Audlem FC fall to defeat in 7 goal thriller

Audlem Football Club fell to a 4-3 defeat at Princes Feathers FCon Sunday.

Audlem were left cursing a man of the match performance from the home goalkeeper, and three sloppy goals conceded in eight minutes as they fell to a second league defeat of the season.

Coming into the game off the back of a 6-1 victory against C&N United, Audlem made the trip to Winsford in high spirits. These were quickly dampened by the freezing cold temperatures and lack of changing facilities. Third-placed Princes Feathers had won the reverse fixture 3-2, with Audlem missing two penalties, so revenge was the aim of the day.

The match got underway at a frantic pace, and it didn't take long for Audlem to hit their stride. On 9 minutes a Will Cork shot was well saved by the goalkeeper but it came out only as far as Ben Walker, who turned in the rebound. 0-1 Audlem.

Audlem continued to dominate as the home side lost their discipline. The referee sent two players to the sin bin within a matter of minutes for dissent, and Audlem cranked up the pressure against nine men. A Ben Walker shot from distance was well saved, before Nick Gregory produced an outstanding stop from the home keeper when clean through. Ben Walker then brought a double save from the stopper, who was having the game of his life.

Returning to eleven men, the home side played their way back in, and scored a simple equaliser. A long ball was hoofed down field, and Audlem missed the first and second challenge allowing the striker in to score. 1-1.

Audlem continued to press, and after another superb double save from the home keeper first from Nick Gregory and then Andrew Betterley, Ben Walker finally put the ball in the net for his fourth goal in two games.

Half Time -- Princes Feathers 1-2 Audlem

The second half was a more even affair, with fewer chances created. Those that did come fell to Audlem, with Ben Walker and Will Cork again drawing good saves from the home keeper. Substitutions were made by both sides, and Shea Bebbington just off the bench thought he had extended the lead, but his classy finish from a tight angle was disallowed for offside.

Then Audlem switched off and the game was turned on its head. On 78 minutes, a Princes Feathers corner was headed home for the equaliser. 2-2. Three minutes later and the visitors were behind. After losing the ball in midfield, the hosts had men over. The first shot was headed onto the bar, only for the rebound to be turned in. 3-2. The game was put to bed just five minutes later. Again Princes Feathers had men over, and after a brilliant save from Connor Baxter, the ball was played back across for a simple finish. 4-2.

After seemingly being in control, Audlem were chasing the game. A fine move saw James Craig play a through ball to Shea Bebbington who's low, drilled cross was turned in for Nick Gregory to pull one back with a minute to play. 4-3.

With seven minutes of injury time played, no major chance came, and Audlem were left wondering what might have been had they taken their chances, and kept their concentration. Audlem's man of the match Ben Walker for endless running, hold-up play and two goals.

Full Time -- Princes Feathers 4-3 Audlem

Audlem are next in action at home to Ruskin Park in the Crewe FA Vase second round on Sunday 3rd December. Kick off 11am.

Please come along and support your village team.

Ross Henderson
Audlem FC Manager