Audlem FC v Alsager today

We met at the Little Chef as we set off on our way to the match today. Audlem FC are playing against Alsager Cricket Club, a team much higher in the league than us. And one which had thumped us on their own ground 11-0!

Geoff Stretch, our manager, is faced with just 12 players turning out on what was a glorious sunny, if chilly day, a very poor turnout from which to select a team and subs. In effect the team picked itself.

So, we drive off in convoy to the Alsager College. Team into their strip and referee is Phil Hurdle. Pitch is excellent and very big.

We kick off early as all ready for the battle. Brilliant sun and blue sky, with church bells pealing away for morning service. Cross wind against us.

Lots of shouting as each team urges each on. Pressure from the start as each side strives for dominance. Ed Holmes is in goal again. Alsager shoot but just wide. Good save from Ed as they attack and attack. But our back line defend well. Shot at their goal by Dan Morris but saved. Lots of very determined play on both sides. Then a super strike from their number 10 and Ed just tips it with his fingers on to the crossbar. Saved.
Most of the play right then in our half.

Overhead the blue sky is chalked with jets flying off to warmer climes as the game progresses. Ref. tells Skipper Mort to watch his language. Wind increasing and In our faces.
The more the times passes, the more our opponents get angry and a filthy altercation of very blue language results in the Referee booking two of their players.

Half Time

Score nil nil. A very good show by us in the face of a much stronger team. And the wind now in our favour. Ian Chalker turns up and is an extra sub for us. Ed pulls off another good save- under the feet of their forward.

Then a soft goal from a free kick. So, we are down, 1-0

Sub of I Chalker for James "Ferret" Brookes who has picked up an injury. They pile on the pressure and a heavy challenge results in Kev Mort being booked. Kev clams the player was a bit theatrical in his dive!

Into the last twenty minutes and we are truly playing well. Corner taken by Kev Rogers and Skipper Mort shoots – hits the bar. Substitution of Daz Broadhurst for Dan Morris.

Seven minutes play left and a free kick to them. In the melee in front of the goal, the ball goes over the line. So as Ref blows the final whistle, we lose 2-0.

I have to say that this team plated very well. They should all keep their heads high and be assured of their effort. Playing like this, we will pick up points – be assured.

Next game is away to Bank Corner in a cup tie match. We shall see!

Ralph Warburton

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