Great way to finish

Do click on the photo to see it in full

This is the very last post I will make for this season.

Seeing the glory of the new leaves exploding into life on the Chestnut, the Beeches, the Oaks, the Maples and all the trees. The fresh new green of the hedgerows. The lush green of the lawns and the bursting forth of all the blossoms – the cherries are stupendous now and thankfully not bruised by the winds or the rains.

A very few bees abroad and just have seen the one solitary cabbage white butterfly. How sad it is that, through the massive use of pesticides and herbicides, we have virtually destroyed all such life in our country. If only we could return to meadows of sweet grasses and wild flowers, I am sure life would be that much more rewarding for all.

One can but dream of the days of lying is in such a meadow, listening to a skylark high above – singing such a sweet song. This too now denied to us- as her nesting sites and foods all gone.
Enough of these musings.

Perhaps some of the joy of past games will be our reward today for Audlem FC.

Hopefully some of that "springing" to life will be injected into our team and that they will give of their best account in this game.

We play away at the Barony in Nantwich, versus a team named Boot & Shoe. We last met in November when we beat them 2-1. A very rare victory indeed.

I arrive to pick up Geoff, joint manager, and the kit, ball and medical bag. A quiet Audlem at this hour but the promise of fine weather is sure to bring the folks out.

We arrive at the pitches at The Barony. Dressing room all open and ready for us. This day we have 13 players stepping up to the mark.

Ever present players few – Kev Mort, Joe Benson, Kev Rodgers, Connor Jones and Brad Jones are here again. We have not played two games on the trot with the same players all season. No real chance to build a true team spirit. Hey ho, we must make our day from the clay we are presented with.

As I said, a brilliant day with lovely sun. Our team ranges in age from 16 to 41. This is the declared last time captain Kev Mort will play. He moves on to the veterans next season at the age of 41. A superb servant of the team from day one. We will miss his commanding presence and his acerbic wit. Big thank to Big Kev.

In a way a festive spirit pervades the dressing room as all get into the kit and their boots. Like end of term! Hopefully not beer induced.
Referee is Alan Husher, a man we do respect well.
Kick off sharp at 11.00am.

First Corner to us. By gosh we are playing with heart – and pace – and good football. Amazing. Possession is 60/40 in our favour. Referee Husher is excellent, giving full and clear voice as he explains his use of the whistle. A very welcome thing, and one that should be encouraged for all to adopt.

11.10 – we win free kick as we press hard. No gain.
Then they react and press forward. Game swinging back and forth. They win a free kick. Safe. A great run up field, Andrew "Beko" Bettely wins it – passes to Connor Jones racing in and – he scores!
11.20 1-0!
Free kick by B&S , but Connor Baxter saves the shot. Connor Jones really all fired up as he chases every ball, full of running and twisting and turning – very hungry for the ball. Super pass by Joe Benson to Brad Jones – he shoots, on target but keeper saves.

11.40 Free kick again to B&S but we are safe. Great pass by Connor to Beko but gets a tackle on him. Then Beko passes to Connor again and wham, bang – he puts it away.
11.42 2-0. Magic times
Sam Maddock – nicknamed Nemo – shoots a fine drive but just wide. Could this be our day, I ask myself? Kev Rodgers darts forward and has a crack., pressure so good by us with all 11 playing as a team.

Half Time

Five minutes of talk and lots of praise for the efforts so far.
Fast driving run up the pitch by Brad Jones – passes to Connor his brother – he shoots to the flying figure of Beko and Bang. He scores.
11.55 3.-0!

A stoppage as their Goalie is injured. Great kick by Kev R – just wide. Feels as though everyone wants to be on the score sheet today. Our defence keeping shape but as I record that, a little tingle of fear is with me. Am I speaking too soon? Kev Mort stops a sure goal with a fine tackle – and a fair tackle.

Our play is so positive and it does truly gladdens my heart. We have a welcome visit from David Farral, of the executive board of the league. Always a pleasure to see him at our game. And to be winning as he watches.
12.15 Boot & Shoe goalkeeper has to go off. Sub in goal.
12.18 They score a stupid easy goal as our attention wavers.
3-1.
12.28 and their shot sails over the bar. We play a sub as Chris Anderson comes off and James Bebbington is on.
12.32. Connor has a chance to get his hat trick but heads just wide of the post. Brad Jones comes off- hurting , and Kev Walters on.

Game over as Referee Husher blows for full time.
We have won. And we have won well. My promise of a round at the Lord C is not taken up. My players do not come back to Audlem. Scattering as chaff to the winds.

A very happy way to finish what has in truth not been a good season.
See you all – I hope – next football season.
Ralph Warburton

AudlemOnline adds: Many thanks to Ralph for his brilliant reports throughout the season, as much for his descriptions of the changing seasons, his garden and the village on match days as well as the football. He has stood through rain, cold and some 'difficult' matches over the past eight months. We are very grateful and we are sure many readers will have enjoyed his reports as much as we have.

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