CITY of Liverpool FC are through to the first round proper of the FA Trophy after defeating Atherton Collieries 3-0 in the third round of qualifying on Wednesday.

The Purps put in an impressive display against a team who play their football one league above them in the pyramid, and Michael Ellison’s side will now play another opponent from the same level, Buxton FC, in the next round.

The date for that tie is currently not set and there is an air of uncertainty around non-league football at the moment, as there is in all walks of life.

Non-league and “non-elite” football, along with much of the rest of the country, are now facing a month-long interruption as a result of the government’s lack of action during the first Covid-19 “lockdown,” and their negligent handling of the pandemic in general.

The FA confirmed on Tuesday that these new measures would affect all fixtures and training for steps three-to-six of the National League System (NLS). It also said that there is currently no suggestion that this will affect the ability to complete the season.

An FA statement read: “Our aim is to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues in the NLS and women’s football pyramid and the county football associations to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required.”

For City of Liverpool it was a good result on which to end this latest run of games. All the positives which have emerged from the team and their football since Ellison took over a month ago came together in a resounding victory.

“I thought we were excellent from start to finish,” Ellison told Purps Matchday after the game.

“We set our stall out early with our work rate. We denied them space. They’re a very good side, and we’ve come here today and been the better side from start to finish. 

“Some of the football we played was excellent and we probably could have had more in the end. It’s a great result and we’re delighted to be in the next round.”

Fireworks exploded in the background as Ellison spoke — almost fitting for such an impressive performance — and it’s one that came on the back of a difficult few weeks. 

The club, its staff and volunteers have worked hard to get games on, put players on the pitch and ensure a safe environment for supporters.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks with what’s going on,” added Ellison. 

“There are lads playing today who haven’t kicked a ball for us, lads playing out of position. We just about strung a side together. So I’m delighted.

“I thought the midfield five, if you want to call it that, were absolutely outstanding. As was Mitch Bryant leading the line … and again, a clean sheet.

“We’ve got a back four that haven’t played together — Jack Hinnigan’s first game, Jordan Barrow’s gone in at centre half, Stephen Rigby at right-back, and a new keeper.

“To put all that into the mix and come away with a clean sheet is excellent. I’m over the moon.”

The team face many challenges off the pitch in the coming weeks and will then need to regroup on it in just over a month’s time.

Off the pitch, COLFC’s work in the community has continued throughout the pandemic. 

Some 270 packed lunches per day were distributed across the borough via the club’s Purple Pantry during half-term as the government refused to provide help with free school meals.

The Purple Hub sports facility, meanwhile, has been vital for exercise and wellbeing in recent months — though it will now be closed until December 2 to comply with the new guidelines from the FA and the government.

As was the case during last “lockdown,” and has been the case since, the club will continue to play a part in Liverpool communities — even if it is not playing football.