Audlem FC Match report

I write this -- the very last report for the 2017/2018 season As I do so, I must introduce all to our new football strip for the 2018/19 .

We are delighted that in planning this, we have been blessed with sponsorship by The Lord Combermere- who have sponsored us from day one of reformation of the team-, the Finefoodies Deli and Barn India of Woore. This very welcome sponsorship meant we had 75% of the cost- the balance being found by ourselves.

As you see from the accompanying photos, the kit is very striking. All who have seen it have said how smart it looks. Let us hope it inspires us to better results next year!! If you like a symbol of the very good together spirit we have this season

To our game

We meet Haslington F C -- a team struggling to get enough players. We play at the Sir Thomas Moore pitch in Crewe.A huge arena of grass feeding three centres of learning. Turn out by players is low at just 13 and we will miss the energy and commitment of Ross Henderson as he is away in the USA.

A lovely sunny day. A pleasure to play the game on such a day. Hope the sun will bring out the best in our team

Kick off sharp at 1100
Referee Ian Hurdle is one of the top referees of the League and one will officiate sensibly. I ask him to crush stupid foul language.

1102
First shot on goal by Mark Parker -- our prolific goal scorer. Goalie saves. 1107, Corner for Haslington. No gain

1110

Corner for us as play ebbs and flows And we score. A great goal by Trevor McDowell our skipper- from a superb assist by ever keen Danny Mahoney
What a start!. 60 seconds later. Yes. 60 seconds. we concede a penalty.

They score 1-1
Another proverbial bucket of ice cold water in my face!!!Long goal kicks so useless many times as they are a lottery in trying to find the right player. So much better if given as controlled pass.

1135First free kick to us . Nothing gained. Corner for us as we press hard seeking a winning goal.Back and forth as each seeks to score.

HALF TIME

Players very thirsty as water bottles emptied. Very determined to make amends. Good spirit which in truth has been one of the cornerstones of their play Off we go for the second half. Subs played. 50/50 is the play. Sunshine so lovely and magnificent oak tree before me with a fine shape.

As time ticks by we get on the ascendency. More of the play is ours. Their number 16 goes down as he crocks his knee as he steps on the ball at speed. Luckily he is OK. A Visit by Top League Executive David Farral and he too feels we are performing better this season. Good to see him here.

1221
Play slowing down a tad as muscles tire. But we are really pressing hard for a goal. Play definitely in our hands now as we dominate the game.

1228
A free kick given to us on the edge of their box. Trevor, our goal scorer,steps up and flights a lovely ball -- over the wall and straight into their goal!!! 2-1

1230
They win a free kick. I hold my head and my heart misses for a moment. But no gain fir them.

1235
Game over. A victory on the very last day of the season. On the 18th of this month we meet as a team to celebrate the end of season and the fact that we are no longer at the bottom of the table.
A night of resolutions, plans- and the award of trophies. Plus a supper whist we are in The Lord Combermere.We are down in Cornwall for a weekend friendly on the 15th of July. First AFC tour ever!!!A string of friendlies in June / July has been arranged by our managers
The season has been good. A fine team of managers signing on good players. Even now we are seeking extra talent to give us more strength.All in all, engendering a very good spirit in the squad. And we finish with 4 teams below us and a goal difference of-44. Last year we had 2 teams below us and a goal difference of-109!!!

I wish all have a good summer. A great music festival and hopefully a final taking over of the village playing field after ten years or more of prevarication.
See you next season . Ralph Warburton AFC

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