Victory for Audlem!

I wake early at 5.30am – which is crazy after I was to my bed at 3.00am after being part of the Big Ceilidh Night at the Public Hall for The Mend Our Mum campaign organised by Rachel Lambie.

A superb evening, with The Crofters Ceilidh Band playing for over four hours – totally free! – and a full house taking to the floor in great numbers to dance to the expert calling of the night.

So as I say, awake early and to the beginning of the dawn chorus of the birds here in my garden. A sound that will build and build as they compete for their mates. Perhaps I should emulate them!

Then to the Hall to clean up after the party. Total funds raised for this noble cause will be given later. But a goodly sum I hope.

As I apply myself to the coming game, a very fine drizzle all about which thankfully disappears. A road race on as cyclists race through the village on their circuit of Audlem, Woore, Bridgemere and back here. Very fast riders on the empty roads hereabouts.

And then the Bells of St James begin their lovely pealing as our very talented team of campanologists apply their skills for the special Mothering Sunday.

Today Audlem FC play against Crewe F C. A good, fair team with very decent management. Pitch in much better order after the period of rest.

Referee today is Dave Bloor. As we gather, I realise our first team kit is still in the store of our sponsor, Audlem Dry Cleaners. A panic as I try to get it but Sevi, the owner, is away with his son at football. So a drive to seek out our orange kit.

As we have but 10 players at 10.50, it is less of a worry kit wise – but the awful paucity of players from who to choose a team is so disheartening.

Then at 10.50, Kev Rodgers arrives – after having been away at a stag party down in Bristol. So, no choice for our managers, Geoff and James. The team picks itself. Yet again!

Kick off as 11.02.
Sun shining on us and some warmth in the air. A gentle breeze; a really fine spring day. No out and out goalkeeper, so Andrew Betterley has to take on the task. A pity, for he is a very fine striker.
1120 and a goal!
Kev Mort scores a fine goal from a pass on the side from Connor Jones. To us! Yes. We are ahead.
11.30 and Joe Overland turns up! Now we have 2 subs, as Dag Searle arrives too. But with a very sore hamstring.

Sun – now behind the clouds and air is cooler. Tennis games going on – on the courts. Those very fine courts, the best in Cheshire.

Great shot by Graham Brown who is having a fine game as he marshals the midfield.
Referee is very poor, with poor decisions. I do not warm to him at all. Booking too easily and spoiling the flow of the game. A Sunday game, for pity sake.

Half Time

In we go. Ahead. A very warm feeling.
Kev Walters of and Dag Searle on.
Then a few minutes later, we concede an easy goal.
1-1.

Then a spate of bookings as players become more and more frustrated as the referee is so picky and not allowing the game to flow. Dag Searle booked. Gary Jones Booked.

He even tells Geoff (our manager) that he is reporting Geoff to the FA after an alleged comment by a spectator that the Ref does not like. Saying: " He, (Geoff,) should have controlled the person". Daft.

Games goes on apace. Sun out again and warming us up. Good banter on the side-lines between myself and spectators.
We score yet again, as Graham Brown shoots in.
2-1.
Then this is followed quickly by Kev Mort scoring his second goal of the day.
3-1. To Us.
Yes, to us.
Fantastic good feeling.

Just after he scored, Kev Mort goes into the book. And a Crewe Payer is sent off. For alleged mouthing!. Crazy. So unfair.

A fine game spoiled by a very poor referee. Sadly we cannot give the Ref a yellow card, but I will be making a formal complaint as to the way in which he has run – or should I say – ruined the game in many ways.

Next game at Home versus Haslington.

Ralph Warburton
AFC Chairman

Our thanks to Frank Morris for the great photos from yesterday's game.
The top shot shows Kev Mort battling for the ball. The second photo shows the Audlem FC strike-force celebrating their second goal.
Kev Mort's goal is the third photo as he slots the ball past the defender and the goal keeper for the 3rd goal.
And the final shot, which is priceless, is Geoff Stretch celebrating the win at the end.

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