Audlem take on Sydney

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October 11th. Back now from an enforced absence, I am up and raring to go to be with the team as we set off for Wistaston and The White Star Football ground.

This team's ground 'was established way back in 1895 and on arriving there with Geoff Stretch, our manager – I feel some elements of the ground and its facilities look as though they have not changed for decades. Quite tired in many ways and a tad shabby. But, the pitch is very good and a so much better ground than our own here in Audlem. (Which by the by, I have now had to pay £404 from our funds to Cheshire East for the privilege of using it! – hoping that the Parish Council will cover this targeted and iniquitous charge).

Our opponents today are Sydney Arms – a team from the higher division and sponsored by the said pub – near to Hunters Lodge in Crewe.

This a cup tie and the paring is akin to Chelsea playing Crewe if you like – with us being Crewe. But – as we have seen the 'Chelsea' team are vulnerable and perhaps we can pull off a great win! We have just 12 players turnout. And that includes Kev Mort with broken ribs. So – just the one sub. And this from a list of close on 30 players registered with us for the season – Hey ho. The joys of Sunday soccer.

Either way, no chance for Geoff and Team Coach Kev Rodgers. Just the players we have. (Kev has broken his fibula in a tackle last Sunday so is side lined for a while). Kick off sharp at 1100 in fine yet slightly chilly weather. Dry and a form surface. The luxury of two brick built dug outs there for us. Never met this before in any game.

Fast a furious we set off and for the first 30 minutes we do indeed dominate, with the team playing together and with belief. Lovely shot by Dale Bradbury just tipped over. On we attack but with no avail. So frustrating, with Kev R shouting encouragement and direction from the side line. Really hyped up and keen to urge the men to press – 'and press more.'

Alex Carter, in his track suit bottoms, fouls their player. Free kick to them! Are we to fall to a set piece as we so often do. No. We survive. Beko on fire as he twists and turns their defence. Connor Jones again playing so well and so fearlessly against some hulking defenders.

Then:
1130 A break though. They score 1-0 to Sydney
1132 Blow me down, they score again 2-0
1136 Set piece and bang. they score 3-0
1137 A rout as they score yet again. Like facing the machine guns of Omaha beach. We are cut down. Defence in tatters 4-0.

Thankfully Ref blows up for half time. Our heads are hanging low as the halftime talk is a very fierce one.

1152 Back on the field of play.
1155 They score once more 5-0 On it goes as wham bang slam. The goals go in. The blessed relief of the final whistle and game over 10-0 Ten goals down.

Out of the cup. I wish our opponents the best of luck in the coming ties. We drive back, quite stunned as, what had promised for 30 minutes a good even game, we were sliced apart as though on the surgeon's table, though this was without our anaesthesia. We felt every cut.

Our next game is a league away to Ocean. A team we have not played before. This at the Reeseheath pitch. Another new for us.

Let us live in hope.

Ralph Warburton

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