Audlem FC Match Report

Audlem Football Club lost their first league game since November with a disappointing 4-2 defeat at Ruskin Park.

Audlem went into the game top of the league, off the back of three straight league wins. Ruskin Park on the other hand sat 6th, but had beaten Audlem earlier in the season in a Presidents Cup match.

After early exchanges Ruskin took control of the game. A seemingly aimless long ball forward on 9 minutes was latched onto, and with the visiting defence claiming offside, the Ruskin centre forward took his chance. 1-0.

Just a minute later, after Audlem failed to clear, the winger cut in from the left, and curled a good finish across the keeper for 2-0.

The long balls forward were causing Audlem problems and they continued to struggled to get into gear, and lacked any cohesive play — their best chances coming from dangerous long throw-ins. Andrew Betterley went down in the area for what looked a certain penalty, but nothing was given.

After Audlem gave the ball away again on 24 minutes, the Ruskin centre forward was brought down and a penalty awarded and dispatched comfortably. 3-0.

Audlem were stunned, but gave themselves a lifeline on the half hour when a Andrew Betterley corner was fumbled into the path of Kev Rodgers who tapped in from close range. 3-1.

Any hopes that this would kick the visitors into action were reduced on the stroke of half time, when the Ruskin striker found himself completely unmarked from a corner to head a fourth. 4-1.

Half time: Ruskin Park 4-1 Audlem

After a few choice words at half time, Audlem improved in the second half. Playing with the wind, the visitors got onto the front foot but struggled to create meaningful chances. A second goal came from another goalkeeping error after the home keeper missed his kick from a simple pass back, giving Ben Walker the easiest of finishes for his 7th of the season. 4-2.

With half an hour to play, Audlem huffed, and puffed, but failed to attack with much meaningful quality. Indeed the home side created more chances as Audlem left gaps at the back, but keeper Connor Baxter was equal to them.

The game drifted away, and after some scintillating performances in recent weeks, a disappointing defeat.

Full time: Ruskin Park 4-2 Audlem

Audlem remain top of the table with three games to play. Next up is a huge crunch game versus second place Nantwich Pirates on Sunday 3rd March at Barony Park. Kick off 11am.

Ross Henderson

Audlem FC Manager