Audlem FC play Nantwich Young Farmers

I arrived back to the UK on Saturday to a cool wind and some sunshine. From a time beneath dazzling blue skies and 25c plus each day in Spain.

The wondrous explosion of blossom that has happened in my absence is so beautiful in every way, with the magnolias, camellias, forsythias, cherries, rhododendrons – all magnificent and Audlem awash with colour and blooms.

I must give a huge tick in the box to Mike Haines and ADAS for all that they have achieved through the very much hard work by the so caring volunteers that bestride this village. All supported with the so vital donations by members of this fine community.

Then, Sunday. And I awake early to catch up on papers etc. To a cold windy day. Out to the village and a superb almond croissant from the COOP. Meet with Geoff Stretch, our joint manager, to set up the game.

Today we play Nantwich Young Farmers. In the league. This, our next to last game. Referee is Paul Holdcroft. A good, fair and firm Referee. Kick off sharp at 11.00. The car park strangely quite empty. Perhaps the lousy weather has put folks off.

We have 13 players available. Very gusty wind playing havoc with the ball. We are playing well and attacking. Good driven shot by Connor Jones is saved. End to End stuff as both sides get down to the task.

First corner to NYF. Their shot is saved off the line by Joe Benson. A shot by them rattles the crossbar. NYF on top now but we score – deemed to be offside., Then Graham Brown fires in a good shot – wide.
11.25 A very calm and measured move by Andrew Betterley and he scores a lovely goal. His 15th! 1-0 to us.
11.28 And Andrew lobs a beauty over the head of their goalie. 16 goals now. 2-0 to AFC. Great stuff.

A move by NYF and poor defending lets them score. 2-1.

The wind is awful and so affecting play as it gusts all over the place. I am getting colder and colder. Half time approaching and blow me down. We concede again. 2-2

Half Time

Great run by Dale Bradbury – met by Connor, but his is shot wide. Good play by us and we are truly playing better and better as the season comes to its end. Sam O'Hara tries a good long drive but it creeps wide.
Graham Brown's goal is disallowed – offside by another player. Harsh decision that one.
GB tries another shot – just wide.
12.30. Defence opens up and they score 2-3.
12.31 Would you believe it. They score yet one more 2-4! Not a true reflection of the game and of our playing. And the Referee says so as he leaves us.

Next Sunday is the final Game of the season at home, versus Leighton, those of the " harridan". Leighton want to beat us and beat us hard as they are in line for promotion. We can hold the key!
A good turnout and a good commitment and we can upset their applecart.

Then we hope to have a friendly match versus the Audlem Women's Team. On May 2nd. Promises to be quite an experience.

And this game will be after our get together to congratulate those who did well for AFC. With a nosh up and beers flowing. The night before we meet the ladies!!
Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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