When Simon Burton took over at City of Liverpool FC his side were without a league and without a permanent home – how times have changed.
Just one year on, the Purps are now on the brink of making the Buildbase FA Vase first round proper, but standing in their way are local rivals AFC Liverpool.
Just under four miles separates the two sides and Burton is hoping to make history against their fierce rivals on the weekend, and secure City of Liverpool’s maiden appearance in the first round proper.
“The FA Vase is a big deal so everyone’s really, really looking forward to the game,” Burton said.
“They’ll be very motivated, I’m aware of a lot of players and they know quite a few of ours, there’s a lot of fierce rivalry between the lads and I think there will be this weekend."
Burton is well aware of AFC Liverpool’s players including Alan Weston, who switched allegiances last season, and the City of Liverpool boss is expecting him to be motivated even more against his old side.
After taking over at the club in 2016, Burton believes the Purps have progressed exponentially and paid homage to their loyal fanbase.
He said: “It’s been phenomenal; when I took the job we hadn’t been accepted into any of the leagues and we didn’t have a permanent pitch to play on, but the chairman sold the dream.
“True to his word the fanbase has been incredible, crowd-wise it’s been phenomenal.
“The supporters are like nothing I’ve ever experienced in non-League football. With our fans they’re singing from the first whistle.
“I think it’ll be electric on Saturday and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Buildbase FA Vase history
AFC Liverpool reached the third round of the competition in their only their second-ever appearance in 2010-11. They beat Dinnington Town, Hallam and AFC Blackpool before losing to Whitley Bay.
As for the Purps, they have only ever made one appearance in the tournament and that was last season, when they lost in the first qualifying round to Litherland REMYCA 2-1.
Did you know?
City of Liverpool FC became only the second team in the history of the North West Counties League to win a cup double – achieving the feat in their very first season (2016-17).
One to watch
City of Liverpool’s Luke Denson has been in flying form in recent weeks, netting five times in his last seven games in a real hot streak for the Purps. He also scored twice in City of Liverpool’s Emirates FA Cup run to the first round qualifying.
The prize
The winners of Saturday’s clash will progress to the first round proper, netting £725 in prize money.
