TOWN READY FOR TWO CUP DATES
Final clash with 1874 beckons – and it’s at home
RUNCORN Town boss Paul McManus was ‘over the moon’ at Friday night’s roller coaster win against AFC Liverpool which put his side through to the Macron Cup Final.
“I’m over the moon to reach a cup final in my first full season in charge. Always in cup games the performance doesn’t matter in a sense, it’s the end result of progression in the competition that matters and we are there!’’
Town progressed by beating their opponents on penalties following thrilling 3-3 draw.
AFC Liverpool twice led with goals from Kyle Schorah and Callum Schorah, but Town responded with Kieran Holsgrove and Dale Jennings making it 2-2.
It looked like Kevin Exell had won it when he put Town ahead, but Phil Herron equalised late on.
The game went straight to penalties and after Joe Holt missed the first Town spot kick, Aidan Roxburgh, Danny Byrnes, Liam Turner and Kevin Exell all scored. Adam Reid also saved one of the AFC penalties to nab a 4-2 win.
A breathless McManus said: ‘Generally again I thought our performance was really really good, especially the football we played in the first half. Until they scored we basically had the ball in their half for 20 mins and played some exciting stuff again. Some very good play leading to all goals and the build up to the third goal was fantastic to see.”
There were three enforced changes, with Lewis Buckley and Ryan Cox ineligible and Declan McGivern unable to make kick off due to work commitments.
“I thought the lads who stepped in played really well and that’s why we feel we’ve built the most competitive squad available. They should be able to step in, play well and perform and I thought they all did that. Without a real out and out striker on show I thought the front 3 played exceptionally well. Dale played the false 9 position like he’s been playing that all his career.
‘‘The young lads played well and knowing them and their abilities in such a big game they dealt with it perfectly,” said the boss.
Having won at Ashton Athletic on penalties in the previous round back in February, again it was Town who kept their nerve.
“Penalties are always a lottery,’’ McManus said. ‘‘I love a good penalty, but come the final whistle two of our main penalty takers had been subbed. I asked who wanted one – some volunteered and some needed to be told!
‘‘The penalties were all taken with confidence and that’s what matters. Even Joe’s – to show that confidence to go first as a senior lad so that the young lads would follow deserves a lot of credit. Even though he thought he was playing rugby for a second!”
In the final on September 26, Town will face the holders 1874 Northwich – who beat Shelley – at the Viridor after a draw pulled them out as hosts.
The boss added: “I wasn’t too bothered who we would be facing in the final. Getting there is massive for the management, players and the club as a whole. I think it’s the first final the club has been in for quite a few years. We will go into the final full of confidence and do our upmost to come away as winners and lift the cup!”
Meanwhile, Brighouse Town visit for this Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round (3pm).