Tough morning v Haslington

13th of September and we travel in a small convoy from a deserted village – so quiet , broken only by a squad of some 25 walkers setting off – with their ski sticks clicking on the pavements.

We travel by the new excellent new road that joins up with Gresty Lane and on to Haslington. I am always so surprised at the size of the town. And know nothing of it.

We play Haslington F C. Last time we met them on their own turf they beat us 3-1, and we then beat them on the return at Audlem, 2-1. So how will we do today? Their team is a good young one with a very friendly manager who really cares for his team.

Referee Ron Benson arrives late so we kick off at 11.05. Immediate pressure on us as this youthful team runs us ragged. Sun very bright but thankfully shining across the pitch so goalkeepers will not be dazzled. Good loud vocals heard as the men have not worn themselves down yet.

Geoff Stretch is sole manager today as James Bebbington took himself off to see Aston Villa play. Geoff picks from 14 players. Light breeze, carrying a slight chill from the south west?

Pitch marking very poor. Another Cheshire East pitch. I am astounded at the figure charged Haslington for this pitch by CE.

Opposition giving us no chance to breath as they pile into us. They pass well, train well. Play together. Know each other well. A true lesson to us. Overall they are on top 65/35%. 11.25 and a blatant offside by two of their players. They score! Ref waves away our protest.
0-1.

That was not a fair thing and knocks the players confidence. We win three corners on the bounce but no gain at all. Heavy tackle by Alex Carter goes unpunished. Lucky Alex.

11.29am. A long ball played up field by HFC, met by their striker and he scores such a very easy goal.
0-2
Crazy defending by our men. Graham Brown is booked for retaliating. Our first booking of the season – their player booked too.
Yet another fast piercing run at us but Ed Holmes races out to rescue us. He is nearly at halfway when he kicks for touch.
Yet another stop by Ed as he saves us once more. Good run by Garry Jones comes to nought as we faff about in front of goal.
11.44am. An attack by HFC and we concede an own goal!
0-3.

Half time

The dressing room tirade by Geoff is one of the strongest I have heard as he berates all. Even the odd gentle expletive.
Last week's euphoria of the win is snuffed ou . Marks out of ten. HFC 9, AFC 2.
Even the sun hides its face behind a low floating bit of cumulus cloud in sympathy with the play it is seeing before it.

We do seem a tad better, we now play down the slight slope so perhaps this will aid a recovery.
Free kicks growing apace as legs get tired.
Geoff plays a sub as Joe Benson replaces Kev Mort. Kev Rodgers moves up front – a place far better suited to his incisive play.
Another sub as Garry Jones comes off for Chris Anderson.
Andrew "Beco" Betterley running yet again at goal – but he misses again. Great shot from Kev Rodgers puts it on the plate for Beco, but he fires wide. No luck at all.

Then at 12.38pm. A penalty awarded for hand ball. Wham bang Sam! In it goes. We troop off, losing 4-0.

Good bit of camaraderie in their club house and we leave saying we look forward to entertaining them on the return game.
Next game at home in a cup tie versus Sandbach Town.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman Audlem FC

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