SENIOR CUP DISAPPOINTMENT AS WE BOW OUT ON PENS

Another gut wrenching defeat last night beaten at City Of Liverpool on pens with the game level at 4-4.

Started well but gave an away a poor goal when a cross field ball held up in the wind and a quick break seen a ball slotted through one v one and Theo was beaten.

Had to find our way after some more nervey moments and when Josh Dobie made a clumsy challenge in the box the Purps had the chance to make it two but the penalty was dragged wide.

From then on we was quality all over and played some of the best football we have seen from ourselves this season.

The equaliser seen the mighty impressive Lewis Buckley get his first goal for the club after a Paul Mooney ping was nodded down by Connor McCarthy, Lewis managed to drag it past the keeper and finished it well.

Soon after we was in front and its was James “Spud” Murphy who found himself on the right hand side of the box and with the keeper coming for a ball, Spud sent home a lovely dink over him, the ball from Fitzy was a point.

The quality kept on coming on it was three when Jay Salkeld whipped in a delightful ball and Connor McCarthy headed home to cap what for the best part was a quality first half performance.

HT 3-1

The half time team talk went out the window within 20 seconds of the restart, a ball pumped up the field Bobby Walsh let his man take it down with ease and a little jink away then another through ball and it was put away 3-2 and a awful start to the half.

We found our feet again and Lewis Buckley served a chance up for Jay Salkeld who drove one just past the post and it wasn’t long before our two goal advantage was restored when Connor Mccarthy sent home a cracking header from a Moonshie freekick.

Approaching the last ten minutes we was managing the game well but a rash tackle from Bobby Walsh resulted in another penalty. Theo Roberts saved well but just couldn’t get up quick enough for the rebound and on was 4-3 (unlucky for Theo).

The final sucker punch came in the 90th minute when a whipped in freekick from out wide deceived everyone and hit the back of the net, the type of goal that has to be dealt with by playing higher.

The purps had a glorious chance to win it but the header was knocked over.

The game went to penalties and sadly we missed 3/4 and it was all she wrote.

FT 4-4 (Penalties 1-3)

Despite the mistakes that proved costly I can’t fault the lads efforts on the night as footballing wise it was the best we had moved it for a long time, off course gutted to take the lead twice and throw it away but when you up against good sides like the Purps, and with the quality they have and can introduce into the game it’s never over despite the lead, but for us just gotta manage it better (how many times said that).

Montage Memorabilia MOM went to Lewis Buckley who was outstanding, his hold up play and bringing others into the game was too draw and showed the qualities he brings to the side, many other stand out performances also.

As always thanks to those in attendance your support was class as always and we no you kicked every ball of the game with us.

Onto Saturday as we welcome West Didsbury & Chorlton for our last home game of 2023, we hope you can get down the Anny as we look to build on this performance.

We Go Again.

Up The Breck…❤️