Cup match for Audlem FC

After the game last week was cancelled following the demise of Crewe Town FC from the league , Audlem FC faced Bank Corner FC yesterday morning – this time in the
Divisional Cup round.

They are a team of strength that we have yet to beat.

Off we drive to Alsager, after gathering at the Little Chef by the M6. Geoff, our manager, again faced with just the bare minimum – 13 players – so once again for an away match, the team virtually picks itself. And this despite the fact that we have over thirty players on our books!

To the pitch which is in good well drained condition but sticky to the boot studs. Referee is one Darren Barnes – one we have not had the pleasure of meeting before. Wind very sharp and strong – and bitingly cold . The bells of the big church were ringing out beautifully, calling all to the Mothering Day service therein (an aside to say that the Co-op at 9.00am was very busy with young men buying flowers and chocolates for those they had forgotten that this was their day!)

So – kick off on time. Freezing cold in the wind and I think I must be mad to be standing here in such conditions. In the first minute a free kick to us on the edge of the box but no luck
from it, their team of the reds pushing us back hard with Jarad Southall – Martin
in our goal , his first outing this year after some surgery.

First corner to them followed in quick succession by the second corner. A shot into a melee and it dips inside the top right hand corner and in off the post. They are up by one goal in just five minutes.

A blow but AFC play with much purpose as attack after attack beats down on to our goal. Then another blow after poor mistakes by us at the back and we are down 0-2! In swift succession, Banks have corners and a series of determined attacks by the opposition as they camp in our half. 11.35 and a long ball and they score again. 0-3 now as the ball rebounds off a save by Jarad.

90% of the first half is being dominated by them. Kev Mort, our skipper, yelling encouragement and then we go forward and a sweet flick on by Kev Mort is met by James "Ferret" Brooks as he scores! Wonderful goal. So 1-3.

Corner after corner as Bank clock up eight in all as they fight back. We had just the one corner this first half. A 9th corner and a shot at goal is tipped over by Jarad.

Half Time

Wind should now be in our favour but swirling about. Some flakes of sleet in the wind and still so cold. Then the Ref books Kev Rogers for abuse, followed immediately by a booking
for Will Ellis – for cheering when this Ref gives us a throw in.

The referee was definitely biased against us and a moment later Geoff, our manager, asks loudly if he lives in Alsager. The ref warns our manager – not quite sending him to the stands, but further proof of poor refereeing.

Banks Corner play their first sub when soon after noon a few shafts of welcome sun pierce the cold grey skies. AFC are truly playing well and more as a team. Kev Walters at his best at the back, with long well directed shots forward. Ferret has also had a very good fearless match.

Then a drive by Bank as their player sets off on a long run, passes it and they score. 1-4!!
Five minutes to go when a dive, ignored by the ref results in a free kick on the edge of our box but straight into our wall. A good long run by Kev Rogers on their goal but saved by a lively goalkeeper.

Jarad makes one more save and then the final whistle. As we troop off, Kev Mort has words with the Ref regarding the bookings and some of his poor decisions, with the upshot that the bookings are rescinded.

So, a good game in which we could see AFC more of a team than ever. Back to the warmth, the welcoming warmth of the Lord Combermere, and those special chips.

Ralph Warburton
Chairman Audlem FC

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