Gritty Audlem in fighting display

Awake early to hear such a melodious Dawn chorus as the birds in my garden give full throat to their song. A true cathedral of notes as each tries to outdo the other.

Brilliant sun and a hazy blue sky above – it is very easy to think that there is no nastiness in the world on such a morning, here in the peace and good spirit of Audlem.

I was approached recently by a well-respected and long-time resident here with a concern as to what they could do to help at least one orphaned Syrian child. A very generous amount of money was promised if I can find a way to meet the concern. I will do my best for this, but fear it may be an insurmountable task. So fine an example of caring concern by this person.

To the football. The village alive. Many walkers gathering along with their ski sticks. A Christening as cars pile into the car park. The superb bells of St James ringing out. What a wonderful piece of England we have here.

The Game

We face Nantwich Young Farmers today. We were thrashed by them 6-1 last August at the start of the season. They now sit second in the league and we look up to then from far below. But this day we have the chance to select a strong team as 16 players present themselves for selection.

We set off at 1105 (with Referee Des Evans here again) in our Sponsors strip of The Lord Combermere. Each of the 11 paying their £5 fee – out of which I have to pay the Ref. £24 and £15 to the Hall to hire a changing room for the visitors. So little left to buy balls and medicals for the bag.

Play fast and very keen. Both sides more or less equal. Great free kick by Graham Brown – playing further up the field today – but goalie pushes the shot over the bar. So close that was. They react and attack us in numbers. Kev Rogers defending has a moment of madness and fluffs his challenge. Luckily Ed Holmes in goal saves the day, the lousy goalkeeper of last week now but a bad memory.

Cross by Andrew Bettely (Beko), met by Graham B and his drive hits the crossbar!
We are playing so well and as a strong team. As well as they are!

Great sliding tackle by Kyle Doughty and it's hurts him a tad. Attack move by NYF at speed but stopped by Pete Jones. Kev Mort in defence too and playing his usual good game – albeit a bit firm at times. A " Nobby Styles" type player.

Period of frantic to and fro as each side strives to break through. Super ball by Kev Rogers but just over Beko's head. Nathan Bell playing after many weeks away. Playing with heart and commitment.

11.25: Game so well balanced and exciting to watch. Good comment from some spectators as they praise the efforts of Audlem.
Great individual shot by Beko and hits the upright. Then....
11.40: Kev Rodgers is Red carded! For striking out at an opponent. Daft. Stupid. And costly. Down now to 10 men for more than 50 minutes!

11.45: Graham B is booked for high kick as he hits a player's head. Yellow card. Daft.

Half Time and we have played so well. Ed Holmes standing very tall in his goal. Playing beautifully. Save after Save.

11.55 Kick off for second half, the sun now in Ed's eyes as he takes station at the cemetery end. Graham B playing so fine as he commands the attacking line. Gives a fantastic back heal, but Beko cannot reach it. Kyle taken out again in a hard tackle. Hurt but he gets up again. Fine pass by young Brad Jones to Graham B. Kev Mort lectured by the Ref. Silly tackle.

12.10: They score as Roberts, their best player. Substitution, as Gary Keenan comes on as Kyle goes off. Hurting. Sun still so good and warm on my face. Air is still. Sky even bluer.

Nathan Bell taken down hard. Hurts his head from a kick.
Fierce shot by them is tipped away by Ed yet again. Move over DeGea, Hart etc as Ed plays his best game this season.

Substitution: Joe Benson on as Nathan goes off with his head still hurting.
12.25: Another booking. Kev Mort for a harsh tackle. Yellow. Our third of the game.
Remember we are but 10 men and with three bookings! Brad Jones off and Rhys Wright on. A 17 year old for a 17 year old.
12.46: And as we attack , ball gets to Beko and he pokes it in!

1-1 and so well deserved. Then the full time whistle. Great game of football and one I can be proud to be a part of.

As I reach my house after such a scintillating game, I remark on how proud the crocus blooms stand in the bright warm sunshine. Their throats fully agape as they stretch for the welcome light. Their stamens full of pollen. And as we know, we harvest the spice Saffron from such blooms.

So happy a sight of Spring, dressing our earth so well. And on the subject of our Earth, did you realise just how many times Earth would fit into the Sun. Allowing for the spaces created by having round objects inside a large round object, it is calculated at between 830,000 and 960,000! A real wow factor to try to come to terms with.
A fitting end of a good mornings sport .
Enough of my meandering.

Ralph Warburton
Audlem F C

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