Coppull United v AFC Liverpool, 29th July 2017

Within a few seconds of this pre-season match in Lancashire kicking off, our defence gifted the hosts an opportunity.  Coppull's striker was unable to take advantage.

We settled down and soon took a 2-0 lead.  Our dominance then saw us create a load of chances which were spurned.  By the time we had scored a 3rd, I reckon we had missed about 7 good chances, after going 2-0 up.

Out of nothing Dominic Garner made a decent save to preserve our clean sheet.  However, their man had been taken out as he shot.  So, they got a penalty and the arrears for Coppull were reduced to just 2.  

Almost immediately the three goal lead was restored.  Number 10 Michael Boyle and number 11 Steven Milne were both very creative in the move that led to the goal.  

I said to Dave The Rattler that they need a big goalscorer to complement their creativity.  I was not sure the number 9 Joe Whittington could do it.  After all, he was probably culpable for the most glaring miss amongst the 6 or 7 chances spurned earlier.  

Whittington then responded with two quick goals before half time.  The first was a shot between the keeper's legs, whilst the second was a peach of a free kick into the corner.  In the week in which Barca continued their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho, I insisted that Barca should keep their hands off Whittington!

From a half in which we were winning 6-1, and should have had an even bigger lead, you probably don't learn that much about your players.

The second half was a lot tighter, and there was no increase in the scoring.  The feat in Coppull not conceding any more goals probably said a lot for their character.  Their players came out for the second half with a determination to win the half.

Although AFC did not add to their goals in the second half, we still created more chances.  One could argue that had there been more urgency, then we could have won the second half also.  But all in all, Coppull United were good hosts. 

The Reds' thoughts were now moving towards the following Saturday and an FA Cup Derby at Litherland REMYCA to open the season.

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