Audlem FC walk tall

The day dawned bright and crisp with the first ice of the winter on my car as I loaded up with the bags of kit. Arrived at the car park as we were setting up the nets.

Glorious sunshine and warmth too in the air. Pitch very soft and promising to be heavy. Not damaged much at all following the Annual Fireworks and Bonfire night of a week ago.

But as we kitted up, pitch inspection revealed a deposit made by a carless dog owner 'fresh and of a very large dog'. How we wished we could have delivered the bag of odour directly to the uncaring owner. As we clear the mess, I am thinking 'I so hope we do not play like the ----' that met us here!

Thank You to PC

Before the kick off, may I, on behalf of all management and players – say a big thank you to The Audlem Councillors who -by a majority vote – have agreed to repay to us the close on
£400 we had paid out to Cheshire East Council for the privilege of using our own village green. A truly great weight lifted from our shoulders and hopefully the fees we have since paid out for the season 2013/4 will also be covered by the Parish Council.

Opponents

Our opponents this day were St Marys of Crewe. A team we had not played before. Referee Kev Kelly, on his first visit to us since we reformed, gathered all on the centre circle and, as we listened to the clock at St James strike the hour of 11.00, led all in the observance of the silence in our respect for all those who had died for their country.

Ref. borrows a coin from me for the toss, which we lose placing our goalie facing the very low slanting sun. I am hopeful this first loss in not a portent of more to come!

Kick off and both sides keen. Geoff and Alan, of our management team, had 14 players to
choose the playing 11. Not a good turn out but enough.

St Marys team very vociferous as they drive forward. Pushing very had and they win the first free kick. But we win the first corner and our shot is cleared of the line.

Corner to them but the cross just kisses the crossbar. Phew! Tackle by Kev Rogers as he plays as he always does full on all the time. Ref. rules it bad and books Kev. This in spite of the fact
that the opponent then pushed Kev over!

Resultant free kick brings out a fine save as Connor Baxter, resplendent in goal in the new fluorescent yellow strip, tips the shot over the bar. Then we are pressing very hard with Skipper Kev Mort playing a blinder, covering virtually the whole pitch.

At this point we receive a visit by David Farrall, Vice-Chairman of the Crewe Regional
Sunday Football League. Very good to see him here and to have him seeing the team performing so well and as a determined team of men.

Sam O'Hara makes a penetrating run- and scores! We are up 1-0 to us. A very good feeling.
Great save by CB in goal as he very bravely charges down a attack. And then clears another
shot of the line.

Kev Walters playing very well in defence. In truth the defence line as a whole were really up for it and a really strong w, repelling much of what was thrown at them. Joe Overland a true problem for their defence as he harries them continually.

Great shot and right on goal by Kev Walters. What a goal that would have been!

Second Half

Out we come, in the lead. Joe O still full of running. Skipper Kev Mort on fire as he is everywhere and exhorting the players on. St Mary's team quieter now. Superb penetrating run by Kev R ' but Ref. rules offside – harsh that was.

He, KR. then wins a free kick. Takes it – straight at goal but saved. Whole team playing so good. A real pleasure to see and this day we have a large, by our standards, crowd of spectators.

Kev Mort sets up a cross which is met beautifully by James Bebbington who volleys it into the net. 2-0! Then at 12.15, Ref. awards a penalty to the opposition. Again a harsh decision on a very heavy pitch. The ground is like modelling clay. Turning to tackle not the easiest thing
to pull off.

Up steps their striker. Fires in the penalty and Connor pulls of the sweetest of saves to his right! Connor has not put a foot wrong all game long. Must be the kit he is wearing.

James Bebbington off as he runs out of steam. On comes Craig Holding with fresh legs. Great
shot by Joe O saved by the keeper's outstretched leg. Graig instantly running at the opposition crosses to Joe, but his shot again saved.

Cool breeze gets up as the game draws near to the finish, but Kev Rogers – never one to give up – battles forward and strikes a very good goal. 3-0!

We troop of at the final whistle, walking tall. A team that has played well and with total commitment.

Man of the March as chosen by our expert spectator, goes to Gaz Jones as he marshalled our defence line so well. Special mention for Kev Mort for his never ending drive and total commitment.

The chips later served by Allan and Jo at the Lord Combermere truly tasted so good. Next Sunday we meet Leighton FC in the Cup match. Fingers crossed.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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