AFC Liverpool grabbed a last-minute goal against Charnock Richard to draw 2-2 at Mossie Park on Tuesday night.
This was the Reds’ first point since September in the Northwest Counties Premier Division since their 3-1 win against Isle of Man at Bootle’s stadium.
It was also their first game without first-team coach Carl Lancaster, who announced his departure last Sunday.
The hosts were the dominant side throughout most of the 90, with their first goal coming from Jordan Barr in the 23rd minute.
Nathan Nickeas played Barr in, as he raced through and beat keeper Ben Barnes when he placed it bottom right.
Barr got his brace less than 10 minutes after his opener, sending the AFC keeper the wrong way for the second time.
AFC’s captain Owen Fisher-Jones received the first card of the game shortly after, as he clattered into Matt Westwell in the 35th minute.
The non-League Reds had a chance to get one back before half-time through defender Deacon Smalley down the right. His cross found Elliot Taylor and Caleb Jones in Charnock’s box, but both failed to capitalise on the chance.
The hosts continued to maintain possession after the break and had their first chance of the second half in the 47th minute.
Goalscorer Barr, played a perfect cross to Marcus Haydock to make it three, but the number two struck it first time over the bar.
AFC’s Taylor got one back for the away side in the 54th minute after a strike from the left-hand side. The number nine hit it first time into the bottom right corner past Charnock’s Ryan Hamer.
In the last 30 minutes, AFC picked up the intensity as they fought for the equaliser before the final whistle.
However, the Greens were still persistent in pressing Phil Stafford’s side for their third goal to see out the game.
Basic Yussuf displayed some great ball control as he danced his way through AFC’s midfield to cross into the Red’s box. Barnes was quick to shut down his effort as he came off his line to intercept the chance.
In added time, AFC received a corner, and their last attempt for an equaliser. Deacon Smalley swung his cross in to find keeper Barnes waiting in the box.
His flick-on reached number 10, Mark Madden, who fired the ball with his left foot into the net to get AFC a point and his first goal since his return to the club this season.
Captain Fisher-Jones said: “It was a very important point for us to show that we can match the higher teams in the league.
“Getting the draw being 2-0 down to go get the equaliser in the last minute shows real character from the lads.
“We need to now take that second-half performance into another tough game on Saturday.”
