FC United had the first chance of the game when the impressive number 7 shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

Moments later AFC had their first positive attack and scored another great team goal when Joe Evans and Dean Williamson combined well and released Jordan Gerrard who finish with vengeance from 10 yards out.

Afc continued to win the personal battles on the pitch with Billy Sutton causing the FC back 4 problems with his powerful and direct approach, and it was a foul on him just inside the FC half that brought about AFC’s second.

Kieron Long put a quality ball in to the area and Gerrard again rose highest to bullet a header in to the top corner.

Half time FC 0 AFC 2

The AFC manager stressed the importance of the next goal in the half time team talk, and it was his AFC side who answered him in the best possible way when Gerrard capitalized on a poor defensive clearance and coolly lobbed the keeper from 30 yards out.

FC now started to play some good stuff and created a good opportunity but AFC keeper Chris Brinksman was up to the task and neatly tipped a curling shot round the post. But there was nothing he could do when FCUM finally scored after good pressure.

The number 7 slipped a great ball into the striker who finished well from a tight angle, much to the delight of a voicerous home line.

The referee now seemed to take centre stage with some curious decisions booking several players and sending the FCUM left back off for what looked like trying to return to the field of play after going off for treatment!!

AFC finally put the game to bed in emphatic stlye when Williamson seized on a poor pass and finished well past the keepers left. As the final whistle blew the referee sent another FC player off for dissent in a game that never warranted so many cautions as it was played in good spirits and the welcome the AFC players and staff received was top class.

So it is AFC who progress into the next round after another 4-1 win.

Ian Porter (AFC manager) gave his man of the match to hat trick hero Jordan Gerrard who scored the perfect hat trick (Right foot, Left foot and a header) although the defence played well together with
Conor Murphy in particular impressing.

So its to Altrincham Youth next week who should provide a big test for the lads as they
finished runners up last season narrowly missing out in the league by a single point.

Final Score: FC United of Manchester 1 AFC Liverpool 4

Report by AFC Liverpool fan Vinster.

The under 18’s recently competed in the umbro tournament featuring teams from over 50 countries and got to the final.

On the wednesday AFC Liverpool played Flixton youth and drew 2.2, In a game they dominated and should have won by a clear margin, The AFC goalscorer’s being Joe Evans with a thunderous left foot shot and Dean Williamson with a trademark free kick.

On Wednesday afternoon AFC played Wilmlslow Juniors and beat them 2.1 in a score line which flattered the opposition. Dean Williamson scored again and Matt Mcdermott grabbing the first and leaving AFC top of their group at the end of the day.

On Thursday AFC only had one game which they drew 0.0 against grapes new chapel from London in a game were they created enough chances to win 10 games leaving them needing to win their final group game to ensure qualification.

Friday AFC faced Sale united and beat them 16 .0 Billy Sutton grabbing 5 goals,Matt Mcdermott 4, Jordan Gerrard 1, Lloyd Molyneux 2, Anthony Mcdowell 1, Joe Evans 2, and Dean williamson 1

In the Semi Final AFC played River State from Nigeria and beat them 4.1 with goals from Matt Mcdermott 2, Billy Sutton 1, and Dean williamson scoring again in a good game of football and the lad’s will have gained good experience from playing against foreign opposition.

AFC looked tired and were left with a thin squad for the last day and were beaten 2.0, but overall the AFC youngsters can be pleased with their contribution to this prestigious tournament with teams from over 50 countries competing in it.
Manager Ian porter Said he “Was pleased with the lads attitude over 4 days of football, i thought they would tire at the end of the tournament, for the day of the final we met at 7.30am at the Jolly Miller and the final seemed a game too far for us, but we cant complain because we had a good few days together and the spirit amongst the lads is first class.

It was a decent game, with both teams getting the ball down and playing football.

This was AFC Liverpool U18s first game of the pre season and Macclesfield’s second.

Ian will be pleased with what he saw from his squad on the night. He was able to give the full squad a run out and the new players he brought in impressed him.

The only thing he will be disappointed with, was the way they conceded the goal, but that can be put down to a little rustiness, which I’m sure will disappear once the season gets under way.

This match was against a professional club’s youth team and a couple of Macclesfield’s players had played 1st team football so this was a very good performance for AFC Liverpool’s U18s.

If this standard is maintained, AFC Liverpool will have a very good U18 team.

Report by Kevin Torpey