Marine v AFC Liverpool, 26th November 2013


This game was AFC Liverpool's first Liverpool Senior Cup Match at the ground that became home the following season, as Marine hosted the Reds.

Alan Williams and I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with a Marine fan prior to kick off.  This particular gentleman asked about our club and why we were formed.  Alan and I pointed out that the LFC ownership issue was not the reason why AFC Liverpool was formed. 

It was the men in red who drew first blood after Muktar Mahama picked the ball up on the right hand touchline, and ran at the Marine defence.  Muktar then played in Ronnie Morgan, who rounded the Marine keeper, before squaring for Ryan Cox to slot home.

I would say we then looked comfortable for the next 10 minutes or so.  But then Marine equalised against the run of play, as a lucky ricochet in the centre circle led to them breaking away to score.  Marine could have soon gone in front after Goalkeeper Stephen Longrigg failed to hold onto a shot.  Thankfully though Longy recovered with a most impressive reflex to deny the follow on.

As half time approached, the men in red were back in the lead as Ronnie Morgan decisively met a James Buckley header from a corner.  Bucko's first half performance had been excellent, and he had very much been our driving force throughout the half.

Alan and I had another chat at half time with the Marine supporter who we spoke to earlier.  He was very complimentary about AFC's passing style.  I did concede that I did ultimately expect his team to ultimately have the stamina to turn the game around, and see it through.  Sadly, that is exactly what happened.

The second and third goals which Marine scored were goals which would have graced any football stage.  Both were scored from outside the box, and both gave Stephen Longrigg absolutely no chance.  The score ended 5-2. 

I am sure most Mariners would agree that the final scoreline disguised the fact that the game was a real contest until the closing stages.  After all, the fifth and final goal was scored on the counter after we had thrown the kitchen sink at Marine in our efforts to get back into the game.

Alan certainly felt those men in red did us proud, and I certainly enjoyed this visit to College Road.  Little did either of us suspect that College Road would become the home of AFC Liverpool for the following season.  This was after Marine FC and AFC Liverpool formally agreed a ground sharing agreement a few months later.

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