Association of Northern Counties Competition 

Westmorland CFA v Liverpool CFA

Tuesday 3 December 2019

The youngsters produced a fantastic display to beat Liverpool FA at Kendal Town FC on Tuesday 3 December. Despite finding themselves 1-0 down, 2-1 down and 3-2 down they kept believing and turned it around to finally win 4-3 late on. 

Westmorland were forced into numerous changes from their first fixture together in the FA County Youth Cup and welcomed 5 debutants into the squad. Despite the changes Westmorland started brightly and looked dangerous going forward. Liverpool however opened the scoring against the run of play when a long ball was collected by the lighting quick forward who raced through and finished calmly. The home side rallied together and fired an instant response. Playing out from the back the ball was moved out to K. Knowles who’s well timed cross fell perfectly for N Hankinson to finish into the corner.  Liverpool grew into the game and a change in midfield gave them more control of possession and calmed the game down. Liverpool took the lead again when the same forward outpaced the back four and again finished with great composure. For the second time in the match Westmorland found an immediate reply and for the second time N. Hankinson was able to slot the ball home, giving the keeper no chance.

Into the second half and both teams knew the next goal would be crucial. J Bryant in the Westmorland goal produced a wonderful double save, the latter of which was the save of the match. The quick forwards of Liverpool were still causing issues for the home sides defence and once more they raced through and finished well this time giving Bryant no opportunity to save. Westmorland made numerous subs to try and find another response. There were debuts off the bench for Westmorland who took a gamble which was to pay off. On 75 mins J. Carway swung in a deep cross which was expertly volleyed home by captain R. Swallow. There was still time for either side to grab a winning goal and as tensions started to build it was Westmorland who delivered the final decisive blow. Liverpool were unable to clear the ball cleanly and as it fell to S. Bradley he turned sharply inside the box and finished into the corner

The squad punched well above their weight tonight in terms of population and produced a display the whole county can be proud of.

Squad:

J.Bryant, S.Troughton, R.Swallow ©, G.Hornby, R.Jackson, K.Knowles, J.Carway, J.Ireland, T.Colloby, N.Hankinson, J.Hodgson

Subs:

L.Wood, B.Phillips, S.Bradley, J.Bowman

Match Officials:

J. Higgins, C. Allonby, J. Fiddler