Audlem take on Ocean

Match report October 18th

Today we face the might of Ocean Wanderers. Late of the Premier league but down a slot at their own behest. I prepare here at my house. The leaves of the big beeches covering the front lawn with a crisp layer of a twisted brown carpet. Fine and dry at this time but as the glass drops lower, then I fear we will be in for rain and wind later on in the week. Which will make all somewhat soggy.

I drive to collect Geoff and the practise balls etc. And we discover that we do not have the first strip from Sevi the Cleaners – our joint sponsor. A cock up, so we play in our orange strip.

Drive off after Kev Mort supplies us with Danish from the Coop. Great things our Coop bakes fresh each day. Drive to Reaseheath and their magnificent pitch. The best in all the Cheshire Sunday League – as befits an agricultural college! Referee Keith Curzon officiates today. A very fine ref.

We kick off sharp at 1100. Just 13 players today and that includes a new signing on the day of Brad Jones- brother to Connor. As an aside we have 4 Jones's, 3 Kev's and 2 Bebbington's on our list of players. Could be confusing if they all turn out one day.

1102am We score but judged a trifle harshly by the Ref as offside. I am there with my fedora on this day – first time this season as it is a tad chilly.
1104. Blow me down. They race up-field and slice though our defence and score – 0-1. Are we in for a drubbing?
1106 And again we are cut apart as another goal flashes in. 0-2 A call on us by David Farral. Senior Exec of the league. Welcome to see him and I introduce him to our newest player, Brad Jones.

Ed Holmes pulls off a superb save but moments later they score such an easy goal and bang- we are down once more. 0-3.

1137 A fast fun forward by Ocean. And again. Yet again- fast through our defensive wall 0-4. Good shot by Connor as we continue with heart, hits the cross bar- rebounds to Beko – but his reflex shot is saved. Half time whistle.

We troop in four goals down. Second Half Fast and furious play by both sides but we do play with guts even down as we are. New signing Brad Jones on for an injured James Bebbington. Dave Bebbington – who has had a good game overall – saves off the line to stop what was a sure goal. This game has had more offside decisions than I can ever remember since we started up as a team in 2012. Ocean again deemed offside so goal disallowed.

Alan Brindley off and Kev Walters on – first game in about a year! Ocean then calmly put away another goal 0-5. Shot by Chris Anderson on target but saved.

Then a fine run up and Connor Jones scores for us 1-5 now. Can we pull it off as our heads lift. Good run forward by Dale Bradbury. Crosses but it flies wide. Connor playing fast and determined. His shot hits the side netting.

Game over. Another loss but I am not ashamed for we did keep our hearts and our heads up. No bookings yet once more. Very good firm refereeing by Keith Curzon. One of, if not the best, referees in the league. Next we are at home on the 25th

Ralph Warburton
Chair AFC

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