Litherland Remyca Res faced off against Ellesmere Port Town in a gripping league encounter at the Vauxhall Motors Sports and Social Club on 6 December 2024. The match kicked off at 8:00 pm and concluded with a hard-fought 2-1 victory for the visitors, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess.
Litherland lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack. Lukasz Baranowicz took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Aaron Rutherford-Spence on the right, Sam Kearney and Mubarak Adewunmi in central defence, and Frankie Smith on the left. The midfield was structured with Michael McDonald on the right, Will Ashley and Cameron Taylor occupying central roles, and John Graham on the left. Josh Rice played just behind the lone striker, Anthony Griffith, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Litherland included Rhys Maurer, Danny Cull, and Dylan Riley, who would be called upon later in the match to influence proceedings.
The first half saw both teams probing for openings, but it was after the break that the match truly ignited. Just five minutes into the second half, Josh Rice broke the deadlock, scoring a well-placed goal that sent the Litherland bench into raptures. His strike came as a result of a swift counter-attack, showcasing the effectiveness of their tactical setup.
In the 55th minute, Litherland made their first substitution, bringing on Rhys Maurer for John Graham in a tactical switch aimed at bolstering their midfield presence. The change seemed to pay off as Litherland continued to press for a second goal.
However, the match took a turn in the 71st minute when Anthony Griffith received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a moment that could have shifted the momentum in favour of Ellesmere Port. Despite this setback, Griffith redeemed himself in the 82nd minute by scoring Litherland's second goal, a powerful finish that extended their lead and put them in a commanding position.
As the match approached its final minutes, Litherland made another substitution, with Danny Cull replacing Michael McDonald in the 83rd minute, further solidifying their midfield. Yet, the drama was far from over. In the 86th minute, Ellesmere Port Town managed to pull one back, scoring a goal that reignited their hopes of a comeback.
With the clock ticking down, Litherland made their final substitution, introducing Dylan Riley for Frankie Smith in the 87th minute, aiming to shore up their defence as Ellesmere Port pushed for an equaliser. The final whistle blew shortly after, confirming Litherland Remyca Res's hard-earned victory.
This match not only highlighted the tactical acumen of Litherland but also showcased the individual brilliance of players like Josh Rice and Anthony Griffith, who played pivotal roles in securing the three points. The referee, Harry Case, managed the game effectively, contributing to a competitive yet fair encounter. The victory leaves Litherland Remyca Res in high spirits as they look forward to their next challenge.
