Audlem blown away by Semtex

Sunday 11th of May. Our last home game of the season.

And what a wet, wet day. Cold and so heavy a sky as I arrive at an as yet deserted car park. Young James Cawood, very energetic on his bike, comes up to me. I ask him to help to go around the field to see if any dog mess or holes. Off he goes as I walk the top half.

Happily no mess at all so I wonder if the mess-age is getting home about dog owners caring a little more. Young James stays and puts out the corner flags. Very pleasant and very well mannered young boy. Our thanks to him as he too braved the rain.

Weather so poor, I have to bring out my hat from its retirement. Such a contrast after the fine days we have been enjoying.

Team we play this day are F C Semtex, a team enjoying much success. Having won one Cup Final and second in the league they are looking to be crowned champions. Plus another Cup Final to play.

A team as explosive as their name but, looking at them, they are definitely not plastic!

Referee today is Darren Waters – so aptly named as we kick off at 11.05 and the clouds yet again empty the rain on our heads.

First 20 minutes and we are playing well. Keeping a good shape. Attacking well with young Joe Benson tackling hard and winning balls. Pete Jones in central defence towering above all as he keeps the door closed.

Then:
11.20: A very soft penalty given against us. Even the very vociferous manager of FCS says that it was not a penalty. They score.
Two minutes later and we are down by 2 goals
0-2!
A bit of sun peeks out from behind the wet sugar clouds. Car park by now packed solid as folks arrive for a christening.
A handful of free kicks to the opponents. Good defence by Kev Rodgers. Pace slowing and less frantic as Semtex enjoy their lead.
A shot saved off the line by Pete Jones.
My shoes now soaked. My socks wet. My trouser legs wet. My hat brim overflowing. I must be mad.
11.35: They score again
0-3.
Dag Sirle warned by the Ref after a tackle.
Free kick and we concede yet again
0-4
We are like sitting ducks in a shooting gallery.
Blow me down. 0 – 5 within minutes.
Huge hole in our midfield.
Then they score again.
0-6 as the Ref. blows up for half time.

Second Half

Cloudburst as we kick off. I wonder – will we have a goal fest on our hands. Can we get back from this edge of darkness?
Great spirit by Dag Sirle. His fine shot hits the bar. Kev Rodgers has played well in defence – in spite of our position.
Then an attack by FCS – a goal.
0-7
Two minutes later:
0-8!!!
Bit of sunshine so not everything is bad.
Pleased to say that this was one of the least "swearing" of games that we have had. Opponents on the line very loud of voice but clean in their vocabulary.
Then machine gun fire as goals go in.
0-9 !
0-10 !
0-11 !
Thankfully the Ref. blows for full time and so ends the slaughter.
Kindness to bring it to an end.
Our worst result ever.

Off to dry out in the welcoming confines of the Lord Combermere. And to dream of Liverpool winning and Manchester City losing.

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