FULL TIME | AFC MONTON 3–2 BACUP BOROUGH SHADOW SQUAD

What a turnaround at New Alder Park!

Monton had to show plenty of character after a difficult opening 20 minutes against a strong Bacup Borough side, who started quickly and punished us to race into a 2–0 lead inside the opening half hour.

Bacup caused us problems at every opportunity, particularly from long throws and set pieces into the box, giving our defence plenty to deal with.

We made two first-half changes, introducing Brownbill and McGrath, and the pair combined to give us a lifeline before the break. Brownbill picked the ball up around the halfway line, drove forward and produced a superb finish into the top corner to make it 2–1 and completely change the momentum going into half-time.

The second half was a different story.

Monton came out on the front foot and produced a dominant second-half display, with Brownbill running riot and causing Bacup problems throughout.

Cooney grabbed the equaliser to make it 2–2 before the comeback was complete when Brownbill turned provider, setting up Evan Bracken for the winner and sending New Alder Park into celebration.

From 2–0 down to 3–2 winners. A great response after a difficult start and another performance that showed the character and togetherness within this group.