Audlem FC Match Report

Audlem F C Match report 14th February.

The Playing Surface

I report that an irresponsible tractor driver traversed the playing field on Wednesday. Ruined the surface so very badly. What a totally idiotic thing to have done.

Who the heck was driving that machine! See my photos of the damage he caused. How on earth is this to be remedied for next Sunday. I am beside myself with anger – and especially so as we had avoided using the field in an attempt to give it a chance to recover from the continuous rains of the past weeks. We will be at the mercy of Cheshire East on this.

The upshot of that was myself spending days telling the Cheshire League we could not hold a game – our home fixture versus Wistaston, who are on the top of the division. Big Guns indeed – and I then sought permission to play away and, as such lose all home advantage.

Calls to our opponents eventually produced an OK to play on their pitch and the League secretary, Dave Cooper agreed to change to an away fixture. Referee Darren Barnes informed of change of venue.

Then I start to get the names of our players who will turn out to play. Imagine my feelings as I discover we have just 8 players willing. And then even some of them saying a "half no" to me. To say I was disappointed by all this – on top of the destruction of the playing field, would be a huge understatement. Just 8 players!!!

How the gods conspire to foil our attempt at a win. We shall see who arrives with their boots. If only the commitment that the nascent ladies Audlem team show, with 16 of them turning out each Tuesday to train was reflected in the men's team. I cannot remember when the men last trained!

I drive from a silent village. Geoff Stretch our manager in my car along with young Rhys Wright and Denise – our good luck girl. She has not seen us lose yet and has bestirred herself on this Valentine's Day to come to cheer us. She is a real friend of the team.

We arrive at Wistaston. I stand and wait as the home team arrive in number. All of 17 turn out for them. My players trickle in. By 1035hrs I have 9 . The Connor Jones, our young goal scorer with 11 to his credit, has worked a mini miracle and garnered 3 fellows to play for us. I sign them on forthwith. To add to the 36 players we have signed on this year.

New men are Oliver Dean, David Windley and Cameron Shaw (Goalie)

The Game

Bright sun. Slanting across the pitch- in a fine setting of mature trees. Pitch is perfect. How lucky they are here.

11.05 We score the first goal with a fine strike by Connor Jones as he adds to his tally.
0 -1
11.10 They score with a fierce volley into our net.
1-1

Pressure is intense as Wistaston camp in our half. Defence under heavy bombardment. We concede possession and from a set piece kick. They score –
2-1 Here we go methinks .

11.25 The attacks heavy on our stretched defence line. We concede a foul in the box. Penalty –
3-1

Fingertips very cold. Keen sharp gold wind.
Again they score but Referee adjudges a foul on our stand-in goalie , Cameron, so disallowed.
Another set piece but Cameron saves a sure goal .
Followed up with them scoring yet again

4-1. At the very death of the first half.

Second Half

Off we go again. Opponents again dominating our half. We play our one sub as David Windley comes on for Oliver Lean. Both players who are the emergency signings.
Instantly the opponents race up field and score
5-1
Our back line opened up as midfield are very poor. Frustration in evidence in their yells for support! Alex Carter booked. Only booking of the game.
Wistaston have the luxury of playing all 3 subs as they dominate the game.. A shot saved by our goalie but then another and they score.
6-1
1220. A run up field at pace by young Rhys and his first shot parried by their goalkeeper but he persists and scores . All on his own.
6-2 . A modicum of pride restored
They respond instantly
7-2
We give away another penalty. Cameron saves!! The icy wind continues. Its grip hard and tight on my ruddy face and my aching digits
Then they top it all with another goal
8-2 . Referee saves us more embarrassment. Blows up for full time.

Our very own Valentine Day massacre if you like.
Peppered by a strong well organised team. Our next match. Who knows where?

Ralph Warburton AFC

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