Stuart Delmonte confessed his AFC Flixton side had pulled off a smash-and-grab raid following this narrow win.
November 11, 2013 11:41ACCOUNTANTS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
MANCHESTER VILLA 1 AFC FLIXTON RESERVES 2
Stuart Delmonte confessed his AFC Flixton side had pulled off a smash-and-grab raid following this narrow win.
The visitors were pegged back for long periods before Rafi Leeker marked his debut with the late winner.
But it was stand-in goalkeeper Anthony Moore who was the real hero as he pulled off a string of saves to frustrate Manchester Villa.
Moore, once again deputising for the injured Dan Garmen, foiled the hosts on countless occasions to steal the show.
Delmonte said: "We were outplayed and had our backs to the wall for long periods.
"But Anthony was different class. He made four or five world-class saves. We have him to thank.
"Villa had 70 per cent of the play, but that is the way it goes sometimes.
"You don’t always have to be at your best to win as we have found out ourselves.
"There have been times, especially in recent weeks, where we have played well without earning the rewards."
Flixton would have settled for a point despite seeing Rob Jacobs’ opener cancelled out by the dominant hosts.
Leeker had other ideas as he popped up to convert in the 80th minute – but it was Moore who took the plaudits for second-placed Flixton.
Delmonte added: "I would like to pay tribute to Anthony. He has come into the side and has impressed everyone.
"His performance here was the difference between us winning and losing."
Report by Darren Witcoop