Cammell Laird 1907 FC entertained local rivals Ashville in the Macron Cup 1st round in front of a large expectant crowd for this derby match.
Early exchanges were even as both teams fought for superiority, but chances were created and wasted by both teams in this wet and windy encounter.
However, the deadlock was broken when captain Jake Hulley made a fantastic defence-splitting run and passed to Kieran Hamm who beat the visiting keeper to give Lairds the lead in the 38th minute, which they held until half-time.
Ashville showed more determination in the second half and caused Lairds some difficult moments, but Danny Stephens proved to be a rock at the heart of Laird’s defence. The visitors saw efforts placed wide or over and they also hit the post before Laird’s defence cleared the danger, but their pressure did tell though in the 79th minute when Sam Hughes levelled matters with a good goal.
Lairds made late changes and they had the desired effect as they regained more control and pressed for the winner with some neat football, but with time running out and a penalty shoot-out looked ominous a breakaway saw the visitors’ defence failing to clear their lines and Kalif Koura headed home for a 94th minute winner for Lairds.
The final whistle was blown a minute later by the referee – Jacob Viera – who had a good game with his assistants and Lairds will now entertain South Liverpool at home in round two on 19th November.
Lairds are away in the Isuzu FA Vase next Saturday versus Squires Gate which promises to be an enthralling fixture.
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