Amazing news: Audlem FC win! It's true

Our apologies for the late broadcast of this vital news. Our intrepid Football reporter Ralph Warburton has been somewhat busy giving TV interviews ever since the match. He now reports during a break between programmes.

Well – now after the excitement over the past few days of the Mend Our Mum campaign, down to earth and to the football here in Audlem.

We play against Rookery Tavern of Sandbach, a team we were told could be quite physical at times. Never met them before so it all new to us as far as their team is concerned.

A greyish start to the day and the car park again proving its incalculable value to the village as many cars arrive for a christening in St James' – plus all our football players transport. A vital asset to the village and one that needs full protection.

Bells of our noble church ringing out beautifully. I ask those going to the christening to perhaps have a word or two for us and perhaps some heavenly intervention!

Our team again small – just 12 men and carrying some injuries too. We include two new signings as it is so hard to get a stable and settled squad.

A headache each week for our joint managers, Geoff Stretch and James Bebbington.
Referee Darren Waters arrives to run the game. He has a good reputation of calm control.

He gets us underway at 11.00. Lively start to the game. Hint of some blue sky just on the horizon. We are pressing very hard from the off.

Within 5 minutes, Rookery suffer injury as a hamstring tightens and they play their first sub.
Jimmy Murphy in goal for us and I do so hope he plays as well as he did last week.
Very much noise coming from Rookery with lots of yelled advice and thankfully not too colourful.

1st corner to RT but no gain. Play about 50/50 at present. Good try by the ever moving Sam O'Hara but over the bar.

Then a fine move by Graham Brown is met by Andrew Betteley and he nets!
We are ahead
1-0!

AFC is keeping its shape very well and it feels good to see excellent play from us with Jimmy pulling off some very brave saves.
Another shot by Sam goes wide. The way the play is for us is very heart warming as we do look like we can do well today.
11.30: We score yet again! Graham Brown on the end of a cross and wham – it's in their net.
2-0 And to us!

Then as we press hard, another great ball is met by Graham and he fires in for his second and our third.
3-0

I am ecstatic. And a trifle fearful as I promised to buy the round at the Lord C if we win.

70% of the play is ours now as we run them ragged. At one point three of their players start a fight amongst themselves as their frustration boils over. Ref. calms it down.

Half time and we troop off very happy. In front for the first time this season – a nice feeling.
Even Barry, owr most ardent fan is saying we are playing well, praise indeed.

Second Half

Can we keep ahead? I fear that the normal second half fatigue will hit is as it has so often in the past.

We play our one sub as on comes Chris Anderson for his debut and Andrew Betteley comes off. He has played nursing a bad back but even so did open the scoring for us.
12.15: And Sam O'Hara scores! His remarkable play pays off.
4-0!

Jimmy hit very hard in the belly by RT player. After a moment's rest, he carries on – he has to, we have no subs.
Then RT score
4-1

Oh no I think Are we to be hit more. But, no we score !!

5-1 . Fine goal by a very good player, Connor Jones.
Jimmy pulls off a super save to stop a certain goal.
As we get close to the final whistle, RT score once more.
5-2 .

Game over and we have WON. Truly a good feeling. Albeit it cost me £60 later in the Lord C.

Next game is at home versus the Rising Sun Team
I can but hope.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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