PURPS BATTLE TO AVRO WIN

By Michael Meadows

Friday, 25 August, 2023

City of Liverpool claimed a first win of the season on Wednesday night following a committed and battling display at Avro.

The hosts have made a fine start to life in the Northern Premier League after promotion from the Counties last season, and going into the match Paul McNally’s side knew they’d have to be on their mettle against a tough opponent.

Callum Schorah was the hero with a worldie of a strike early in the second half, on a night where each and every Purp wearing our new white away strip left everything on the pitch to claim an excellent three points.

There was a timely return for Max Allen in the middle of the park, with a first opportunity to see Maxi partnering midfield enforcer Simon Wills in the engine room now they are both back to full fitness.

The manager also handed recalls to Anthony Miley and Xenon Bahula, whilst Baba Conteh continued in the defence after an impressive return against Linnets last week.

The Purps were also boosted by the return of Kenny Strickland who was fit enough to take a place amongst the substitutes having stepped up his recovery from an injury sustained against Aberystwyth Town in the final pre-season game.

In an attritional first half there was little to separate the two sides, with much of the match taking place in a good old midfield battle which would be meat and drink for an enforcer the calibre of Simon Wills.

The Purple Gattuso relished the opportunity to dive into tackles and break up the home side’s play, which gave Macca’s boys a platform to build on.

When Avro did get forward, Dylan Fitzgerald headed harmlessly over Calvin Hare’s crossbar, whilst a long range effort from Jack Marrow was blocked by a committed challenge on the edge of the box as the Purps ensured they battled for everything.

City of Liverpool got the decisive goal shortly after the break when Callum Schorah further enhanced his burgeoning reputation with his new supporters by curling a screamer from 25 yards.

Schorah picked up his second goal in his first three games for the club by curling an arrowing left-footed effort into the top corner which gave home keeper Grant Shenton no chance, to the delight of the travelling Partisans.

Avro battled for an equaliser but were left frustrated by an organised defensive display and real commitment in the challenge as the Purps did everything to protect their lead.

The excellent Calvin Hare was a calming presence between the sticks and when called upon he produced an excellent stop to deny Connor Berry’s effort from distance.

Calvin also denied substitute Max McCarthy whilst he was also on his toes to make vital punches as the home side loaded the box for corners.

At the other end Josh Quarless almost put the result beyond doubt but drew an excellent stop from Shenton and the Purps held out through 8 minutes of injury time to claim an important win.

FULL TIME: Avro 0-1 City of Liverpool

CITY OF LIVERPOOL: Calvin Hare, Mike Simpson (Aaron Fleming 90′), Baba Conteh, Anthony Miley, Mike Grogan, Simon Wills, Callum Schorah, Max Allen (Kenny Strickland 90′), Danny Mitchley (c), Josh Quarless, Xenon Bahula (Ismail Sonko 89′).

Subs not used: Nick Ryan, Mike Fitzgerald.

MAN OF THE MATCH: It could really have been anyone on the night as Macca’s boys grafted their way to a win but the impressive SIMON WILLS took the nod for another destructive display in the middle of the park. Notable mentions go to the fit again Max Allen who was typically classy on his return and the excellent Callum Schorah who won it with a stunning goal.

MANAGER’S INTERVIEW:

Manager Paul McNally praised the commitment, work rate and application from his side to claim the points against a tough, in form opposition.