UCLan’s Football Men’s 1st team put in an outstanding performance, thrashing Liverpool Hope’s fifth team 15-0 in their first cup game of the season
On a frosty afternoon, UCLan looked red hot in front of goal, numerous making their way onto the score sheet. The home side utilised both wings well, creating chances and it was not long before right winger Antony Fallon put UCLan ahead.
The winger constantly looked a threat to Liverpool, charging his way towards goal almost every time he picked up the ball.
Superb first time football from UCLan led to a penalty decision in their favour in the 20th minute. Craig Wood took responsibility from the spot but was unable to find the net as the ball clipped the edge of the left post.
However, it didn’t stop UCLan making more chances and Wood soon made amends from close range in the 25th minute, making it 2-0.
From then on, the floodgates appeared to be opened at Liverpool’s end. There was always a danger from set pieces, Martin ‘Pello’ Marlow looked strong in the air throughout the game, constantly winning his headers. It soon paid off in the 30th minute as the centre midfielder headed home the third from a corner.
Yet it was not all good news for UCLan on the day, Luke Smith was forced off the field with a torn hamstring. But with a strong squad of players this year, UCLan were able to bring on striker and captain Ross Herridge
Fallon continued to cause frustration for Liverpool Hope who appeared to have no answer in this match as he got his second of the game with a header. The ball rarely went into UCLan’s half, leaving the goalkeeper Tom Bailey fairly relaxed in his box.
Both the bar and the post were being rattled at Liverpool’s end. Their goalkeeper was often in a one on one situation with the striker. However he did manage to pull off some cat-like saves in a match that was already decided before the half time whistle
In the second half, Zach Clarke and Craig Wood managed to take advantage of an away team who looked sluggish and frustrated. Clarke managed to emulate Fallon’s effort on the opposite wing, creating chances for Herridge and Wood.
Clarke bagged a few goals for himself from close range, but it was an unlikely goal scorer in the shape of Mitchell Bailey who got perhaps the best goal of the game. A neat flick from Herridge put Bailey through, beating the defender and rifling the ball into the top right hand corner inside the box.
By this time, the referee was asking the Liverpool Hope manager if he wanted to end the game fifteen minutes early, which he not so politely declaned.
Wood kapt punishing the defence with neAt goals, taking his tally to five &or the game. A late introduction for Liam ‘Macca’ Macmillan was positive for UCLan. Macmillan, looked lively and passed The ball up well to Herridee and Wood.
Herridge also bagged himself a brace before the final whistle.
UCLan now go into the second round of the cup to face perhaps some harder opposition
