Back down to Earth

What a week it has been here in Audlem. The Mend Our Mum campaign has dominated my days as we reached out to a very large audience though TV – BBC, ITV, Granada, Canadian TV , BBC European, radio and the press, superb coverage for a great cause.

The reaction continues on – but today for me, now from the sublime to gorblimey as I get set for our match versus The Rising Sun of Crewe, a team with good victories to their name.

They arrive keen and early to a strangely empty village and a car park with plenty of places as the normal walkers are either too cold or shopping for the coming big day.

Referee was to have been Des Evans for his first ever visit to Audlem since we reformed, but in the event, he is replaced by Jem Cornes – a ref with a good reputation for fair control.

To the pitch. It is close on 10.20 before any of our team arrives. And, yet again, Geoff and James B have just 13 players for their team choice. And that includes two unfit players. Sad that we have to face this dilemma Sunday after Sunday.

Referee Jem Cornes blows up and we are off, bang on time. Disaster as RS are fast away from the traps and they score in the first few seconds. Thankfully the Ref blows for offside. Phew – a big relief.

It is so very cold sitting here on the sidelines as a very sharp wind builds in strength.

After that opening scare, AFC getting settled and in the game. We call for a penalty but Ref waves it away. Graham Brown gives some of his advice to the Ref – who then calls him over for a telling off. Free kick given to RS – I fear set plays as we so often give away a goal on such occasions. But this time, no benefit to them.

Joe Benson given a hard shako kick to his ankle and goes down. Magic water works yet again and he is up on his feet – hurting but full of play still.
Language from RS is a bit fruity and some of their play a bit over the top.

In these first stages of the match, very good tacking by Dave Bebbington saved us at they attacked in force.

Then, 11.30 – they score:
0-1
11.32 – they score again
0-2. Our defence sliced open by the speed of their attack. Daft to concede these two goals in just 2 minutes!

11.34: Then a fine solo run up field by Andrew Betterley and he scores for us!
1-2
11.36: A mêlée in their goalmouth from a corner and bang – Dave Bebbington scores.
2-2.
Great stuff.
11.47 and a very fast run beats our defence hollow as RS score yet again to take the lead.
2-3 now in their favour

Half Time

Joe Overland arrives and we are able to take James B off who has played even though he is not fit.
11.56 and just into the game and a very fine shot by Jordan Green and we equalise.
3-3.

Excellent feeling now. The wind very swirly as it plays a big part in the play. The trees sighing loudly as the blasts tear through the bare branches. Leaves dancing a wild jig across the pitch. Then two minutes later, they retake the lead. Crazy defending!
3-4

Game and play is 50/50 as both sides try for more. But blow me down, they score once more
3-5!

Are we in for a severity drubbing once more?
We surely are as they score two more to thrash us 3-7.

So, so easy for them. So , so easy.
Game over.
Year over.
No points today.
No bookings today.

The superb photos today are by Mark Welton. And this is just a selection. Please click on them to enlarge.

Next game at home on 4th January 2015.

With my very wishes to all who follow us – a happy Christmas to you and a good New Year.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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