Audlem FC Match Report

Spring is Coming

This morning, early as usual , the sun still hiding behind clouds and not yet up. Birdsong increasing as buds on trees and bushes fatten up. The camellia buds looking good. Nascent fruits on my fig tree. First daffodils were out by the welcome to Buerton signs on the roadside , planted there by ADAS way back in 2003 . This Chaenomeles (Japanese Quince ) in glorious bloom giving such joy of the coming longer days and the rebirth of life in nature . See my photos with this report .And time for much renewed optimism .Spring is definitely in the air as the 747's of the bird world here try to mate whist on the cable bringing electricity to my house. The male trying to mount her but she moves away . Time after time ! But no luck. Methinks he need a great gift to tempt his target of affection .

My sauna heating up for me as I make my breakfast. A fine way to greet the new day.
As I travelled around yesterday in my car, I noted that the state of our road surfaces is that of a third world country. A shocking state and one that is going to take £millions to put right . And yet another feeling of so much less traffic on the roads within the village here -- so, so quiet.
But. Enough .

Match Report

We are at home . Our first game since 2nd of February
Pitch has suffered a little but all in all in good order and not likely to cut up badly . Freshly lined out by CE
Referee is Des Evans, head referee for the league. Firm but fair
Manager Kev Mort selects his line up from a good turn out again of 15 players
It is well marked that this season we do have a good fired up line up with a new injection of talent . Opponents are White Horse of Nantwich and this is the second round of the Division One Cup.

• In goal Simon Cavell -- Connor Baxter being away
• Defence. Ross Henderson . Dan Rooney. Thomas Capewell . Nathan Astbury
• Mid field . Sam Mason. Will Cork . Andrew Betteley .Danny Mahoney
• Attack . Kev Rodgers. Mark Parker .
• Subs. Ben Walker. Kyle Doughty. Nathan Miskelly . Alyn Busera .

Kick off as the bells of St James fall silent . Weather mostly dry but a keen breeze from the tennis court end .
First corner goes to White Horse. No gain .
Rachel. Partner of Kev Rodgers arrives- resplendent in a fine white cloud of a tutu !! Looking very nice indeed. So we start off with Tutu . 2-2 in our minds .
(Rachel by the way undertook to sleep out rough on the pavements of Stoke to raise both awareness of the homeless and to raise funds . This on the night of the 28th which was a truly foul night. She has raised -- Just under £800 !!!!)

To the game
1121.
Breeze getting up more and colder.
1126
Second corner to WH as they press hard on our defence .no gain
1129
We score -- but adjudged rightly as offside .
Play is about even at present.
1131
Yet another corner to WH . No gain
1135.
Presented with an open goal, Kev Rodgers fires wide !!
1146
Refereee books Dan Rooney for objection voiced too forcibly . Yellow card . All after a very vicious tackle on him.
Half term and all is even -- stevens .
Off I go to buy two cappuccinos for Alan Henderson and myself
And blow me down, WH score as the game resumes .i miss it !
0-1
Mark Parker comes off and Alyn Bursea comes on .
The light rain that was in the air has gone. Some sunshine to warm us.
Nathan Miskelky on for Sam Mason .
1209
WH shot is fierce but hits the bar .
Great shot by Alyn but no goal.
Will Cork receives a telling off from the ref.
Then WH race upfield and score!
1120
0-2
Soon after the kick off, referee awards us a penalty. Danny Mahoney steps up. And calmly but with force , he scores .
1-2
1230
Ref books WH player after a bust up with Kev Rodgers.
Kev comes off and Ben Walker comes on followed by Dan Rooney going off, with Kyle Doughty is on.
Wind has gone now. Warm sunshine . Frantic defending now as each side strives for a goal .
Clock ticks on remorselessly . Final whistle approaching . We pile everyone down to their goal, including keeper Simon.
Ball falls to the feet of Simon who lets fly a fierce kick and from 30 yards he scores !!
2-2
The TuTu has come true !!
So. Cup game .

Penalties

To sum up . Simon saves two. And the third for WH is fired wide.
We score two fine shots and are the victors.
On to the next round ! Heads held high
A win .

Off to the welcome of the Bridge and the foods .
Next game is here at home on the 15th when we play Sydney Arms of Nantwich.
Ralph Warburton
AFC .