Audlem 3-2 Cheshire Cat

Audlem Football Club made it back-to-back wins on Sunday in an action packed victory over Cheshire Cat. Playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men, Audlem found the winner and dug deep to take all three points.

Apart from the corner near the tennis courts, which was as boggy as ever, the pitch had held up very well. A good turn out of 14 players to chose from, and only two changes to the Audlem side which put 4 past C&N the previous week.

Audlem started the stronger with short, simple passes and patient build up. The first chance came from good work down the left, and a good ball in from Seb Burrows was headed wide by Shea Bebbington.

The visitors looked lively as well, and with pacey centre forwards they were trying to exploit it with long balls into the channels. It was from this play that the opening goal came on 13 minutes. Audlem lost the ball high up the pitch, and a ball into the channel was latched onto by the striker who calmly placed his shot past Connor Baxter in goal. 0-1.

Cheshire Cat continued to look dangerous, forcing the issue and pushing for a second goal, but the hosts played their way back into the game. James Craig, Chris Pszyk and Seb Burrows were linking up nicely, and it was the latter who had a good chance from a header that came to nothing. Dan Rooney had a chance from a free kick, and ensured he won't be taking them next week by sending it into the cemetery behind the goal.

The pressure paid off on 37 minutes. After a corner was only half cleared, James Craig knocked it back to Olly Wilson who smashed it into the top corner from 35 yards. Goal of the season without a doubt. 1-1.

Audlem were ahead just two minutes later. A deep ball in from James Craig, and Andrew Betterley climbed like a salmon above the centre half to send a looping header in off the bar. 2-1.

A breathless first half wasn't over yet, and the visitors came back. An excellent freekick in from the left was turned into his own net by the unlucky Dan Rooney for the equaliser. 2-2.

Half time: Audlem 2-2 Cheshire Cat

The second half started much more slowly than the first, with the game getting scrappy and the pitch heavy. It ignited on the hour mark with a contentious red card. Sam Mason and a Cheshire Cat player jumped for a header, Sam winning the ball, and the Cat player landing awkwardly on his neck. A free kick was awarded and Sam threw the ball down, striking his opponent unintentionally. A melee ensued with multiple players involved, before the referee harshly sent the Audlem player off.

Nate Renyard coming on to sure up the defence, and the game continued to meander. The visitors looked unsure how to approach the ten men, so Audlem's took control and forced the issue. After penning the visitors into their own half for a good five minutes, a long James Craig throw was headed home by Seb Burrows in the 73rd minute. 3-2.

Audlem changed to a 4-4-1 formation, brought on defensive subs and sat in. The home side were dogged, dug deep, and restricted the visitors to half chances, and still managed to play when they had the ball. The clock ticked down, and on 86 minutes the visitors frustrations boiled over as they were reduced to ten men. After a dreadful tackle on Olly Wilson, the Cat player stamped on Olly whilst he was on the ground and received his marching orders.

Audlem saw out to full time, including 5 minutes of added time, but never looked like giving up the win. At times Audlem played with real quality and scored three really good goals. The second half display of grit earned the hardest fought win of the season, and 10 points from their last 12 in the league.

Final score: Audlem 3-2 Cheshire Cat

Man of the match James Craig for a hat trick of assists.

Top of league clash next week

Audlem move up to 4th in the table, three points off the top with games in hand. The stage is set for this coming Sunday 18th February when Audlem welcome league leaders Raven Salvador to Audlem playing fields.

Thank you to everyone who comes down to watch the team play, all the lads really appreciate it. If you are free this weekend, come along to some top of the table grassroots football.

Ross Henderson
Audlem FC Manager