the ball up just inside his own half and started on a run which took him past 4 Atherton players, twisting and turning left and right, he surged into the box, went around the advancing keeper and passed the ball into the goal. Despite the best efforts of one of the defenders, he couldn’t prevent the ball crossing the line. For those of you old enough to remember, imagine the Maradona goal against England at the 1986 World Cup , the one after, the “Hand of God”, it was as special as that. That goal was enough to give the Reserves, their biggest winning margin to date.

FT AFC Liverpool Res 6 (Giwa, Farrington, Opare 2, Kearns 2) Atherton LR Res 1

After the game, John Moran AFC Liverpool Reserve Manager said ” Full credit to Chris and the Atherton Players, their morning started badly, but despite that, they’ve come over and give it a real go, trying to play the game in the right manner”. Moran went on ” I’d also like to thank John Leech, today’s Referee for the way he handled the game today. In my opinion, he’s one of the best around, a real Football Character, I wish their were a few more like him on the circuit”. The Reserve Manager went on to add ” I’ve been delighted with the start the players have made to the season, but its only 3 games in and even tougher tests will emerge. As long as this group continue to work hard in training and more importantly, work hard for one another on match days, they’ll get their rewards. Today, we’ve converted our chances, something we’d failed to do in the previous games. I feel the main difference this year, from last, is that we have a strong squad of players with competition for places in all departments. Every player who gets a starting place, now has to perform, because good players are being left out!

Team, S Connolly, D Jones, J Smith, D Lyons (c), C Murphy, K McEllin (J Higham 65 mins), G Judge (J Daly 70mins), W Farrington, L Giwa, C Opare (I Orme 70 mins), B Kearns,

Sub unused S Mass (gk)

Opponents nominated, Man of the Match, Brodie Kearns

Colne Reserves v AFC Liverpool Reserves

karlos — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:50:47 +0000

On Saturday, the Reserves took one of their longest away trips of the season, to the Holt House Stadium, home of Colne FC. We arrived at the tidy, compact ground, placed deep in the picturesque setting of the Pendle Hills, full of confidence after last weeks result and performance. As with so many of the grounds in this part of East Lancashire, away teams are met with and have to quickly adapt to the obligatory slope, that accompanies pitches in the area.

Injuries and other commitments, forced 3 changes to last weeks starting line up. Dean Connolly continued at Centre half, after coming on a 2nd half substitute last week. Matt Williams and James Smith were also brought into the starting XI.

As with last week, the game started at a fast and frenetic pace. With the sides opting for different style of play, this led to an entertaining, fully committed opening to the game. Our challenge became harder as the first period progressed, not only were we kicking up hill, but the “Pendle Hills” unleashed a wind and rain storm, which meant for most of the time we struggled to get out of our own half. On one occasion, one of our defender’s clearance blew back over his head, in to the box, only to be safely collected by our keeper. It was a credit to our defence that they tried to keep playing football in such difficult and trying conditions. Inevitably though, under such pressure, we conceded a goal on the half hour mark, a smart finish by the Colne striker, after a fine piece of skill by the Colne Man of the Match, Tugay.

Going a goal behind seemed to harden our players resolve still further. A deft turn and pass by Matt Williams on 35 mins, released Ian Orme and the speedy striker broke away towards goal. Just as he was about to shoot, he was bundled over just outside the box, by the recovering defender. In the Refs opinion, despite the fact he was in on goal, we were not denied a goal scoring opportunity. He only awarded us a free kick, just out side the box. Matt Williams duly stepped up and curled a glorious right foot shot, around the 4 man wall, into the top right hand corner. To the surprise of our players and spectators the “goal” was ruled out, because an indirect free kick had been given. Several spectators commented the “indirect” signal had been given, only after the ball had hit the net !

Half time Colne Reserves 1 AFC Liverpool Reserves 0

The expression “ A game of two half’s” could have been devised for this game. Kicking with the wind at our back and down hill, we controlled the game for larger segments of the half. Despite this, we still had to guard against Colne’s effective, “Peter Crouch” style centre forward, who continued to press, as they tried to force the ball forward.

As the half progressed, the work we’d done in pre-season started to have an impact on the game and only some strong defensive play by Colne denied us, what would have been a deserved equalizer.

On 70 minutes, Brad Gregson came on for his second appearance for the Club, this meant we opted for a 4-3-3 formation. The effect of the extra striker and extra space for our midfield three, immediately had the desired impact on the game. Even more crosses and shots were fired in at the Colne goal and their keeper produced a number of quality saves to once again deny us a goal.

However, on 80 minutes we got the goal our play had deserved and what a goal it was ! Matt Williams received a square from Kevin McEllin about 40 yards out from goal, he tricked two Colne players with a drop of his shoulder, took the ball another two steps forward and unleashed an unstoppable left foot shot from 25 yards out, a great strike.

Brodie Kearns, was introduced immediately after the goal, making his debut for AFC Liverpool Reserves and was quickly in the action. Corner after corner, crosses and shots were fired in at the Colne goal as we tried to find a winner, but Colne held firm and in the end we had to settle for a draw.

After the game, John Moran, AFC Liverpool’s Reserve team manager said ” I would like to thank the Officials from Colne for their complimentary comments on how our young players approach the game and the style in which they get the ball down, pass and play. I would also like to thank the Staff at Colne for the help and hospitality during our visit, we look forward to seeing them again, later in the season”

Colne FC Reserves 1 AFC Liverpool 1 (Matt Williams)

Team:- S Connolly, G Judge, J Smith, D Connolly, C Murphy, C Opare, M Williams (capt), K McEllin, W Farrington (B Gregson 70 mins), L Giwa, I Orme (B Kearns 82 mins)

Subs unused C Hawes, S Mass (gk)

Opponents nominated, Man of the Match, Conor Murphy

Three Reserve Players selected to represent LCFA

admin — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:24:13 +0000

Three players from AFC Liverpool reserves have been selected to represent the Liverpool county FA today against Durham county FA.

Goal keeper Sam Mass and midfielders Matty Cushion and River Humphreys where selected for todays game in Hetton Le Hole.

This is a great honour for AFC Liverpool in our first season and goes to prove that we have a good reserve set up with a number of players who in the next season or 2 will make the step up to the first team.

Sam has played for the first team when he came on for the injured Terry Mc against Padiham.
Matty Cushion is the younger brother of the first team’s Craig and River Humphreys is a midfield battler who has more than enough footballing skill.

Credit also must go to Derek, John Moran – reserves manager, and the rest of the coaching staff for the great job they are doing with the lads.

The future of AFC Liverpool is in fine hands.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Reserves: AFC Liverpool 5 Cheadle 1

karlos — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:16:47 +0000

AFC Liverpool Reserves beat Cheadle Town Reserves 5-1 today, despite two regulars, Kangana and Olsen, travelling with the first team.

The back four did their job very well, captained by Philip Ojapah. Ryan Wignall, back from suspension today, showed why he is normally in the first team, with an outstanding display down the wing.

The Reds managed to outplay their opponents. Matty Cushion was in fine form scoring twice and showing some fine showboating skills. Wignall, Ormesher, and Opare were the other goalscorers.

A special mention is deserved too for young keeper Sam Mass in the Liverpool goal, who was outstanding. He made some very good saves but in particular, he made a breathtaking save, tipping it over the bar with astonishing agility.

Lineup: Mass, P.Ojapah (c), C.K. Rimmer, Connolly, Jones, D.Ojapah, Wignall, M. Cushion, C. Rimmer, Opare, Ormesher.

Reserves Report: AFC Fylde 0 AFC Liverpool 1

karlos — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:23:37 +0000

AFC Liverpool reserves travelled to AFC Fylde in Blackpool at the weekend with recent signing King captaining the Reds in defence.

AFC Liverpool pushed in the first 20 minutes for a goal yet the best chance came from great build up play by AFC Liverpool to see Michael Johnson’s backheel saved by the Flyde Goalkeeper.

Brilliant play by David Ojapah opened a chance for Charlie Opare whose delicate chip beat the keeper but went narrowly over the bar.

AFC Liverpool were caught in defense and Fylde’s striker went round Dave Cater in goal but missed thanks to late recovering pressure from the Reds defence.

Opare again came close to a goal but his effort was just tipped away.

The Reds back four played particularly well, with the Fylde forward line well marshalled by King and Philip Ojapah.

Half Time: AFC Fylde 0 AFC Liverpool 0

AFC Liverpool started the second half strongly with quick chances coming from the wide men, but were caught on the counter and only an amazing Carragher-like tackle from young Philip Ojapah rescued the situation.

The Reds then took control of the game with shots from Matt Cushion and David Ojapah.

Fylde tried to come back into the game but found themselves closed down by full backs Jones and Connolly. King’s presence in the air kept the home side’s strikers at bay, while Cater made an amazing save to keep the scores level.

Yet the Reds were rewarded with a power shot along the ground from David Ojapah which found the back of the net for a confidence boosting vitory.

Final Score AFC Fylde 0 AFC Liverpool 1

Full line up: Cator, King (capt), P. Ojapah, Connolly, Jones, Humphries, Cushion, Johnson, D. Ojapah, Olson, Opare.

Reserves Away Match Postponed

karlos — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:13:06 +0000

For fans of the reserves team, the reserve team’s away game against New Mills this Saturday has been postponed.

We would advise those who were planning to go and support the reserves to come and support the first team instead at Valerie Park in a key game at home to high flying Oldham Town.

Ashton Town Reserves v AFC Liverpool Reserves

admin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:27:02 +0000

Ashton Town Reserves (1) - AFC Liverpool Reserves (3)

On a windswept Ashton Athletic pitch next to the M6, AFC Liverpool reserves took to the field against Ashton Town reserves.
AFCL went on the attack from the off and pinned Ashton Town back in to their own half.
Constant attacking paid off after 8 mins when Jonathon Bathurst put the ball in the net to give AFCL a deserved lead.
The reserves where in total control of the game and created about 6 good goal scoring chances. Bathurst could have scored 5 or 6 in the first half alone. Ashton hardly passed the half way line and when they did, the back 4 worked well as a unit to deny them any joy with some tough defending. Right back Dean Jones didnt let anything past him at all with some fiesty defending.
Centre half’s Phil Ojapah and captain Mark Gregory won everything that came their way, and left back Dean Connolly at left back managed to keep the winger quiet, while starting several attacks.

The one time Ashton managed to get in to the box they where thwarted by a fantastic save by keeper Dave Cator who tipped a goalbound header over the bar. The half time score of Ashton Town 0 AFC Liverpool 1 wasnt a fair reflection of the game. A score of 0-6 would have been.

The Ashton lads must have had the hairdryer treatment off their manager, as they came out for the 2nd half and looked more determined to get back in to the game.
They created more and put the back 4 under a lot more pressure. The reds held firm and got back in to the game and started to play football and create more chances.
The skilfull Matthew Cushion got a grip in the middle helped by the tough tackling Chris Rimmer and the flying wingers Mark Ashurst and Andy Olsen.

AFCL increased their lead after 59 mins when a ball from Cushion between the defenders was put away by Jon Bathurst to score his 2nd of the day.
Subs Chris Hawes and Lee Baker where brought on to replace Ashurst and Olsen.
Ashton managed to pull one back when a fierce shot was parried out by Cator and the forward managed to slot home the rebound. For 10 mins after, AFCL where put under some pressure as Ashton had their best spell inthe game by far. Some tough tackling by the back 4 kept Ashton at bay and we managed to restore the 2 goal lead as Chris Hawes scored to make the score 3-1.
David Ojapah and Jon Bathurst made the back 4 work hard all game long and didnt give them a minutes peace.

John Moran and his assistant Chris Myers have got a good young side who play good football where it should be played – on the floor and to feet. Chris’s warm up a gentle 40 mins that would make boxers cringe.

A great performance that saw the best of everything from the lads. Total control in the first half and some good defending and fighting spirit in the 2nd.

The next game for the reserves at Bootle Tuesday 26th aug (TBC). If you you can make it along to support the lads then you should. you will see some good football.

Team

1 Dave Cator
2 Dean Jones
3 Dean Connolly
4 Phil Ojapah
5 Mark Gregory Captain
6 Chris Rimmer
7 Mark Ashurst (Baker 80 mins)
8 Matthew Cushion
9 Jon Bathurst
10 David Ojapah
11 Andy Olsen (Hawes 75mins)

Scorers
Bathurst 8
Bathurst 59
Hawes 84

Subs
Lee Baker
Chris Hawes
GK Sam Mass unused.

Many thanks to Tommy Cook for Match Report