Audlem FC take on Rising Sun

Yesterday saw the Audlem FC team out in good numbers to play a friendly match against The Rising Sun Team of Nantwich.

Boosted by the new players Joel Cottrell, Joe Overland, Sam O'Hara and Gary Meachin in goal, we felt upbeat. Referee Karl Betterley – from Sandbach – was well known to us, and as he briefed each team of what he expected of them, made great emphasis on fair play and no foul language.

Kick off on time on a good pitch, dotted with the golden dandelion blooms, well drained in spite of the fury of the cumulus nimbus clouds of Friday – and no dog mess which was a bonus.

Fierce

The game was in truth nothing like a friendly as fierce tackle and attack after attack was launched, all under a grey lowering sky and with a cold wind. We had agreed that our manager would play all 14 on a premise of all getting a run out. But a few minutes in and AFC was down 1 nil.

However our new goalie Gary Meachin showed he was of quality as he pulled of a fine save. Much pressure on us by the opposition and their number 14 was a very good winger. A fierce tackle by our skipper Kev Mort resulted in a stoppage in play as the victim was treated.
A good run by Kev Rogers and we were equal at 1-1.

A few moments later and our defence was caught napping as they scored. 1-2 . This was followed by a bizarre goal. Kick by their goalie right down the pitch was met by their forward and straight into our goal. 1-3!

Half time

A lovely smell of a garden bonfire came in on the wind as I stood there shivering. The thought of the fat hot chips in the Lord Combermere were a great comfort as the game resumed.

Two of our players were penalized with free kicks as they swore loudly – as the Ref. had warned.

Good run down the wing and Joel Cottrell scores – 2-3 – and we are on the way back. In spite of the score line, Dave Bebbington and Will Young were strong at the back. Then a scrambled mêlée in our goalmouth results in them scoring from close range – 2-4.

Another booking for bad language by another of our players. Free kick. Then we concede a very soft goal. The result: 2-5. Match over in cold rain and not a trace of a dandelion bloom to be seen.

Off to the welcome buzz and noise of the Lord C our opponents with us – they enjoyed the mountains of fat chips given to us by our team sponsors, Jo & Allan.

Our next match, the last of the season is on May 26th, right in the middle of the Music & Arts Festival, so this is my last match report of the year 2012-013.

AudlemOnline adds: Many thanks Ralph for so many reports through the season.

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