AFC Liverpool v Bacup Borough, 27th August 2018

I went to the Dace Coffee Shop before the match. It was a delight to see Alan Harrison for the first time in ten months, due to his long term illness. One topic I asked Steve Fraser about was whether the Goalkeeper who had kept goal during the previous two matches and kept two clean sheets had been influential. The answer I got told was that he did ok for what he needed to do, which was not much. Unfortunately for George Harris, a family problem meant he could not play in this match. Lee Carr on his return from holiday would keep goal.

As I joined the action, Jay Mcgrane put us 1-0 up. According to a chap called George, we had been on top. As we were talking a little bit about Rugby League, Bacup were suddenly through. Thankfully, their fella put it over the top. Apparently, that was their first real threat. Within a couple of minutes of joining our fans behind the goal, McGrane was played through after a good move and smashed in a second. We were generally comfortable for the remainder of the first half, without creating too much in the search for a third. Just before half time we conceded a free kick just outside the area after a foul by Chris Brady. The resulting free kick eventually saw them pull a goal back with a simple tap in. The second half got underway, and our dominance continued in terms of possession. However, a consensus was emerging between myself, Steve Fraser, and Dave Mac that Lee Carr was not inspiring confidence in goal. Unfortunately, what appeared the biggest problem was his height which was not his fault of course. A late header by Jon Croasdale seemed to have settled the match, with some of our fans even singing "We're going to win the league!" At 3-1, the score was about right. But then a cross from the left sailed over Lee Carr and I think off the post and into the net. Bacup suddenly gave us a few nervous moments forcing a few corners. And I am sorry to admit the Keeper did not give me confidence. Thankfully we did hold out.

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