AFC match report – unlucky 13 for some

We gathered at the pitch on Sunday.

13 players, 13th day, 13th year. I wondered to myself – who will be our Judas today ?

So, referee Darren Waters is here and greeted as the heavens begin to open – matching his name.

Our opponents are Santa Maria of Crewe, a fine name. Perhaps we will discover some talent within the game, as did a famous explorer so many years ago aboard a such-named vessel.

First half

Kick off on time at 11.00. Cold and so damp. Leaves spinning in the wet wind

Good team effort on both sides as the attack swings back and forth. Bell-ringers at St James are in fine voice as play intensifies.

First corner to us as we press hard. A fine shot by Pete Jones is followed by a super cross from Mike Gibbons and met by Sam O'Hara – but his low shot is saved

11.15 – corner to the opposition and bang – a soft goal!

Score 0-1.

Foul by Gaz Jones on the edge of our area but the strike is tipped away by our goalie, Connor Baxter. Good low shot by Sam O'Hara is met by Kev Mort and crossed to Kev Rogers – but it's tipped wide by their keeper.

Pressure is good as AFC play well . Their goalie is sending off very long kicks, one bounce and into the arms of Connor. At the very last second CB pulls off a great save

Second Half

Off we go – but in the 52nd minute we are two down

Score 0- 2

Rain falling heavier and heavier. Our new sponsor, Sevi of Audlem Dry Cleaners, is going to have a pile of muddy kit to launder!

KM fires in but hits the far post and the ref. books an opponent for language .

Cold. Wet. My notepad soggy. I must be mad!

Pressing hard and Gaz Jones is booked for arguing a point. With just 8 minutes to go Sam O'Hara and Joe Overland's youth are paying off as they play very well, with good control and good running.

Just 5 minutes left and a long shot up field. They score!!

Score 0-3!

Ref blows up. All over. No win for us. The 13s have found us out!

AFC man of the match was Sam O'Hara
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