Mersey Marauders kicked off their new partnership alongside Marine AFC with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Rainbow Toffees.
The Marauders will play the majority of their home games at the Marine Travel Arena this season after announcing a deal with the Crosby club last month.
And the partnership got underway in style with a brilliant game that saw seven goals scored and over £1500 for LGBT+ football raised on Tuesday evening.
Mersey struck first on the night through striker Craig Wilson, who expertly rounded the Toffees goalkeeper and slotted home to break the deadlock.
Wilson would have another two chances to score before Rainbow Toffees hit back just before the half hour mark, Liam Buckley converting from the spot after Khyle Roberts had been brought down by the Mersey goalkeeper.
But Mersey would respond in style, scoring three more times before the break. Tom Reid put them back ahead on 37 minutes with a superbly taken free-kick before Wilson grabbed his second with a simple finish from a low cross.
Centre-back Jamie Richards would extend Mersey's lead with a good header from another Reid free-kick to make it 4-1 and there was still time for Wilson to see a chance to grab his hat-trick cleared off the line by some superb Toffees defending after he'd once again rounded the goalkeeper.
A number of substitutions were made by both sides for the second half as Rainbow Toffees cut the deficit through a Khyle Roberts brace.
He grabbed his first on 61 minutes with a good finish after being played in by a bad back-pass, before scoring again nine minutes from time with a low shot.
Mersey co-manager Paul Williams said: "It was a superb occasion that our members and supporters deserve, the game was competitive and played in great spirits.
"We have such a great bunch of players who just love playing football and being in each others company. We strive to grow as much as possible, facilitate development and provide game time."
And Mersey are now looking for new recruits, with an event to take place on August 14 at the Marine Travel Arena.
Club treasurer Francis Wight said: "Huge thank you to our hosts Marine AFC, our friends Rainbow Toffees and everyone who bought a ticket.
"We raised over £1,500 that will directly support LGBT+ people to play football in an inclusive environment free from discrimination.
"We are recruiting LGBT+ people of all abilities and levels of experience to join the Marauders - please come along to our next recruitment event on the 14th August at the Marine Arena, 2-4pm.’
Mersey Marauders FC have provided an inclusive space for LGBT+ people and allies to play football in Liverpool since 2005. They run weekly training sessions and compete in two 11-a-side leagues, the Gay Football Supporters Network league and the Midlands Unity League.
More information on how you can get involved can be found on the club's Instagram page and website.
