AFC Match Report

Up before dawn to a calmer day. And to prepare for the coming football game. We are fast racing to the shortest day of the year. And with the reports of daffodils in bloom, it seems we are to escape a harsh winter. I even have Californian poppies in bloom plus Antirrhinums and primroses! But this mildness in the weather could well be shattered as Jack Frost may sweep in.

Pre-match thoughts

Our game this day is versus Ocean Wanderers. A team looking to go top of the league if they beat us. And at present we are in the role of Atlas in that we are – along with two other teams – carrying out the role of holding them high above us. We met Ocean in October at their lovely pitch in the grounds of Reeseheath. And were thrashed 5-1 by them.

A team of unity. A team who train weekly. A team who want to – and do – win .Such a contrast with my team. Who do not train at all! We all do want to win of course, but fitness is a major element in playing.

So, we are faced this Sunday with just 11 players offering their talents. No subs. And that includes a new signing in the person of Gary Keenan, who has played for us in previous seasons. And Dag Sirle who signed on two weeks ago. Our regulars and strong players are mostly non attendees for whatever reason. So selection is non-existent for Geoff Stretch (Manager) and Kev Rodgers (coach). All they can do is determine the line-up of play, using the men presented to them. We can but hope that we will put up a good show and give our opponents a good fight. With Jose Mourinho being fired and the likes of Man Utd playing so poorly – along with Liverpool being beaten by Newcastle – perhaps we can pull of a surprise result. One can but dream.

The Pitch

Referee today is a very good ref, Des Evans. Head of the league referees. So play will flow well. Very few games being played as pitches around are closed being so waterlogged. Our own playing field is soft. But as anybody can use it – freely of course, unlike ourselves who have paid £400 to use it for less than 40 hours a year. As such it gets little chance of recovery. With bikes riding on it. Dogs racing after sticks and balls. Audlem Saints training on it. Etc. Etc.

Kick off

Off we go as the bells of St James become silent. Car park quite empty. Village quite empty Croissants from the COOP as delicious as ever.

Sun very low to the south west. Weather so, so different from that of Saturday. Very soft area to the Shroppie Fly Area. Like a morass of mud in which it will be hard to play one touch football. Light breeze and cooler air as we take to the field of play. Ocean too down to just 11 players. Such is the effect of Christmas shopping and booze ups. We lose the toss so Andrew Betterley – our top striker, has to get between the posts and be our keeper. Needs must when our goalie does not turn up. In the run up to the game on face book, we had included Katie Doughty as a player to fill the massive drop off of players. And Lo and behold, when Des Evans our referee arrives, he says as far as he can understand, we can play a woman in the team!! So I sign her on. We shall see!

Grass a tad long which helps the muddy state of the area. My good luck people arrive. Denise and Mike.
Free kick goes to Ocean. But luckily no gain for them. Then Joe Benson- todays captain, fouls a player and gets a lecture from the Ref. First corner goes to us., We score but judged to be offside . 11.15

11.15 They score – easily.

0-1

Wind getting up – spits of rain in the air. Then – a great cross by Brad Jones is met by Connor Jones and with a diving header,

Connor scores 1-1

Great shot by Kev Rodgers – saved. Good run up field by Kyle Doughty – wins a corner.

11.23 We concede a corner. Then Beko pulls off a great save- diving to his right. Phew! Ocean pressing hard but we are playing so well, ball on the deck.

11.35 Great run by Nemo (Sam Maddocks) and he passes to Kyle and he scores a great goal. The whole movement so planned.

We are in front 2-1

Temperature dropping as wind builds up. Dag Sirle playing very well and truly annoying Ocean. Good commanding presence in mid field. He sends a shot at goal – just over. Sun back but briefly. Their number 2 chops down Connor with a vicious tackle. Booked. Then they dash up the pitch – and score.

2-2 – second half .

Shot by young Rhys Wright – saved. Some fatigue showing now as the pace of the games is fast and furious. Connor playing so well as he harries and chases for the ball. Dag Sirle gets hamstring problem so he swaps place with Beko and goes in goal. Beko moves up front. Bad foul and bad mouth and Ref books their number 8 – Red Card. A stupid player. We have picked up our pace. Free kick to us – Beko scores but disallowed.

12.30 They score 2-3

12.35 We score! Beko slots it home 3-3

Ref. books another Ocean player. They are getting frustrated as we put up such a good fight. Fine shot by Brad Jones but their keeper saves low down. Then an own goal and

they are ahead 3-4

From a set piece once more. Then we win a penalty. Ref sends off another Ocean player for his stupid behaviour in ignoring the Ref.

We score. Connor firing in well. 4-4.!!!!

A great result for our 11 men. Ocean are a top of the league team. A fine point for us.
Chips at the Lord C taste very well.
Next game is away to Wistaston in a cup game.

Our very best wishes to all for a happy Christmas

Ralph Warburton
AFC

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.