Audlem stay on winning ways

A very good calm day and the bird song grows in volume as we pass the Spring Equinox. So happy a day it is now as the days are light – even at 5.45am.

The bird singing will build to cathedral proportions over the days as we hasten to the warmer climes. Such a great time to be alive, as trees wake up and buds fatten.

And on that subject, the sight of the daffodils so lovingly planted here by ADAS (Audlem District Amenities Society) over the past 20 years and those planted by Hankelow Amenities – trumpet their flower heads in glorious bands of golden yellow. A true presage of the longer days to come.

I have to report that the win we all so enjoyed – and deserved last week – was not the reason for the sun being blacked out in the shock of it all!

We just played well and as a team. And if we keep that up, perhaps we can generate yet another eclipse!

Our opponents are Haslington. And our Referee is the most respected Carl Betterley – he of the magnificent facial mutton chops. He is fair and firm and does not like bad language. A good thing.

Pitch is in better order because of the lack of much rain. And little frost.

We kick off early as everybody ready. Managers loaded down with players. So we have 4 subs!
Good fast action from the start. Haslington are a clean team with very good caring management
2 minutes in and we get the first corner.

Kyle Doughy in goal this day and that releases Andrew Betterley to be one of our two strikers – alongside Kev Mort. We are pressing hard as we attack and attack. Then. 6 minutes in and a goal.
To us!
Great cross by the ever running Connor Jones, met by Andrew Betterley with a fine looping header.

Very calm weather. Big Christening here today so very many cars about. Thankfully we have a free car park for such much needed trade in the village – the buffet later!

Chill in the air. No spectators yet. No photographer today.
Ten minutes on and another goal.
For us!
Kev Mort shoots via the goalkeeper. He is accredited with the goal.
2-0!

Graham Brown. A power horse of a player commands our midfield as he directs play.
Then, defence is sliced open and Haslington score from a mazy run up the field.
2-1.
Sun comes put to give us some warmth. But only briefly
Ref. books their number 7 who was getting his knickers truly twisted in anger.
And books our goalie for a low tackle.

Half Time

And for the second time in 8 days we go in ahead.

Play get going again and the attacks come thick and fast. Kev Rodgers strong in the back, Garry Jones as skipper making some very fine clearances. In fact – aside from that goal of theirs, our defence line has been well disciplined.
Connor Jones is very good as he covers so much ground. With no fear as he shrugs of tackle after tackle.
And so the games goes on and our opponents getting more and more frustrated as they try and try again to break down our defence. A great chance for Joey Nixon – but it clips the post.

Graham Brown booked for a fierce tackle.
More spectators here now and shaking their heads in amazement as I tell them we are ahead.
Bill Consterdine (A ref. himself long ago) says "It is much more fun playing in the opponent's half" How very true.

Final whistle.
We have won again. Superb feeling. I hope we do not cause another solar eclipse.

Next game is away to The Boot & Shoe Team on the 29th March. Games running out now as we approach the end of the season.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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