We continue our exclusive review of our title-winning Conference Premier campaign by taking a look back at January; a month which saw us meet mighty Liverpool in the FA Cup.
The New Year began with us quickly gaining revenge on Alfreton Town as we earned a comfortable 3-0 success at the Impact Arena.
Exodus Geohaghon, John Dempster and Junior Daniel were our scorers, but whilst we collected three points, many eyes were lingering towards our FA Cup Third Round clash.
However, there was a reason for cheer prior to our tie with Liverpool, as boss Paul Cox tied the knot with long-term partner, Natasha, with the reception held at One Call Stadium.
Two days later, on Sunday 06 January, after weeks of anticipation, our side were finally able to lock horns with Brendan Rodgers’ multi-million pound superstars.
Whilst many neutrals may have been expecting a comfortable Liverpool win, we defied the odds and produced a courageous display that shook the Reds to the core.
Daniel Sturridge, signed just days earlier from Chelsea, broke the deadlock prior to Luis Suarez adding a second in highly controversial fashion on the hour mark.
The world’s media, who descended on North Nottinghamshire in the days before, during and after the clash, were quick to condemn Suarez for his ‘deliberate’ handball.
But undeterred by the controversy, we gallantly fought on and Matt Green’s consolation was a perfect reward for the fight, endeavour and commitment that we showed.
As our club dominated column inches in national newspapers in the days afterwards, Kidderminster Harriers brought us back down to earth with a comfortable 2-0 win at One Call Stadium a week later.
Maximum points were gained, however, in our other league clashes in January.
An impressive 3-1 win at Stockport County was followed up with an equally-important 2-1 win over Southport in snowy surrounding at Haig Avenue.
We ended January in eighth position in the table; two points shy of the Play-Off’s, but a seemingly mammoth 11 points behind top-of-the-table Grimsby Town.
Also in January:
- Midfielder Gary Roberts was loaned to Maltese Premier League outfit Floriana.
- Striker Jake Speight was ruled out for several weeks due to a knee injury.
- Utility man Andy Owens agreed to stay with Southport for the remainder of the season.
- Artwork for our proposed new training ground was revealed.
