Audlem FC Thriller

Audlem FC Thrill In Shootout Victory

Following a month without a fixture, Audlem Football Club returned to winning ways in the Crewe FA Vase first round. After equalising in the fifth minute of added time, the hosts took victory after a tense 18 penalty shoot out.

After cancellations, referee shortages and poor weather the Audlem players were delighted to finally be back at the playing fields for Sunday morning cup football. 14 players turned out, eager to progress into the second round of the competition against Raven Salvador who started the day ahead of Audlem in the league table.

Audlem started the better of the two sides, finding joy down both wings and putting good delivery into the box. Audlem's long throws and corners were causing issues, but the visitors were a physical, strong side, who more than matched them.

Indeed, it was the visitors who took the lead mid-way through the first half after Audlem switched off from a corner. The ball in was dealt with, but landed at the feet of an unmarked opponent, who buried the ball into the top corner from close range. 0-1

The hosts didn't have time to settle, and conceded again three minutes later. After giving the ball away cheaply, Salvador found themselves with a man over and took full advantage to take a commanding lead. 0-2.

Audlem were rocked, and struggled to get their passing game back together. Chances came and went for the visitors, but Audlem built a foothold, again taking advantage down the flanks, and played their way back in. Just before half time, this was this avenue that proved fruitful, as a low ball into the box wasn't dealt with, and Ben Walker "passed" it on to Sam Mason to finish from close range.

Half time, Audlem 1-2 Raven Salvador.

Audlem took the game to their opponents right from the start of the second half, moving the ball much quicker, and dominating possession. Chances were created and missed, notably Will Cork who did brilliantly to win the ball back high up the pitch, but shot wide.

Completely against the run of play, the visitors regained their two goal advantage. After losing the ball high up the pitch, Audlem struggled to regroup, and Salvador broke clear, to finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area completely against the run of play.

Audlem responded immediately. A Kev Rodgers low corner was missed by everyone before being stabbed home by James Craig, and it was game on. 2-3.

Audlem threw everything at their hosts, who were clinging on, and wasting time at every opportunity. The visitors goalkeeper was booked for time wasting, before pulling off a brilliant one-handed save when it looked like a certain equaliser.

All the time-wasting came back to haunt Salvador though, as James Craig was fouled on the edge of the area in the fifth minute of added time. He picked himself up, and smashed the resultant free-kick into the bottom corner for a deserved equaliser. 3-3.

No extra time, and straight to penalties. Each team missed one of their first six penalties, before Raven Salvador missed the thirteenth spot-kick. Seb Burrows had the chance to win it, and put his penalty over the bar. Raven Salvador missed again, but Will Cork was denied by the goalkeeper. Following another miss from the visitors, it was third time lucky for Audlem. Josh Dennis stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom right hand corner to send the hosts deservedly through 6-5.

Unfortunately, Audlem FC won't play at home again for a month, with an off-week before three straight away games;

5th November — No game

12th November — Willaston White Star (a)

19th November — White Horse (a)

26th November — Princes Feathers (a)