Accrington Stanley may have lost 4-0 to Liverpool, but players say their performance at Anfield was a ‘childhood dream’ and an experience ‘to be cherished’. .
The Reds comfortably advanced to the FA Cup fourth round at lunchtime on Saturday, defeating their League Two opponents.
But John Doolan’s men were able to run away with their heads held high, keeping Liverpool at bay for 29 minutes.
It was a day to remember for traveling Accrington fans who would have loved cheering on their team in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums.
This experience was not lost on some players, such as Josh Woods, a boyhood Liverpool fan and regular at the Cops. description Enjoy a special afternoon as an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life.
An experience you want to cherish for the rest of your life?? pic.twitter.com/1GSG45hl69
— Josh Woods (@_Josh_Woods_) January 11, 2025
The 24-year-old even hit the crossbar in the second half, but even the most die-hard Reds fan would have been happy for him if the ball had found the back of the net.
Accrington’s top goalscorer this season, Sean Walley, also admitted By captaining the team at Anfield, he realized a “childhood dream”.
captain @LFC It has been my dream to play at Anfield since I was a child, but this time I will be captain and take second place. @ASFCofficial An absolutely unbelievable surreal experience?? pic.twitter.com/ej5dFRQv1o
— ShaunWhalley (@ShaunWhalley7) January 11, 2025
Similarly, loanee Jake Batty said it was a “surreal experience” to be at Liverpool’s world-famous home, although he did not take to the pitch.
A surreal experience at the world’s best stadium! Are you disappointed that you couldn’t come and take some time?? Focus on Saturday? @ASFCofficial pic.twitter.com/S45uY4hKbw
— Jake Batty (@jakebatty33) January 11, 2025
There was also an emotional moment for former Reds academy candidate Liam Coyle, who left the club in 2021.
After the match, he swapped shirts with Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the two players are only a year apart in age and have known each other since their youth team days.
Madness? ? ? thank you? @TrentAA @ASFCofficial https://t.co/KwPBzpOPxb
— Liam Coyle (@LiamCoyle_99) January 11, 2025
Doolan coached Alexander-Arnold during their academy days and revealed an emotional moment in which they discussed their past relationship after the match.
“I walked up to the fan and he showed up in a big coat and flip-flops and said, ‘I remember,'” Doolan said.
“We started chatting as if I had been talking to him last week.
“He’s a very nice and humble guy. He’s a top, top player, but he showed he’s top notch by doing that.”
It’s great to see how much playing at Anfield meant to Accrington’s players during what would have been a career-high moment for some.
This is the stadium you want to pass on to your grandchildren, as Liverpool’s stadium has a very long history and performing there is an experience that will last a lifetime for many.
For Woods in particular, it was heartwarming to see him play at the ground he frequents as a supporter, and the experience clearly lived up to his expectations.
