CITY of Liverpool FC began life under new manager Michael Ellison in encouraging fashion with two impressive performances away from home.

The club are aiming to get back on track after a disappointing start to the season that included defeats to Marske United, Kendal Town and Workington, as well as an FA Cup exit at the hands of Morpeth Town.

The sole win in that opening period came in the FA Cup preliminary round against Glossop North End early in September.

“Michael has exactly what we are looking for at this point in time for the club,” Club Chairman Paul Manning said following Ellison’s arrival. 

“His passion and ambition to win football matches mirrors ours, and we are looking forward to seeing our team instilled with Michael’s belief in COLFC’s ability to compete in this league.”

The Purps’ first league win of the season came immediately after Ellison’s appointment, in an entertaining 5-2 triumph against Brighouse Town at the St Giles Road ground in West Yorkshire.

The new boss had praise for his players after picking up the victory on the other side of the Pennines, as well as for the previous manager Craig Robinson and his coaching staff.

“I thought the lads were excellent from start to finish,” Ellison said after the game.

“We had a few simple instructions for them, and they carried them out. All the credit goes to them.

“The players have been great, every single person, also the previous coaching staff and manager have been superb, we had conversations with them, and the lads have been excellent.”

This was followed up with a point picked up closer to home, but still away from home, in the 10A Derby against Prescot Cables. 

The fixture is always a competitive one, and this eventful 90-minutes was no different. 

Jay McCarten gave the Purps an early lead only for Cables to score twice in the second half, but Jamie McDonald restored parity shortly after to secure a point for COLFC.

“First half we were absolutely outstanding, pressing high, playing the game in their half — some of the football was really good to see, and we probably should have gone in two or three up,” said Ellison after his second game in charge.

“In the second half, they changed their shape and came at us. Then to go 2-1 down … the lads showed character to get it back to 2-2 and we could have nicked it at the end.

“I’m delighted with the performance and it’s a really good point against a good side away from home.”

The Purps play their first home game under the new boss today, against Cleethorpes Town in the FA Trophy.

Though Elisson had been able to meet with the players individually and collectively following his appointment, it wasn’t until Thursday that he was able to oversee his first training session with the team.

The match at Vesty Road, Bootle, kicks off at 3pm, and is limited to 400 spectators. 

Measures will be in place to ensure supporters are able to watch the game in a safe environment, including temperature checks on entry, social distancing, the rule of six, the compulsory wearing of masks and a one-way system around the perimeter.

“It’s another game, and another game we want to win,” Elisson said of the switch from league to cup football.

“We’re at home, on a really good pitch, against a good side lets not forget, but it’s a chance to go on a little cup run.

“We’ll do our homework on them this week, we’ll train well on Thursday, and we’ll go into Saturday prepared.”