Audlem FC Match Report

Wake early this day, at just before 0500hrs to the most glorious of a dawn chorus. Seems to be even more melodious than ever, with a true cathedral of bird song and, as I go to the garden in the early morning light, a wren perched on a spade handle is singing his head off. Lovely song with so many notes.

Spend some time sorting out marquees for the coming Music Festival of Audlem and also waking up one of my cars after its long winter sleep. A new battery works wonders. Good warm sun at this time of day.Off to the village and to get the team strip ready.

We had been told we had some 14 players but in the end we have just 12. Not a good turnout for this game.This is my last despatch from the football front as we set to and play our final game of the season.

Our opponents are Leighton – shooting for promotion to the Premier League. Last time we met them, they thrashed us 11-1!! – Referee is Jem Cornes. Another good and fair referee. Pitch in good very firm condition. Some large dog's poo removed!

Management of Leighton are an aggressive bunch. No warmth there. We kick off sharp at 1100, after the bells of St James fall silent. Pressure equal through the first half and we hold them to just the one goal against us.

In the second half they tear us apart. They score 4 more. The last two goals more or less walked in. Sad that we were so poor in the second half. Connor Jones injured badly – perhaps his Achilles. And Dale Bradbury off with a tweaked hamstring. Bad news for two very good and dedicated players. I so hope they will be ok.

Kev Walters, our sole sub comes on. Down to 10 men now. Very cold air. All the way from the Siberia. And this after the glorious Saturday sunshine.We lose 0-5!

Well. That is all folks. Last match report of the season. Hopefully we will be back next season and perhaps be further up the table. We still hope to play a charity game versus the women of the village. If so, I will advise all in good time. Ralph Warburton Chairman 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.