Stockport Sports v AFC Liverpool, 1st February 2014



This matchday was almost a full day event, as I met up with my best mate Kevin.  We have been friends since going to College together in Southport in the early nineties.  Kev has lived in Stockport now for over 15 years.  Due to his family roots, he does support Liverpool, and he was probably a much better footballer than I ever was.  However, I wouldn't say he is as fanatical a football fan as I am.
 
We met up for a pint in his local, which is an establishment I completely appreciate, due to it's range of cask ales.  Then after a short bus which went past Fred Perry's old house, we arrived in Woodley.  Before heading to the Stockport Sports Village, we had another pint in a Woodley pub.  However, the ale was of an inferior quality here.
 
The Reds made a very slow start and were fortunate to be just 1-0 down inside the first 15 minutes or so.  Their goal came about when Ryan Jones failed to hold the ball from a free kick, and an oncoming attacker was able to slot home.  The Saxons were so assured in their play, and I have to admit were fairly attractive to watch during this period.  Our main attraction during the early exchanges was Dave The Rattler's bell, which was also appreciated by the locals. 
 
We did draw level though around the midway point of the first half when Ryan Cox was put through on goal, and took the ball around the keeper before putting the ball in the back of the net.  From this point the tide began to turn, as Jack Sinnott had a shot from over 20 yards which showed purpose.  Ryan Cox could have sent the Reds into a 2-1 half time lead, had his deflected shot not come back off the top of the crossbar.
 
At half time, Kev and I took a little walk around the ground, and appreciated some of the hilly scenery in the background.  On what was a blustery day, the wind seemed to be easing.  That easing though was just for half time, as it came back with a vengeance in time for the second half!

The Reds appeared to pick up where they left off as the second half got underway, despite Ryan Jones having some difficulty with kicking against the wind.  Cox was put through for a chance to put the Reds in front, but he failed to take advantage.  Two goals in a minute around the hour mark did though set the Reds on their way.

Ryan Cox was involved in both of those goals.  He first claimed his second following a Steve Jones cross. He then worked hard with Ronnie Morgan to force the Saxons' defence into conceding possession.  Cox was first denied his hat-trick by the keeper, before Ronnie followed in to score. 

The game was definitely over a few minutes later, as John Lawless was able to play in Ronnie with ease to score his second and the Reds' fourth.  This led to a chorus amongst some of our faithful of "The Do Ron Ron!" 

Most locals were entertained by the AFC Rattlers throughout the afternoon, even when the tide turned in our favour.  But as they say, there's always one.  And this one chap on making his way to the exit, made an unfavourable remark, as the Reds closed out the game.  Dave responded, "We will lower the volume next time!" 

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