In a pulsating encounter at Litherland Sports Park on 2nd November 2024, Litherland Remyca Res triumphed over Heswall First with a scoreline of 4-3 in a league home match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The match kicked off at 2:00pm and delivered a feast of goals, showcasing the attacking prowess of both teams.
Litherland Remyca Res lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack. Ged Gustafson occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four consisting of Michael McDonald on the right, Ste King and Sam Kearney in central defence, and John Graham on the left. The midfield was anchored by Callum Moffatt and Will Ashley centrally, with Konstantinos Misios on the right and Cameron Taylor on the left, providing width and creativity. Up front, the dynamic duo of Josh Rice and Karl Bergqvist were tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Litherland Remyca Res included Anthony Griffith and Aaron Rutherford-Spence, who were poised to make an impact should the need arise.
The match began with Litherland Remyca Res asserting their dominance early on, and it was Josh Rice who opened the scoring in the 17th minute, slotting home with precision to give his side a 1-0 lead. Rice doubled his tally just 17 minutes later, finding the net again in the 34th minute, putting Litherland Remyca Res firmly in control at 2-0 as the first half drew to a close.
However, the second half saw a dramatic turnaround as Heswall First came out with renewed vigour. Just two minutes after the restart, they pulled one back in the 47th minute, igniting their hopes of a comeback. The visitors continued to press and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 48th minute, leaving the score at 2-2 and sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
With the momentum shifting, Litherland Remyca Res needed to respond, and they did so in the 71st minute when Will Ashley found the back of the net, restoring their lead to 3-2. Yet, the drama was far from over, as Heswall First struck again in the 76th minute, equalising once more at 3-3, leaving the match finely poised.
In a thrilling finale, Konstantinos Misios emerged as the hero for Litherland Remyca Res, scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute to put his team ahead 4-3. The home side then made tactical substitutions, bringing on Anthony Griffith for Josh Rice and Aaron Rutherford-Spence for Michael McDonald in the 81st minute, aiming to solidify their lead.
As the match drew to a close, Litherland Remyca Res held firm against Heswall First's late attempts to find an equaliser, securing a hard-fought victory. The referee, Philip Howard, oversaw a match filled with intensity and excitement, ensuring the game flowed despite the high stakes.
Josh Rice's standout performance, highlighted by his two goals, earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, a fitting recognition for his contributions to a thrilling encounter that will be remembered by both sets of supporters.
