Litherland REMYCA v AFC Liverpool, 15th February 2020

After the passing of Storm Ciara, storm Dennis had arrived. Marine's home match with Tadcaster Albion was off, as was Bootle's home match. However, surprisingly our match at Litherland REMYCA was the only tie of the Macron Cup Quarter-final stage which survived.

 

A few minutes in, and we took the lead courtesy of a Kyle Schorah strike. This was after a corner was not dealt with by REMYCA.

 

A few minutes later, the home side went down to ten men. It was certainly a challenge that seemed to warrant at least a yellow card. Although, with  my perception that officials are often perceived to be less strict in the North West Counties League than the Premier League, I wasn't really expecting any card. So, when the fella was red carded, it was a surprise.

 

REMYCA were bottom of the Premier Division, whilst we were third in the First Division North. With the direction of travel for both sides, we were probably slight favourites, but with it all to play for. REMYCA also had a not particularly good disciplinary record, and that may have also played a part in the referee's decision.

 

We went 2-0 on 28 minutes, after we won the ball in Midfield. Left-back Bradley Owens then found himself in an unnatural position to score in the inside-right position.

 

Despite being 2-0 down and a man down, REMYCA were coming into the game. One fairly decent position on the right with a bit of space was wasted. Five minutes after going 2-0 down, they were back in the game. Georgie Donnelly turned in the box to fire home after the Reds had been caught out by a free kick.

 

I chatted with one REMYCA supporter at half time. He conceded that his current team were still against it, although in a better place than one would normally expect being a man light. I was not taking anything for granted. We did broadly agree on the sending off, and the surprise that the referee sent his man off.

 

We kept our heads after the break, and REMYCA barely threatened. Around the midway point of the second half, Jay McGrane made it 3-1. He later got a second to make it 4-1. Dan Cockerline had an assist for each of Jay's goals. The pick of the goals though was in the closing stages as Rhys Hardacre picked a spot at the near post to brilliantly score from just outside the box.

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