Audlem FC Report

Andrew Betteley – Top goal Scorer

So many of you will have seen, that it is 75 years since the Auschwitz extermination site in Poland was released by the advancing army of Russia. And all the horrors of that camp.
It brought back memories for me, as in 1972 I was, as head of buying for the Littlewoods Company, invited to travel to Jerusalem for a trade fair- by the Israeli Chamber of Commerce, along with Paul Harris -- head of buying for Great Universal Stores. Never ever had been to the Middle East, I packed my then fashionable safari suit, as in my mind I had pictures from Sunday school of Arabs in flowing robes. Arriving in that holy city, we were greeted by snow ! and Arabs in double breasted rain coats and Wellington boots. A real shock to the system .

We were taken on a visit to "Yad Vashem" which is the memorial created there for all the millions of Jews who died in the hands of the Nazis. Yad Vashem we were told meant "look and weep " But that is wrong . However we did look and We did weep. Piles of false teeth. Masses of human hair. Soap made from the fat from the crematoria . So very shocking . I hope that such crimes never ever happen again. The young of today should know of this place and all it stands for.
Look and weep. A memorial to a name .

But to more mundane matters.
Our game today.
We face Talbot of Nantwich. At the Barony pitches. A game -- and not a battle such as was re-enacted on Saturday by the Roundheads versus the Royalists .
Full turn out of players again , which is heart warming in itself .
So again Kev Mort our manager has the worry of who to start with.
Line up decision is made and here it is .
Goal -- Connor Baxter
Defence -- Ross Henderson , Thomas Capewell. Dan Rooney . Trev McDowell
Midfield. -- Seb Burrow. Will Cork. Paul Ashley
Forwards -- Andrew Betteley . Ben Walker
Subs. Tom Smart. Kyle Doughty. Simon Cavill. Sam Mason . Mark Parker.

Kick Off

1100 Referee -- Gets us off and running on a cold breezy mild morning with spotty spots of rain in the air. Usual high testosterone in evidence as each go hammer and tongs .
Full size pitch . Lots of traffic noise . Sitting here as is my habit on the side lines writing my commentary , I so wish I had the heated seat of my trusty Volvo of 1998 vintage. A scruffy car but good for all the kit I have to load up each Sunday.
My paper getting more damp as play goes on. Talbot attacking hard
And
0-1 after two minutes . StingIng goal .
We win a free kick. Taken by very strong Paul Ashley and his shot just shaves over the cross bar . A very good chance to score . I hope it will not be our last.
Delays as lots of deposits left by thoughtless dog owners removed from the play area.
Corners in succession for Talbot as they pile onto us.
We are still working the ball well.
1120
Attack on our goal but player was offside .
1125 more crowding in our area as Talbot press and press hard.
Trevor McD sends in a great pass, but defence parries the shot .
Danny Mahoney as full of running and turning as ever. And Ross Henderson a true tour de force in defending. Has no fear no matter how hard the tackle .
Free kick fir us but advantage wasted .
1130
Superb shot by Andrew Beco Betteley but headed clear.
Young Ben Walker makes a sour pass. Met by Will Cork who shoots, but goes wide .
1141
Fast race upfield by two opponents and wham. They score an easy goal
0-2
1143
Wham
0-3

Half time

More dog mess to clear. – delays resumption of the play .
Pressure again but very fine defending by Thomas Capewell.
Mgr Kev takes off Ben and Danny and on to the field of play comes Sam Mason and Tom Smart.
So so cold now. Wind has gone . Rain in the air. Papers so damp. As are my gloves .
More subbing as Kyle comes on and Trev is off.

1215. Brief visit by league executive David Farrall .
Mark Parker comes on replacing Will Cork.
1125.
Rain heavier now. Pitch cutting up. All kits very mucky
Ross races up the pitch. Pass by Beco is met by Thomas who plants it into their net
1-3
Ball finally falls for Mark has the ball after ten minutes with no chance of a kick.
1230
Score
1-4
Simon Cavill on as Dan comes off .

Game over

We play out the game . Soaking wet . Paul Barrett of our Parish Council walks back to my car with his umbrella giving me some shelter .
Man of the match awarded to a well deserving Ross Henderson
A defeat but a strong team. Well organised and keeping the ball on the deck so well.
We troop off to the Rifleman Pub for warming chicken curry and chips as arranged by Beco with the landlady .
Next game is at home versus the very same team. Talbot
Revenge perhaps ?
Ralph Warburton
AFC