Audlem FC Match Report November 7th

Ralph's Rose

Early morning touch of fresh air . In the dark before dawn, I hear the owls calling each other across the fields . A so haunting and so lovely a sound in the total stillness. No wind . No rain .

What a glorious sight to greet my eyes as I then walk in the garden and as the sky lightens, this rose -- still in bloom , has rewarded me now for the past 30 years or more, as we planted it just after buying Buerton House . It is named Albertine and is also scented . A bright splash of colour to cheer my day .
And now as we are in November , here it is , still in bloom. Magic of nature ..

I have my toasted bagel -- no croissant this day. And watch March of the Day to witness yet another very poor performance by Manchester United . A basket of super players there but not a team . I wonder just how long they will put up with such poor showing .

Now
Football.
A journey to Winsford . Our longest journey for a league game. To play Winsford Over F C . A team matching us very closely. Second to us as we sit atop the league. Unbeaten so far this season in the league.

I collect our talented Physio Emma Graham as she finishes her duties at Wiiliam's shop.
We drive through virtually deserted roads and lanes . Through some of the nicest of Cheshire country side , past Church Minshull .

Big turn out of players as our success it is so good to be a part of the squad.
Winsford tell us there are no changing facilities again , so changing in the raw .
All turn up as promised. Down to the pitch allocated to us . Huge pitch. One of the largest in the league ( I remind you we have the very smallest of all).

Opponents here too, but only eleven as manager struggles to field a good team .
John Ryan here as stand in manager -- Kev Mort at home with an ill wife and a child off colour . We hope we can do him proud .
Referee Stuart Cameron here on time.
1102
We kick off .
Fast and furious of course ,as each tests the other.
1105
Wham bam slam ! We score , as Nick Gregory picks up a good goal kick, races up field and a perfect pass by Seb Burrows meets the boot of Nick
He scores
1-0
Like a knife though butter!
1107.
Corner to us . Melee in the goalmouth and Seb Burrows scores!
2-0
Already !!
Game is very fast . Audlem playing. So well and truly enjoying themselves . We are about 55/45 ahead in play.
1120
James Craig tries a shot on goal but it is saved by their very slight of size keeper.
1122
1st corner to Winsford. No gain.
1124
1st free kick . To us . Connor Baxter takes it, passes to Nick Gregory and is hauled down badly.
Some hard tackling going on .
1126
Again Nick is floored and this time referee produces the yellow card for player number 2
Many free kicks are the order of the day. As opposition getting very rattled.
1140
Corner to us. No gain .
Language is generally good. Loud, but clean so far .Seb Burrow is really playing well -- and enjoying himself.

Half Time
We play a sub As Andrew Beco Betteley comes off and Will Cork comes off
Sun now in their goalies eyes. Low slanting sun.
Nick has another hard drive on goal but saved.
Sam Mason off- twisted ankle -- and Alex James comes on .
1205
Paul Bowker scores as their keeper is at fault
3-0
1210
Kev Mort arrives.
And Nick Gregory send a sweet ball to Will Cork who nets!
4-0
1215
A fast running Kev Rodgers sends a pass to Nick who lobs their goalies beautifully .
5-0.
Seb Borrows comes off and Toni Sinstadt on .
Stefan Kowtofski on as Kev Rodgers off -- he has a damaged elbow !
We are bossing all the play .
Paul Bowker off and Ben Walker on . Giving all subs a chance to play .
1226
A horrid sliding tackle by their number 7 , floors Will Cork. Referee gives him a yellow card. We feel it was very close to a red!
Nick taken down in a tackle . Hurt for a while as he recovers on the side line.
1233
Back comes Nick.
Despite the score , opponents have not stopped playing with full heart .
1240
And they score !!
5-1
Game over
Trudge back to the cars. Drive off and enjoying the warmth of the heater. To the Leopard. Hot dogs, chips are welcome as is the pint. They are so good to us.
Men of the match,
James Graig and Paul Welch . Both really put in a sterling performance .
Home
Next game is at home on Remembrance Sunday , the 14th . Versus Nantwich Pirates .
Still we are unbeaten and top of the league. A very heart warming place to be .

> Ralph warburton
Audlem F C