Not a day to remember for AFC

Today Audlem FC meet with Faddiley F C. At their ground near to the Thatch Restaurant. Over 20 years since I dined there. Good memories.

Banter in the changing room as players throw insult after insult to each other as they get into the strip. Playing fees gleaned from all by myself. Extra shorts bought as mysteriously some have gone walkabout.

All around the pitch, the noise of players warming up. Running as a team, training balls being hoofed around. Twisting and turning as the levels of testosterone rise ahead of the game. Building up that source of competiveness. Then, silence now – as the referee, Alan Husher, calls the captains to the centre spot. A toss of a coin.

All players and staff then encircle the centre spot as we stand in silence remembering those who have died in the wars.

We await his whistle to kick off. Then the noise explodes as the fight begins.

A team of just 12 men turn out. And that includes Kev Rodgers – recovering from his broken leg. I hope we have no need of a sub! Mostly the same players who enjoyed that victory last weekend. Hearts are beating strong as we feel confident.

Management of our opposition are distant. No warm greeting given.
Kick off sharp. We are playing up the slope so they have the advantage. Pitch not too wet, just soft underfoot.

11.10. They score. 0-1.
And five minutes later Beko scores a scrambled goal for us. Looks like we may do well but players not at vociferous. So 1-1.
Blow me down if they race forward and plant one in our net. 1-2.
And so it goes on as they rattle in one more goal to no reply from us. A good try by Kev Walters is saved. 1-3 now.

They score once more but ruled offside. Leaves swirling in the wind, moving faster that our players. Ref gives a lecture to one of their players for too much mouth. They control over 70% pf the play as they run us ragged. We give away a foul. 30 yards out. No gain. Brad Jones fires one in but their keeper saves it. So, so many offsides we win as Faddiley press and press forward.

Half time and we go to the side line. A 1-3 scoreline.

Kick off and within five minutes they score again, a so soft a goal as we are turned inside out. 1-4.
No fire from AFC as yet another goal. 1-5.
We are rubbish as they slice us apart. 1-6.

We then concede a penalty as desperation takes hold. Well taken and 1-7.
Still 20 minutes of play left so we can come back (he says with crossed fingers). Great fierce shot by Beko strikes the upright. Not our day it seems. We gain a penalty. Connor steps up. Scores. 2-7 .
Ten minutes to go. They score a silly so soft goal. 2-8.

Connor Jones berates the referee with some foul language. Felt he was to be sent off But Allan Husher awards a yellow.

Game over. A big loss. I apologise to the Referee, who has handled the game very well – letting it flow. Just the one booking and we get it. Our reputation last season was the worst. Are we in for a repeat?
Not a pleasant drive back as the skies blacken and rain is threatened. A wet sugar bag sky!

Still the consolation of a good memories of our village life.
Namely, Saturday night was a gloriously successful Firework Night put on by that extra special team, ASET. Masses of families there to enjoy a very happy village night. As I was on the entry gate, it was very remarkable that the majority of those walking up were visitors.

A huge cost to put on such a great night. I wonder if those who stayed and home and enjoyed the spectacle from their windows or their gardens or at the pubs would consider donating a couple of pounds towards these costs. Just drop it into the Post Office or Williams Newsagents if you wish to help. It would very warmly welcomed

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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