CITY OF LIVERPOOL beat Kidsgrove 2-1 with a dramatic late winner at the Berry Street Garage Stadium on Saturday. 

Kev Ellison fired wide with a couple of early chances for the Purps before Kidsgrove’s Ernest Ofosu saw a straight red card after scything down Ste Milne just before half time.

In first half injury time James Steele missed a golden chance for the hosts from close range, after an inch-perfect ball from substitute John McGrath teed him up.

City of Liverpool took the lead within a minute of the second period when a dreadful clearance from Kidsgrove keeper Ryan Brown found Max Allen who fired into the empty net from long range. 

The Purps lost their way a little after the opener and Kidsgrove looked set for an unlikely point when Kieran Brown bundled home from close range after 77 minutes.

It was the hosts who stole the points at the death though when sub Jack Walls hammered home from a narrow angle, sparking wild celebrations from the players, fans and backroom staff.

The result sees City of Liverpool up to 18th in the NPL West division after a third win in four games and green shoots of recovery appearing with the recent appointment of new manager Paul McNally.