Audlem FC Match Report

AUDLEM F C
WEDNESDAY 24th August

So the day dawns. Our very first match of the new season in the Crewe Regional Sunday League.
At 1700, Geoff Stretch and I are to setting out the kit for the players. All freshly laundered by Olive to a very high and fresh smelling finish. Extra new socks and shorts bought. Amazing how such items disappear, but, hey- my own washing machine quite often appears to eat my socks!

Getting the nets out of their summer slumber and fixed to the goal posts by some of the early arrivals from the team. Filling up holes with soil and bits of turf as we try to make the field a bit better. Dog poo survey made and very happy to report that no nasty deposits were found. Footballs out and inflated. Medical bag ready. Water bottles filled. Corner flags in place.

At the touchline, we learn that Des Evans- head referee for the league is replacing Jem Cornes . Des, a very good and very fair official.
And as I sit there with my box of files- signing on the players as they arrive and receiving their cash without which we cannot pay the referees fees and the hire of changing rooms. , David Robertson arrives with his daughter Kirsty. She, Kirsty, sponsors us so very generously with 7 footballs. Brand new and close to a £100 pounds worth. Such a marvellous gesture from Kirsty and we say a huge thank you to her. A great example of all that is good in Audlem.
We play Faddiley. A strong team and a big – physically – team. Well-disciplined and know each other's strengths and weaknesses. So – heavy opposition for us.

All in all we have 16 players turn out even at the difficult time of late Wednesday afternoon. A mark of their keenness, but it has to be said that today is the first time since last April that we have all been together!

Kick off at 1815 in the hope that the light will be OK by the time we finish. A goodly number of spectators including some of the Audlem Ladies Team.

Fast and furious play. Ed Holmes in goal for just two games as future commitments mean he cannot be with us on Sundays.
Air is cool after the hot days. Pitch very firm and as playable as we can make it. Age range of our team is 17 to 32.

1830. First corner to Faddiley. But Ok. Great run up field by Connor Jones, met by Andrew (Beco) Betterley but his shot goes across the front of goal.
Sun beginning to drop down behind the trees to the west. New player to us – Tom Bebbington being really effective as he covers much of the pitch with obvious determination. And a welcome black to Richard Crowther and Iain Chalker who played for us at the start of our brief history. Faddiley definitely on top in the play and just as I note this observation , they score!
1830
0-1
Then right after that goal, Ed pills off a great reflex save. Right now it is all Faddiley , but then we seem to be fighting back – only for them to score again!"
0-2
As we near the half time whistle, a flurry of attacking play by us comes to nought and our opponents bang in another fine header and score
0-3 !
Followed up by yet another
0-4
HALF TIME

Geoff plays subs – on comes Jack McClintock who has a reputation as a scorer. Many months since he put on the shirt.
Penalty conceded. They score again
0-5
Minutes later
0-6!
The slaughter continues. Fitness or the obvious lack if it showing large in our players. Faddiley, fit, strong, well disciplined and they play the ball on the deck. Very little " kick and hope" play for them , in their brand new yellow strip.
1930
As the light dims, so does our defence as yet another goal goes in.
0-7
Fine ball by Dale Bradbury, met by Jack but goalie saves what looked like a sure goal. Harsh tackle by Jack brings a lecture from the referee.
Dag Sirle also lectured as his mouth lets him down again.
0-8!!!
What more can I say. Fitness such a huge part of the result so far. The sun sets and trees darken with referee's black outfit merging in the gloom. And the gloom continues for us. As Faddiley score once more
0-9. Game over . A harsh lesson for us

Delighted to report that the whole game managed and officiated very high standard with just the odd and needed lecture. No bookings for either side. Well done Des Evans.
Next match is this coming Sunday – at home, and versus Sandbach Town F C .

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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