Late flurry for Audlem FC

Yesterday Audlem FC entertained as our opponents Nomans Heath F C – a rearranged match as it was cup tie weekend and neither of us were still in this competition.

A chilly day with some parts of the pitch frozen but damage to the playing surface from Bonfire night not a worry.

As we gathered before the game , it was obvious that Geoff had a good number of players – many turning up to play. A much better problem to face, in that the concern was to give as many as possible the chance to be in the team. Our manager chose the following:
Jarad Southall- Martin; Kev Brindley; Jeff Roots; Peter Jones; Kev Rogers; Kev Mort; James Bebbington; Gaz Jones; Peter Kulak; Shaun Cunningham; Jack McClintock.

Our referee – Tony Smith from Sandbach – turned up on time so we kicked off at 11.07am.
Quite a colourful sight as we play in bright green and Nomans Heath in shocking pink!

First Half

A half of tight defending on both sides with much ebb and flow as each side basically cancelled each other out., Two shots by them hit the woodwork.

A good strike by Jeff Roots was well saved by their goalie and a fine pass by Kev Rogers to Shaun Cunningham brought off another fine save. Tempers building somewhat. Niggles occurring.

Half Time – and frustration

Kicked off and again the first 20 minutes were filled with many tackles, Kev Mort staffing as tall as a giraffe on his long legs as he yelled out his urging, questioning the parentage of many of our opponents, as he cajoled, praised, criticised, berated his own team – driving them on as much as he could.

At last – Daylight

Then as we camped more and more in their half, the attacks on their goal increased measurably. A fine pass by Kev Rogers to Shaun Cunningham brought off another fine save.
Then Shaun's hamstring went – off he came and Ian Chalker came on as substitute . More and more shots on their goal – great try by Jack Maclintoch saved.

Into the last 20 minutes and pressure on them was heavy as our skipper covered most of the pitch in driving the team on, yelling as loud as he can. Great pass by Kev Rogers to Gaz Jones and we were in the lead 1-0!

5 minutes later superb downward header by Kev Mort to the feet of Pete Kulak who shot low into the corner of the net. 2-0. On we drive and James Bebbington threads a lovely ball to Kev Rogers who takes off on a run – avoiding tackles – and finishes it with a super low shot into the goal. 3-0.

More and more pressure and a superb individual strike by Kev Mort into the top of the goal. Fitting reward for his efforts all the match. 4-0! Now we are battering them. Jack McClintock receives pass from Kev Rogers and races forward and fires home . 5-0!

Fine result

A good game and a fine result. The team is working more and more like a team as they get to know each other better.

Our match ball was sponsored by T.C.Tours -a group of villagers who organise visits to games etc including one to Wembley to see Crewe. We are most grateful for this match ball sponsorship.

Funds come into all we do – having just paid close to £400 to Cheshire East for the privilege of playing on our own playing field!

So, what next? Our next game is at home again, against Alsager F C on 9th December. A taller order for us as they are a strong well established club. And our Skipper, Kev Mort is off after this for a keyhole operation on his left knee soon. We will be less without his commanding presence.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC.

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