AFC Liverpool v Winsford United, 18th February 2017

Winsford had been in a rich vein of form, unbeaten in 7 matches.  It was the visitors who had much the better of the first half.  However, it was the home side who took the lead very much against the run of play. It was a free kick over the wall by recent signing Conor Smith. Although a couple of supporters and I had mistook Conor for Jack Leamy on his wrong right foot.

Winsford's best chance of the first half came as their no 10 was one on one with Dominic Garner. He was denied by Dom, and the ball rebounded off the Winsford player for a goal kick.


The main talking point of the first half was the sending off of Reds Midfielder Franny Smith. He went for a ball I think he certainly had a right to go for, but mistimed his tackle very horribly.  The referee acted very quickly to give Franny his marching orders.


The second half started and the early signs were that AFC would have their backs against the wall, being down to ten men. Winsford carved out a gilt edged chance which saw their no 9 head a cross against the top of our bar.


We dug in though and gradually became the dominant side.  Midfielder Demitriou was especially solid. Winsford did come back into it in the final ten minutes, creating a couple of good opportunities.  For one of those chances, a free kick went round the wall, and Dominic Garner could not hold. Thankfully he recovered to thwart another opponent.


The way we dug in and dominated our opponents in the second half was enjoyable at times, and nervous at other times when we had our backs against the wall, riding our luck at times.  Our hard work was all worth it as Mini Adegbenro secured victory in the closing stages, and got booked for his spectacular celebration.

A Winsford chap whom I had earlier spoken to in the shop, admitted that the better side had won.  He was not particularly complimentary about the referee who had booked a couple of Winsford defenders, in addition to sending off Franny Smith.

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