Liverpool Senior Cup Final preview
Thu 16th April 2015 | AFC Liverpool | By Ian Templeman
AFC Liverpool are hoping to make club history on Saturday when they aim to lift the Liverpool Senior Cup for the first time.
The Reds face Evo-Stik League side Skelmersdale United at their West Lancashire College Stadium, and after a cup campaign that has seen them knock out fellow-NWCFL sides Ashton Town and Bootle, along with a memorable home win over Everton, they will looking to end the season by lifting some silverware.
Skelmersdale United are, of course, a familiar club to many around our league, having been members for many years before being promoted to the Evo-Stik League Division One North in 2006. The management team of Tommy Lawson and Brian Richardson have been at the helm since 2007, and after finishing in a play-off position all but once in their first five seasons, they steered Skem to the title in 2012-13, and finished 6th in their first season in the Premier League last season.
Although destined to miss out on a play off spot this season, Skelmersdale showed that they are not taking their foot off the gas, with a midweek win over league leaders FC United of Manchester that did little to help the Manchester club’s title hopes.
It will undoubtedly be a tough test for AFC Liverpool, but Chairman Chris Stirrup says everyone is looking forward to the game, and another milestone in the club’s history.
“From the Club’s point of view, it is a great achievement to reach the Liverpool Senior Cup Final for the second time in three years, and hopefully we can win the Trophy this time”, he said.
“It will be a tough ask against Skemersdale United but the pressure will all be on them, with them being the favourites.
“For our club, it’s another massive game in our short history, our fifth Cup Final in seven years. Not many teams can boast that and it’s a credit to Manager Paul Moore and his staff and players who have got us there.
“After beating Ashton Town, Everton and Bootle, the Club, its members and supporters all deserve the good day out that a Cup Final bring”.
Manager Paul Moore is equally upbeat about his side’s prospects, although very much aware of the dangers posed by their opponents.
“We go into this game knowing that Skemersdale are the big favourites, and even though their recent form might not be the best, they put five past Southport and beat FC United this past week, so it shows the calibre of the team we are up against.
“But we hold no fear and if we play how we can play, then I’d fancy my lads against anyone. I don’t think we've been favourites in any of our games in this Cup this season, even Ashton Town away, the conditions and pitch that night didn’t really suit our game.
“But credit again to the team, we've battled hard all along the way and deserve this chance to make some history. I just hope we do ourselves and the supporters justice and give them something to be proud of”.
The game at the West Lancashire College Stadium kicks off at 3 pm on Saturday. Admission is £6 for adults, Concessions £3 and and Under 16s go free.
Liverpool Senior Cup Final preview
Thu 16th April 2015 | AFC Liverpool
By Ian Templeman
AFC Liverpool are hoping to make club history on Saturday when they aim to lift the Liverpool Senior Cup for the first time.
The Reds face Evo-Stik League side Skelmersdale United at their West Lancashire College Stadium, and after a cup campaign that has seen them knock out fellow-NWCFL sides Ashton Town and Bootle, along with a memorable home win over Everton, they will looking to end the season by lifting some silverware.
Skelmersdale United are, of course, a familiar club to many around our league, having been members for many years before being promoted to the Evo-Stik League Division One North in 2006. The management team of Tommy Lawson and Brian Richardson have been at the helm since 2007, and after finishing in a play-off position all but once in their first five seasons, they steered Skem to the title in 2012-13, and finished 6th in their first season in the Premier League last season.
Although destined to miss out on a play off spot this season, Skelmersdale showed that they are not taking their foot off the gas, with a midweek win over league leaders FC United of Manchester that did little to help the Manchester club’s title hopes.
It will undoubtedly be a tough test for AFC Liverpool, but Chairman Chris Stirrup says everyone is looking forward to the game, and another milestone in the club’s history.
“From the Club’s point of view, it is a great achievement to reach the Liverpool Senior Cup Final for the second time in three years, and hopefully we can win the Trophy this time”, he said.
“It will be a tough ask against Skemersdale United but the pressure will all be on them, with them being the favourites.
“For our club, it’s another massive game in our short history, our fifth Cup Final in seven years. Not many teams can boast that and it’s a credit to Manager Paul Moore and his staff and players who have got us there.
“After beating Ashton Town, Everton and Bootle, the Club, its members and supporters all deserve the good day out that a Cup Final bring”.
Manager Paul Moore is equally upbeat about his side’s prospects, although very much aware of the dangers posed by their opponents.
“We go into this game knowing that Skemersdale are the big favourites, and even though their recent form might not be the best, they put five past Southport and beat FC United this past week, so it shows the calibre of the team we are up against.
“But we hold no fear and if we play how we can play, then I’d fancy my lads against anyone. I don’t think we've been favourites in any of our games in this Cup this season, even Ashton Town away, the conditions and pitch that night didn’t really suit our game.
“But credit again to the team, we've battled hard all along the way and deserve this chance to make some history. I just hope we do ourselves and the supporters justice and give them something to be proud of”.
The game at the West Lancashire College Stadium kicks off at 3 pm on Saturday. Admission is £6 for adults, Concessions £3 and and Under 16s go free.
