City of Liverpool were beaten 1-0 by Colne in the second round of qualifying for the Buildbase FA Trophy at Rivacre Park.
In a fiercely competed tie, goalkeeper Theo Roberts had a moment to forget when Reece Webb-Foster fired low in the eighth minute, the ball slipping through the keepers grasp for the only goal of the match.
The Purps came close to equalising in the first half when Djavan Pedro fired wide from close range, but other than that, Colne restricted the Liverpool team to few chances in the first 45.
Michael Ellison’s team huffed and puffed in the second half, almost restoring parity when Elliot Johnston found space in the box and thundered towards goal, only to be deflected wide for the corner.
Striker Pedro had another half opportunity in the 69th minute, but he could only direct his header wide of the post, as the cross was a little behind him.
The visitors almost doubled their lead 17 minutes from time after neat interchange between scorer Webb-Foster and substitute William Hasler-Cregg, with the latter smashing over inside the box.
The Lancashire side were marshalled by ex-Premier League footballer and Liverpool-born Ryan Taylor, and the midfielder’s class was apparent throughout – showcasing his outstanding passing and dead ball ability.
The hosts will be disappointed, with the distant dream of playing at Wembley Stadium now dashed.
Next up for the Purps is 1874 Northwich on Tuesday in the Northern Premier League Division One West.
