FOOTBALL HAS COME HOME.
Maghull FC’s (1921) returned to the Northwest Counties Division One after a 26 year absence, on Saturday (27.7.24) with a dramatic, entertaining, incident packed, thrilling, impossible win against last year’s mid-table Darwen FC team, at the Old Hall Ground, Maghull!
Background. Despite considerable success on the pitch over quarter of a century promotion has eluded Maghull until last October when the equally hard-working off pitch team successfully achieved the necessary ground improvement criteria for promotion.
Build Up. Arguably, this game and season represents the most eagerly anticipated in Maghull’s history. It was a beautiful sunny day, the ground and facilities were immaculate, the staff were enormously friendly and helpful. The family friendly crowd of 430 spectators was the largest in the division on the day, overwhelming the car park, but creating a carnival atmosphere and expectation, whilst the club facilities did a roaring trade.
The Game. Maghull had spent their preseason friendlies pitching themselves against higher league opposition to test their mettle, giving a good account of themselves with mixed results, particularly with a few new additions to the squad and an unknown quantity at a higher-level league.
Worryingly after five minutes, Nathan Peet the impressive new striker recently transferred from Mossley Hill FC on his debut received a red card and in the first half losing two nil (Leon Creech – 18p, 25), despite Maghull spending most of the game in the opposition’s half.
At the beginning of the second half, Darwen quickly tried to finish Maghull off by increasing their tempo and pressing higher resulting in a stunning, heart in the mouth, shot that rebounded off the inside of the post and away and another powerful strike that the goalkeeper unbelievably dived and fingertipped away to prevent a certain goal.
Despite the impossible situation of playing on a warm day, with 10 men and two nil down, and against the odds, Maghull showed skill, determination, resilience to fight back: the crowd erupted when from a cross Darren Brannigan (48) scored with a header to provide some hope. Maghull continued to press with a few close chances, then….. Kieron Halligan drove forward and powerfully crossed the ball from a long way outside the left side of the box. Was it a cross? Was it a shot? It was an unbelievable equalising goal that nestled in the far top right corner of the goal. It was a worldie! Surely, Maghull would be content with a respectable draw in the circumstances? Clearly not, as their captain Robbie McDonald showed their desire and aspirations, who following some intricate passing was laid on with a pass and only the keeper to beat, scored with a low powerful shot, to make the impossible possible with a 3-2 win, and make it a perfect return to the Northwest Counties League for everyone associated with this incredible community focused club. Not least the enormously friendly Ron Young (Chairman) and his colleague – Andy Boyd, who have both been associated with the club’s endeavour for 60 years who radiated warmth and rightful pride in equal measure whilst watching from the clubhouse.
What a great afternoon of family entertainment on our doorstep from a friendly community club, at the heart of our community boasting 40 teams at every level and supports multiple good causes and is really worthy of our community support.
Going Forward.
On the pitch Joe Burns (Manager) and Joe Doran’s (Assistant Manager) team now have three away games at Ashton Athletic (30.7.24), Euxton Villa (3.8.24), Skelmersdale United (6.8.24) before the next home game on Saturday (10.8.24, 15.00hrs) against Bacup Borough (who won their opening game 5.0). There is also a mouthwatering game lined up with Maghull drawn at home In the FA Vase against the well-known historic Bury FC (currently in the NW Counties Premier league above).
Off the Pitch, new floodlights are being installed in September and during the course of the season a new 50 seated stand is being installed.
On reflection, the warmth, family entertainment, passion, belongingness generated by our local Maghull team really does challenge or at least provides a fantastic alternative of anything offered by our local professional teams.
- Joe Burns (Manager( BBC interview (must download BBC Sounds App first) starting 0:36:18 into the program: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0j7l9gd?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile
- Maghull FC website with great information on fixtures history community news and much more: https://maghullfc.co.uk/
Pictures: Joe Burns after the dramatic win (Manager – main picture) and some pictures from the game and program.
All the Very Best,
FOMD
Friends of Maghull & District (FOMD)
Together Making Maghull a Better Place to Live.
More information at: www.fomd.co.uk
Contact: admin@fomd.co.uk
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