Match Report AFC

I wake to espy my alarm clock showing 0354 . Thinks. I must wake soon for I had thought I was to advance my clocks . Stupidly of course . But there I lay with radio 4 burbling away . Toss and turn but up I get and discover it is in fact just after 0400.
Hey Ho. Can get stuff done in the very peaceful predawn world .
Cat fed. Laundry in the washing machine . A sauna and a shower .

To my pc to open up the answers to the 31st Lord Combermere on-line quiz .
Quite complicated as I try my best to mark correctly and then to set tie breaks where teams have equal scores .

Sky lightening as the clock ticks on .
Leaves falling fast now as the days get shorter and cooler . See my photo with this of a field maple that was planted here by a very young master Vernon in circa 1910 .
Lovely tree and one that is the last to shed it leaves.

Match of the day viewed and more controversy with VAR . There must be a change here soon.

But, loaded up with water, kit, balls and medical bag plus thermometer , I set out for the village and our game .

Coop first for their delicious croissants .

Pitch looks good and well marked out. I have this week paid over some £400 plus to Cheshire East for the privilege of paying on our own playing field . Over the last 8 years since I set up the club , we have paid some £3500 to the CE Council . Heavy stuff and all falls on our shoulders .

But . The game .
We play Nantwich Pirates today. Referee is Des Evans , chief league referee.

Car park very full with double parking the order of the day.
Great turn out of players with 17 to choose from . A headache for manager Kev Mort.

1100
And off we go with the usual fast start as players warm up and get the testosterone up.
Fantastic start as fierce shot by Will Cork hits the upright.
( Very good friends of the club, David and Deborah Robertson , arrive and donate a £100 gift to the club . Wonderful and welcome gesture . Lovely people )
The game

1112
First corner to us .no gain
Good lot of spectators today.

1115
Fantastic run by Will Cork down the sideline, crosses a fine ball but one there to fire into an empty net. A great chance.
Game fast and furious . Each side seeking possession .
Free kick to us. No gain

1119
Superb play . Pete Jones sends ball upfield, met by Andrew Beco Betteley who passes to Will Cork. Who rounds the keeper and scores
1-0

1122
Messy messy goal as NP score
1-1

1125.
From a distance, Sam Mason shoots -- and scores
2-1
Language a tad fruity but referee taking note.

1135
Free kick for us . No gain
Shot by Beco but lacked force , and goalie saves.

1140
Half time

1150 and off we go again
NP win a corner but no gain
Dark clouds overhead and quite chilly. I have a call that tells me much rain in Nantwich .
Ref books second player of NP but also books Jack Welch of our team, each booking costs the player £12.
Connor saves yet again, he is having a very good game .
Elliot Shenton on as Paul Bowker comes off. Alyn Burcea on
Kev making moves . Another shot by Will Cork -- just wide.

1220
Play still about 50/50.
But we are defending well and also flying up field too.
Long ball out by Connor is met by Beco -- who slots it in.
3-1

1225
A scrambled attack by NP and they score
3-2
Thomas Capewell injured and comes off. Damaged knee. Callum Mese comes on . Pete Jones off and Tom Smart on .

Really warm now as lovely October sun beams down on us . Seb Burrows on
1240
And game over .

Good win for us. Connor Baxter gets Man of the March
All troop off to the Bridge Inn for chip butties and my treat as I pay for the first round . First this season -- and the last !!

Next game to be announced.
Ralph Warburton
AFC