South Liverpool 2-1 Ashton Town - Match Report

From being one down after 10 minutes, South Liverpool recovered with goals from Rio Merrifield and Andrew Lloyd saw the South grab a much important three points at Jericho Lane.

Ashton began brightly with a ceaseless threat throughout the opening exchanges being crosses down the right flank. Early substitution Daniel Clarke provided a dangerous ball into the area for Kevin Towey to meet, who glanced a header wide. The visitors reaped their rewards of their early attacking prowess by being gifted a spot kick through a handball - Conor Ready stepped up and slotted past Mulby.

Scott Burton headed wide from an in-swinging cross, almost doubling the visitors advantage, before South gained a foothold in the tie and netted their equaliser. A dangerous ball sent into the box was met by the glancing header of Rio Merryfield who’s flick on left Harry Campbell hapless on his line as it trickled into the corner.

The goal gave South the lift they needed and efforts from Cameron Glennon and Ethan Van-Aston stung Campbell’s palms - Ste Doyle and Elliot Owen narrowly missed the target before the ball was in the back of the net for the hosts, which ultimately never counted. Oscar Billington’s free-kick was spilled by Campbell only to a South man who stabbed home, but play was abruptly stopped due to a foul.

HT: South Liverpool 1-1 Ashton Town

The hosts made the perfect start to the second round as they turned the tables on its head. The move started with Merryfield being hauled down around 30 yards from goal in a cynical foul by Ste Hoy. Oscar Billington delivered a great ball into the area and Andrew Lloyd powered a header beyond Campbell.

On route to a third and possibly a sealer on proceedings, Cameron Glennon almost found it after going on a mazy run - he busts a gut but fired wide. 

Ashton’s chances throughout the second half came in passages and efforts from Ben Glendon and an audacious one from Conor Ready awoke Callum Molby before South were back on top.

Just like the first goal, Billington’s free-kick was met by Lloyd however this time, his connection on the header wasn’t clean enough as he headed wide before Harry Campbell was called back into action for the visitors, splendidly getting down low to beat away Merryfield’s strike.

Ashton placed South under threat, laying siege in an  attempt to salvage at least a point. Ste Hoy blazed wide from the edge of the box before in the dying embers, Conor Ready squandered a golden opportunity, firing over from close range.

FT: South Liverpool 2-1 Ashton Town