City of Liverpool fell to a 2-0 defeat at Clitheroe on an afternoon where fine margins went against the Purps.
Paul McNally handed a recall to goalkeeper Ben Barnes in place of the unavailable Calvin Hare, whilst Callum Schorah could finally make his debut after his international clearance came through.
Aaron Fleming was also handed a debut after a two match ban carried over from his time elapsed in the Penistone Church FA Cup fixtures, whilst there was a place on the bench for young winger Vaughn Green who has previously had spells at Preston North End, Lancaster City and Bamber Bridge.
City of Liverpool made a good start and arguably had the better of the opening to the match in which Callum Schorah was particularly impressive.
Operating in the #10 position he picked up space well behind the Clitheroe midfield and almost created an early goal with a delicate lofted ball across the box which Fleming headed wide.
Schorah went close himself with a long range effort which former Colne goalkeeper Hakan Burton saw flash a yard past his left-hand post.
The home side were largely frustrated by a well-organised defensive display from the Purps, with Mike Grogan, Anthony Miley and Nick Ryan keeping Clitheroe’s attacking trio of Gonzales, Parny and Rouse at arms length.
Clitheroe introduced Accrington Stanley loanee Alex Henderson off the bench to replace Mark Howarth and the youngster changed the pace of the game somewhat as Clitheroe grew towards the end of the half.
Forward Sefton Gonzales saw a deflected header drop onto the crossbar, before Ben Barnes was called into action to deny Domaine Rouse after a mix-up saw the winger bundle through.
Right on the stroke of half time the home side agonisingly took the lead when the lively Veron Parny somehow despatched a low overhead kick from close range, after the Purps made a mess of playing the ball down the right hand side.
It was a disappointing end to a largely positive and promising half where the visitors’ gameplan had worked to a tee.
HALF TIME: Clitheroe 1-0 City of Liverpool
Clitheroe came out after the break with far more attacking intent than they started the match, buoyed by that late first half opener from Parny.
After a couple of chances went untaken, they were given a golden opportunity to extend their advantage from the spot when Mike Grogan was adjudged to have felled Domaine Rouse in the box.
Richie Baker stepped up but was denied by a brilliant right hand from Ben Barnes, before the goalkeeper was up quickly to thwart the rebound with an excellent block and the loose ball was wastefully hammered over at the back post.
The Purps introduced Ishmail Sonko, Josh Quarless and Vaughn Green in search of an equaliser and should have had a penalty of their own when Grogan’s header was blocked by a defender’s hand, only for the referee to adjudge that Groges had fouled his man.
In truth the Purps were limited to a flurry of long range efforts from the lively Schorah and Sonko and didn’t really trouble Burton in the home goal.
At the other end Barnes denied Clitheroe with a flying stop to push a long range effort away whilst Parny also flashed a shot against the woodwork as the home side looked to take advantage of the Purps committing bodies forward.
Clitheroe wrapped up the points when Henderson cut back a neat ball for Gonzales to fire home a composed finish before wheeling away into a somersault celebration.
FULL TIME: Clitheroe 2-0 City of Liverpool
CITY OF LIVERPOOL: Ben Barnes, Mike Fitzgerald, Jack Hont, Anthony Miley (Josh Quarless 54′), Nick Ryan, Mike Grogan, Xenon Bahula (Ismail Sonko 53′), Ethan Jones, Danny Mitchley (c), Callum Schorah, Aaron Fleming (Vaughn Green 82′).
Subs not used: Jordan Wynne, Baba Conteh.
MAN OF THE MATCH: On a difficult afternoon CALLUM SCHORAH was a real bright spark on his debut, almost creating an excellent opener for Fleming and flashing long range efforts past the post and bar respectively. Schorah edges out the excellent Ben Barnes who made a fine double save from the spot.
MANAGER’S INTERVIEW:
Macca gave an honest reflection of a difficult opening day for his side and was frustrated by missed opportunities to test the goalkeeper.
The gaffer praised the travelling support and looked ahead to Tuesday’s home fixture against Runcorn Linnets.
NEXT UP:
The Purps return to action against Runcorn Linnets on Tuesday night (15th August).
Kick off is 7:45pm at the Berry Street Garage Stadium and tickets can be purchase via the link in the following post.
