Audlem FC Match Report

As we race into autumn, I noted that the spell of such fine warm weather that we enjoyed in early September was a true bonanza for insects and therefore superb timing for the swallows and house martin, as they gather to make their long, long flight to South Africa . Swooping as they feed on the wing . Such a timeless thing and one I so hope will continue for many a year to come .
But. Audlem F C.

The game.

We play against George and Dragon , of Winsford. A team with a colourful reputation so they say. Tough, and as this is a Cup Tie, we are playing a team on top of a higher division.
A true test of our mettle today.
G&D arrive late at 10:35.
A sign of cockiness?

Our team denuded by missing our two top goal scorers. Nick Gregory and Andrew (Beco ) Betteley. A blow indeed.

Referee Ian Hurdle here on time and we agree that foul language will not be tolerated. Teams briefed fully on this. Weather cold -- a marked contrast to last Sunday when I had the warm sun on my back

11:00. Kick off and the running starts at pace.
A shot by us and just misses what looked like a sure goal
11:04. Game stopped . Dog turds in the centre of the pitch -- which by the way is in very good order after the wet Saturday. Why do folks do such with their dogs. Saddens me, but a kind spectator has a bag and we clean up.

1 – 0

11:10. We are awarded a penalty .
Dan Rooney steps up. Fires -- and scores!What a start.
Play is fast and furious -- say 50/50 now.
James Craig slammed to the ground in a fierce tackle. Ref books the G & D player.
Are they set on nobbling a superb player of ours?
11:20. Some sunshine appears, but still cold enough for me to be wearing gloves. Tom Capewell kicked in the head in a clash, so play stopped for a short whole.

1 – 1

11:25. G& D score . A fine shot from distance

11:29. Free kick to us but no gain .
11:36. Callum Mese booked for a sliding tackle.
11:40. First corner of the game goes to us. No gain.
We fire in a ball as goalie off his line but it goes wide
11:42. Referee lectures their number 7 for hard tackle.
Kev Rodgers booked. As was Dan Rooney.

1 – 2

11:45. Another good strike and G& D score again

HALF TIME

Restart -Overall we putting on a good show against tough opposition
Hard kick and Referee books their number 11
12:05. Subs played as Callum comes off and Seb Burrows on.
12:08. G & D Goalie injured and is tended to by our physio Emma Graham . All ok and play resumes
12:10. Another G & D player lectured by the Ref
Nether side really on top at present .

2 – 2

12:20. As I wonder will we score, up steps Will Cork who scores -- and scores well -- from a ball by Ben Walker. Good news!
Danny Mahoney comes on as Seb Burrows off .
Realise that G & D have two number 7's and two number 12's on the pitch !! A mess up on kit!
12:23. Ref Books Tom Smart!
Right now George & Dragon on top of the play . Playing very well.

2 – 3

12:23. Another fine shot by opponents and they score
Callum Mese back on as Sam Mason comes off with injury.

2 – 4

12:35. Referee Award's penalty to G & D .
Simple matter. They score.

We garnered 4 bookings! Yellows which costs each player £12!
Game over. In a way a blessing as we face yet another cup game next Sunday in Manchester. We are travelling there by a coach we have hired for the day.
All changed and off to the Bridge for chip butties and a beer as I drive off to a family luncheon .
Man of the Match goes to Dan Rooney.

Ralph Warburton
Audlem F C