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Liverpool Baltic v Liverpool Medics

11.30am  17 March 2018

Liverpool County Premier League, Division Two
Liverpool Baltic 3 Liverpool Medics 5 (att 4)

I was planning a day in Scotland, but ever more ominous weather forecasts made me question the wisdom of a night-time drive home through snow and ice.

What finally swung it for me was the discovery, on Friday night, that for some unknown reason this fixture, in the lowest of the Liverpool League's three divisions, had been moved to a morning kick-off.

It was very much a local derby, as Baltic and Medics are two of three teams in the league who play home games at Barnham Drive Playing Fields in the Childwall district of Liverpool. It's a basic playing field, with a few pitches, and some utilitarian changing rooms in a small car park.

As well as being the name of the home side, Baltic was also an apt description for the conditions. At times it was sunny, at times we had blizzards, but it was freezing cold throughout.

Luckily there were plenty of goals to keep a small crowd entertained. Liverpool Baltic began the match a player short, and while they eventually got up to full strength they were outplayed in the first half. Medics scored five, including two penalties, before half time.

I don't know what Baltic's half time team talk consisted of, but perhaps they should try it before the next match, as they were like a different side in the second period. Three goals back was a decent reward for their efforts, although Medics' lead was never in doubt.

One curiosity was the appearance of a programme. I'm sure Liverpool Baltic don't issue for most matches, and two of the three groundhoppers present (me included) were tempted by the kick off time rather than the chance to collect some more paper.

The fourth spectator was a friend of some of the Baltic players, and was roped into being the club's semi-official programme seller. Although unexpected, it was a welcome addition to my programme collection.









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