On a cold, dank, foggy February day

What a cold, dank, foggy February day! Not a hint of the bird song we enjoyed two weeks ago.

Our pitch a sorry mess, after Cheshire East, in their infinite wisdom, decided to slit and scratch the surface, with wide tractor tread marks all over it. Why do such a thing in winter? Best done as the grass is growing in April! The goal area at the tennis court end just bare mucky earth.

We get going with the corner flags and nets, Geoff Stretch and myself. I cannot see one end of the pitch from the other – the fog then so dense.

I am saddened to report that a miserable specimen of a dog owner has allowed his pet to crap right in the middle of the field. How I wish I knew it was so that I could put it on their doorstep. And this on a place where children play.

Car park full of vehicles – Churchgoers, Walkers, Footballers and diners. Such a vital place for the good of the life of Audlem. The bells of St James Church calling out so beautifully through the mists of the fog.

Geoff and James Bebbington – Audlem FC's managers – have the luxury of choosing the side from 15 players! A joy not too often the case.

Our opponents are Salvador F C. Second from top of the division and fighting to be top. Last time we met, they beat us 5-2, this after we were ahead at half time.

Referee is Derek Scott, a character with the shortest shorts ever, and wearing a scarf and gloves.

11.00 and off we go. Fog still such as I cannot see who has the ball on the far side from my vantage point.
11.15. An attack by them down the field. Through us like a knife through butter and they score: 0-1

Our goalkeeper today is stand-in Gary Jones as we have no other keeper available. Gary is normally an outfield player. Free kicks to both sides and we are pressing hard on them.

Joe Benson having a good game as is Connor Jones. Dag Searle back again, first time this season, gives them his own kind of hell as he turns their defence inside out. Sam O'Hara is booked for dissent – a trifle harsh, as he had just been chopped down by a burly defender.

11.40 and their goalie gets a knock and is hurt. Fog still that penetrating cold, damp stuff. (Which of course it is by nature ) But I am so cold and damp. Players OK as they run around.

Half time and off we troop – heads held high for we are playing well and as a team. Second half and fog lighter now. Still needs yellow balls to see the thing.

Dag Searle sends a rocket of a shot but just over the bar – and then he gets booked! Blow me down as they score. Fine shot by them. No chance for Gary 0-2

12.17 We attack in force and we are given a penalty. Up steps Pete Jones. Kicks – it must be said – one of the worse spot kicks ever – but we score. 1-2

How well we are now playing. With determination. Good passing. Good positioning.

Great cross by Kev Mort is met by the ever running Connor Jones but no goal. And the move so deserved a goal. Salvador respond – attack in numbers and score! 1-3

Pitch now clear of the fog. Gary Jones pulls off a very fine save as he tips the shot over the bar.12.30 and a great pass by Sam O'Hara to Andrew Betterley who passes to the fast running Dag Searle- he shoots and scores a magnificent goal, giving the keeper no chance: 2-3

Ball from Darren Walker to Kev Mort who fires one in – just over the bar. His best shot of the day.

Salvador fight back and Gary pulls another fingertip save. The last 15 minutes of the game and we are playing so well. A joy to watch. Even Barry, our fiercest touchline critic says we are playing well, Praise indeed.

Corner after corner to us but no gain. Then a fierce run down field. Andrew Betterley shoots – and scores! His 10th of the season. 3-3 – And this against the second from top team of the Division.

Gosh. We walk tall off the pitch. Our first point on the sheet! The chip butties at our sponsors, The Lord C, tasted ever so sweet.

Next game is away to Santa Maria, Crewe, Referee Des Evans
Ralph Warburton
Chairman AFC

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