Match Report

Flixton FC 1-3 Irlam FC

Manchester Premier Cup Preliminary Round | Valley Road Stadium

Our Manchester Premier Cup campaign came to an end with a 3-1 defeat to Irlam FC at Valley Road.

With a busy run of fixtures, five changes were made to the starting XI, with club captain Jacob Ngoy, Jordan Butterworth, Milan Lalkovic and Collins Tanor among those rested from the starting lineup. Isaac Graham captained the side for the night.

We made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening minutes through Lewis-Simon Byrne, who continued his goalscoring form following his hat-trick against Ashton Athletic.

Irlam responded in the 13th minute when an own goal brought the visitors level at 1-1.

The scores remained level for the rest of the first half, with the two sides going into the break at 1-1.

We continued to look for a way back in front after the restart, but it was Irlam who took the lead through Daniel Dolling in the 62nd minute.

The visitors then extended their advantage eight minutes later, with Harry Lynn converting from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.

We continued to push for a route back into the game, but there was to be no comeback as Irlam progressed with a 3-1 victory.

Team News

Starting XI:
Joshua Ollerenshaw, William Mendy, Kieron Molloy, Paul Riley, Louis Holden, Hilal Khan, Benni Smales-Braithwaite, Isaac Graham (C), Lewis-Simon Byrne, Aaron Dwyer, Ashley Cata.

Substitutes:
Matthew Lusaqueno, Jacob Ngoy, Collins Tanor, Milan Lalkovic, Cian Donohue.

Match Statistics

The game was evenly matched in terms of possession, with both sides seeing 50% of the ball, while we recorded more passes over the course of the night:

• 50% possession

• 6 recorded attempts

• 5 corners

• 326 total passes

• 223 successful passes

• 68% pass accuracy

• 37 successful forward passes

• 67 duels

• 10 tackles

• 14 interceptions

Looking Ahead

Our attention now turns back to NWCFL First Division North action as we welcome Ashville to Valley Road on Saturday.

With Ashville currently sitting eighth and seven points behind us in the table, it’s an important game as we look to respond to the cup defeat and pick up another three points on home soil.

Flixton FC vs Ashville
NWCFL First Division North
Saturday 7th November 2026
3:00pm KO
Valley Road, M41 8RQ