Tough match for Audlem FC

Yesterday, Audlem FC faced Bank Corner, a team that thrashed us 7-0 on our first encounter with them.

Gathering at the Little Chef, our manager Geoff Stretch realised he had a total of 13 players from which to choose – 13! A daunting task but one in which his hands were tied.

So we arrived at The Alsager Sports Complex. Team was Rob Lowe in goal as both goalkeepers not available; Jeff Roots; Kev Brindley; Kev Walters and Gaz Jones; James Bebbington; Kev Rogers; Craig Holding; Josh Fallows; James Langley; Peter Kulak.

Kick off slightly late with a good referee who quickly stamped his authority on the game. Our opponents had a good number of big fellows and they proceeded to occupy our half of the pitch with attack after attack.

A good chance by Jeff Roots with a header saved, our best chance of the half as more and precise passing by the other side opened us up time and time again. 22 minutes in and we are down 1-0.

5 minutes later, a crowded goal mouth and a corner comes in. 2-0 to them! The sun directly in the eyes of their goalie not used to our advantage. A late flurry and we are up the field. Kev Rogers to James Langley who heads over the bar. Bebbo is hurt badly and is, in effect, a passenger then.

Half time and a very frustrated Geoff does a hair dryer talk. We are not a team and showing many weaknesses.

Second half

Very soon we are down 3-0. Josh Fallows off and James Brookes on. Rob Lowe hurt in a tackle as he gets down to save at the feet of an attacker. Thinks he may have stretched his groin. The referee books one of their players and 30 minutes later, he books Kev Rogers – his second yellow of the season.

Another good shot by Langley, over the bar. But then they score again. Subs played with Dan Morris on for a crippled James Bebbington.

So we finish. We have lost 4-0 . Better result than last time we played them but we so badly missed Skipper Kev Mort. And tall Peter Jones at the back. And our goalie which would have released Rob Lowe to be an outfielder.

A lesson learned we hope, but a bad way in which to end the year after the recent victories we have enjoyed.

Our next match is in January on the 6th.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman

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