AFC Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners against Squires Gate in a cagey affair that saw them continue in their hunt for a record-breaking season.
The first half saw both teams create a host of chances with the best of them falling to Squires Gate midfielder Josh Westwood, whose header was cleared of the line by Little Reds defender Kian Bell. Westwood had another header, this time from a free kick, saved comfortably by AFC keeper Jack McGovern.
The home side’s best effort of the half came through Tom Douglas who was through one on one with the Gate goalie, Nathan Pennington, who pulled off a great save to keep the game level. As the game passed the half hour mark AFC had their next real chance after winning a free kick on the edge of the box, which saw Kyle Schorah hit it over the bar.
The second half got off to a lively start, with AFC Liverpool hitting the post twice in five seconds. With a ball played over the top, Douglas brought it under control, with the Gate keeper tipping it onto the post. Schorah picked up the rebound before hitting the same post.
Just after the 50th minute Douglas was involved yet again, this time in a scuffle on the sideline after he put in a firm challenge on a Squire midfielder. This saw Blues midfielder Chris Webster get his second yellow of the match. Gate defender Daniel Gray was sin-binned, in what is a new trial for when players use abusive language towards a ref, after the scuffle unfolded.
The 68th minute saw Schorah score from 25 yards out. After some neat play in the middle of the pitch from the Little Red midfield, Schorah picked up the ball 40 yards out and drove at the Gate defence. Taking the ball on to his right foot, he found some space and tried his luck, curling his shot into the top right corner leaving on loan Blackburn Rovers keeper, Pennington helpless.
With AFC dominating the game, defender Finlay Heath got forward and had an attempt from 30 yards out parried by Pennington towards his own goal, which he scrambled back to clear away from an oncoming forward.
The Little Reds started putting the Blackpool team under pressure for the last 15 minutes, with multiple corners. The pressure finally paid off as in the third minute of added time Tom Croughan found himself through on goal after a cross field pass. He then squared it to Alfie Cunningham who had an open goal to make it 2-0.
With two wins from the last two AFC Liverpool are now eight points off second place Vauxhall Motors.
