Audlem FC take on Salvador

As we tiptoe slowly into the shorter days of cooler weather and the leaves begin their decline, we arrive at the start of our 4th league match on Sunday morning – and our 3rd at home. Seeing a 10p coin on the car park, I feel that lady luck could be with us this time.

Our manager Geoff has the choice of 15 keen players which makes for a full squad for the day, and this with a smattering of the newer young players all eager to prove themselves – if chosen to play.

Referee Rick Bradfield – firm but fair, arrives to a car park chocker-block with cars because at 9.00am more than a hundred cyclists had turned up for a big national race over three hours in duration. Not a space free so we all have to jockey around for parking.

Our opponents, Salvador F C of Wrenbury, arrive. Some very big fellows. A team with a long pedigree having begun in 1963 – a sharp contrast to our mere 13 months since being re-born.

Kick off on time in a blustery wind as the forecast gales approach. Pitch in good order, after I once again have to clear up dog mess left by an inconsiderate owner. Wearing my fedora for the first time, as the chill wind cuts across the pitch.

Good following of Salvador but support for us thin. From the start we are shaping better, with a new formation as the manager has Dave Bebbington more forward – in front of the back four.

We attack well and keep good shape. Few high balls and good running by Joe Benson and Jordan Green show us what the younger players are made of. A free kick to us and we drive forward. Great run by Sam O'Hara followed by a shot that just hits the post. A promise of more to come.

Jordan Green fires in another great ball but saved. Lots of forward running and better passing. We are playing like a team. And no cursing. Super cross shot by Joe Benson flies across the face of their goal. Sadly no one there to convert it.

Heavy foul on Skipper Mort. Free kick by Kev Rogers delivered well but just over our heads.
Then a good drive forward and Dave Bebbington, in his new position, fires in and we are a goal up. 1-0!

Kev Walters gives away a free kick and receives a telling off from the Ref. We are camped in their half and playing like a team! Wonderful to see for me.

Wind strength increases. Leaves tumbling across the pitch but thankfully, dry. 40th minute and James Bebbington has to come off as his groin plays up and Ed Holmes takes his place.
Then in the 44th minute, they score. So 1-1 at half time.

Second Half

Starts off well. Even Stevens in the play as each team drives forward. Kev Rogers having his best game so far as he covers the field. Joe Benson off and Joe Overland on. Great run by Sam O'Hara – on his own as he nutmegs opponents in his run forward, but a hard tackle takes him out.

Twenty minutes in and Salvador now pressing hard and a succession of free kicks. A tackle by Kev Mort adjudged hard and he is booked. Bad news as the resultant free kick is driven straight at our goal and Connor Baxter spills the save to allow them to score. 1-2.

At this juncture, our shape dissolves. Gaz Jones, in defence, is next in the Ref's book as he is mouthing off too much. Good strike on goal by Kev Mort from a super pass by Sam O'Hara (who is making great holes in their defence as he runs well at them). Another attempt by Jordan Green is saved.

JG off and Ash Burroughs on as our Manager tries his hand at improvements. Then a very easy soft goal with our defence in pieces and they are ahead even more. 1-3.
All this after we had begun so well. And to top being down like this, Ash Burroughs is booked after a bit of slap and tickle in their box – but not a lot of tickle!

Game over. I had truly thought today was to be our day, and a win.

Hey Ho. Here's to our next trial – away to Wistaston.

Man of the Match, as chosen by Daisy and Alice, is Dave Bebbington and I duly award the trophy to him. Good agreement on their choice for DB had put in a sterling effort.

Ralph Warburton�€�
AFC Chairman

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