During the early throes there was no quarter given. Both teams scurried with purpose but creating little. A free-kick came for the Red Men after No 9 (Kyle Scorah) was gently clipped - the outcome was bugger all. The Barlick Boys reacted with a long ball that No 9 (Lewis Rawsthorn) gathered and belted at the second touch with the angled shot a mere fraction shy of the timber. The guests were given another gratis gift moments later and doubled their wastage with a rather poor hoofing. The home 'erberts were once more provoked into a response, it reminded me of when I put a bare electrical wire up the arse of what I considered to be a dead toad - cripes. No 11 (Jack Foster) darted and crossed, a block came with the loose ball walloped by No 10 (Andrew Hill) but only finding the carcasses of several impeding players. The threat though was there, the AFC Liverpool ranks needed to take note.
Again the hosts come, they were riding the crest of an impetus loaded wave and needed to make some kind of splash. A corner was negated, the next serious punt on goal came the other way when No 10 (William McCarthy) weaved and wriggled, Scorah was found and a quick turn and shot was executed. Thankfully for the home team, the mittman was awake and down to push behind for the corner. The angled kick was yet another dead ball situation not used to its full potential.
For their wasteful ways the red clad mob were to pay the ultimate price next when a liquid move from the home team resulted in a bulging onion bag. A quick pass was repeated, a release ball was made and up popped No 7 (Ben Ashton) to round off a delightful move - it was a fine end to a cracking sequence.
The trailing pack tried to respond with a free-kick won. The postage of the ball was accurate enough but the header was as limp as a lustful man's handshake after indulging in a 24 hour wank-a-thon. Shots followed at both ends, No 4 (James Ormrod) for Barlick, No 11 (Jesse Dowling) for AFCL, both attempts were straight at the keepers navel area or, for the more corrupt of mind, about 6 inches above the base of the nob.
As time progressed and the sun dipped it looked as if Barlick may grab a second at any time. This was the case soon after these thoughts had left my cranium along with the escaping body heat. Another long ball opened the Liverpool unit and No 10 (Andrew Hill) collected via a superb first touch, let fly with equal eye-catching brilliance and was rewarded by a billowing of the netting that left the keeper with no chance at all. A two-goal lead was secured, this was not what the Merseyside Medical man had ordered.
Almost immediately the leaders of the contest so far were caught with their trousers down and the visiting Dowling was tumbled (albeit very lamely) in the box. The referee gave a penalty, the player who was on the deck arose, dusted down and took the spot-kick, the keepers shanks remained well-spread (Joan Collins eat yer heart out) and stopped the ball from entering the goal - the home fans were ecstatic.
Before the break Barnoldswick finished well with Foster having a dig wide, a cross shaving the head of Rawsthorn and the general attack mode and movement deserved of another goal - alas it was not to be - 2 - 0 it was, I don't think anyone could argue with things so far.
We stayed put for the break, a brew would have been nice but queueing for one was not an option. We wagged the mandible and stamped the feet to keep warm, I almost considered shitting my pants but one has to observe certain decencies I suppose.
Half-two (without added poo) and the hosts where out and displaying a continued acuteness to their play. Rawsthorn was at the apex of a fast move with his shot saved by the keepers pins. Hill took a free-kick soon after but sent the ball way over the bar and from a period of middle-park mushings Ashton escaped and sent a shot wide of the mark. The visitors looked like not getting back into this when a quick spurt resulted in a tumbling and the opposing No 5 (Bradley Ditch) received his marching orders. McCarthy took the earned free-kick and sent in a low drill that the home No 1 (Jordan Gidley) saved well. AFC Liverpool took heart from having a one-man advantage. No 7 (Tom Douglas) dashed and entered the box next. The player had options but chose to shoot and duly trembled the timber. Scorah latched onto the rebound and forced the keeper to produce a quality save and keep his side with a double-strike lead. A kick from the corner was the result, the ball was floated in and No 5 (Luke Stephens) rose and buried without any interference whatsoever - was this game going to turn into a Tale of the Unexpected (Roald Dahl are you listening).
From here the guests worked hard but the hosts stood strong and still created the odd chance. One such opportunity came when a substitute beat two players, put in a cross only for the incoming attacker to put the header over - that would have signed, sealed and delivered the game for sure. AFC Liverpool tried to up the ante, many balls came forth, Barlick were like the wallet of Ken Dodd - totally impenetrable. The referee added time, it didn't help the trailing team's cause, 2 - 1 it stayed and the home ranks were deserved of the end prize. Man of the match was pondered, a few home defenders were in the mix but I eventually went for the No 1 (Jordan Gidley) who produced several good saves and made sure his team achieved the end triumph - I am always happy to give a nod to a good mittman performance.
We soon buggered off and made sure the heating was on in the car with the thermal fans aimed straight and true at parts certain beers (and perverts) cannot reach - ooh aye.
FINAL THOUGHTS - It had been a few years since we visited the Silentnight Stadium, it won't be that long again. It is a lovely ground and has a nice feel to it. We came, expected a good game and got just that. AFC Liverpool were thrown out of their stride today and when 2 goals down didn't react with enough purpose and didn't really use any creativity to cause their opponents any fuss. Is this a turning point in the season? Can the lads amend this blip and noted flaw and get things back on track - I for one hope so but they had better do it soon as the season will slip away and leave them floundering in mid-table. Barnoldswick looked good today, I liked the attitude, the attacking zest and the defensive ranks that stood firm and in the main, read the game with cool control. I am befuddled as to why this team are not in the top half of the league - they look a complete unit with a good set of players - is it a case of bad luck, not playing as a team for the full 90 minutes or have I caught them on a good day? Who knows but after today's effort I would expect a top half finish for sure - it would be ruddy splendid to see.
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