AFC Liverpool 4 Vauxhall Motors 2.
Sunday 26th December 2022 – Boxing Day.
Marine Travel Arena.
NWCFL Premier Division.
Report by Ethan Hoijord.
In their last game of 2022, Vauxhall Motors were defeated 4-2 by AFC Liverpool, at the Marine Travel Arena, as a late strike by Tom Mitchell wasn’t enough to complete a comeback.
The visitors started the game strongly as midfielder Ben Holmes’ shot was deflected wide for a corner before the scoreline was opened by Bobbie McDonnell.
The corner was crossed in from the left hand side which was met by the head of Tom Mitchell at the back post, who headed back into the six yard box and Bobbie McDonnell produced a spectacular bicycle kick into the back of the AFC net.
Penalty claims would be dismissed for Mick McGraa’s side a few moments after a brilliant free kick by Jordan Deer was pushed over the crossbar.
However, the hosts would find the equaliser when their first shot of the game found the back of the net. Kyle Schorah’s effort slipped through Matthew Corran’s hands.
In the last few minutes of the half, two great saves by McGovern kept the score level as Micheal Burkey continued to cause bundles of trouble for the defence.
It was the hosts that would edge themselves in front, ten minutes into the second half, as a header from Luke Stephens beat Corran from three yards out after a corner was headed across goal.
A brilliant save by Corran, shortly afterwards, kept the visitors in the game but they would soon find the net once again to double their lead.
In the last ten minutes, defender Tom Mitchell may have started a comeback when he tapped his effort in from the back post.
However, Tom Douglas would ensure that all three points went in the way of the hosts with a fantastically fierce strike as he was making a run down the byline which the keeper, never truly, saw coming.
Vauxhall Motors are next back in action on Tuesday January 3rd as they travel to First Division South’s Alsager Town for the Cheshire Senior Cup Second Round.
Vauxhall team, managed by Mick McGraa: Matthew Corran, Matthew Beaman (67’), Liam Turner, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Tom Mitchell, Sean Moscrop (68’), Michael Burkey, Ben Holmes, Lewis Buckley, Jordan Deer, Bobbie McDonnell (73’). SUBS: Joe Brandon (67’), Aaron Dawson (68’), Greg Drummond, Simon Thelwell (73’), Ethan Gouldbourne.
AFC Liverpool, managed by Matt Potter: Jack McGovern, Finlay Heath, Thomas Parry, Lee McConchie, Luke Stephens, Ben Cartwright, Jesse Dowling, Paddy Kay, Kyle Scorah (60’), Fisnik Hajdari, William McCarthy. SUBS: Tom Douglas (60’), Scott Evans, James Howell, Sonny Parr, Jason Fulton.