Broadheath now reasserted themselves and a free-kick was earned. No 11 (Josh Harper) had a pop and sent his shot low but just on the wrong side of the upright. The same player had another pop seconds later with a firm boomer from the angle tidily saved by an agile and reactive keeper. The Central Squad flew the flank next, with the player on the ball riding a tackle and providing a pinpoint cross which the head of No 9 (Alex May) failed to put on target - that would have been a sweet goal for sure.
From a balanced period a long hopeful ball found Harper for the guests who collected, made an inch of space with a swivel of the hips and let fly a dig that was heading for the bottom corner. The host No 1 never took his orbs off the ball and flew down, stuck out a hand and made a quality save. The resultant corner produced bugger all and led to a bout of Crewe pressure. The best the home lads could come up with though was a shot over the bar via their No 9 (Josh Maris). As the missus wandered to get the brews one last Crewe long ball came but was dealt with by the Broadheath mitter who left his line and cleared - the game, after 45 minutes, was still up for grabs.
We enjoyed a good brew for the break, admired the summery day and had a short wander looking at a few flowers and bugs. The back was still creaking, we headed towards the sun, the great healer and restorer of positivity. I may invest in a sun-lamp - a round one so I can shove it up my arse and feel good (in many ways) all year round. I wonder if they do them with little pimples on, for therapeutic reasons of course - ooh me chuff.
And as the sun shone, the second half began with little give either way. The visiting pack put together the first assault of any import with Harper weaving down the wing and putting in a simple but effective ball to May who held up matters, placed a pass to No 8 (Fergus Grogan) who easily buried. A quality goal and one for the footballing connoisseur. Crewe rebounded from this second body blow with a quickly taken free-kick that found a head but again, the target was missed. Crewe continued to push, were caught on the hop when the opposing Harper flew free. A chance to bury the ball came, a cut-back was taken instead with May missing matters but with No 7 (Shack Depeiaza) pouncing and adding a third. Seconds later another was added when a ball found May in the middle of the park. A great hold up and turn was executed with Grogan given the ball. The home keeper advanced, a sweet slotting home of the sphere was the outcome, the game was now dead and buried as far as the resident ranks were concerned.
The game continued with Broadheath on top. No 5 (Marc Bellingham) had a shot wide and it really did look as though a fifth strike was on the cards. Crewe tried to counter and Dayne was gifted a chance but the execution was appalling to say the least. Soon after, a time-out was taken as a player needed treatment and then Crewe grabbed a corner with the ball booted high and long and somehow getting nutted home via the cranium of the awaiting No 5 (Bailey Adlington). From here Crewe had a fair spell that only bore a middling shot the opposing gloved guardian easily dealt with. A shot came at the other end and was dragged wide and suddenly we were heading down the final stretch of the contest.
Another break in proceedings, as soon as matters got back underway Harper for the guests was away. The player in possession cut in, negotiated his marker, had one look and slapped home his sides fifth goal. The time now trickled away, Crewe had a shite free-kick, Broadheath were unlucky not to grab a sixth and that was indeed that. Man of the Match must go to Broadheath Central's No 11 (Josh Harper) who showed some quick feet, quick thinking and a good footballing brain. If he keeps his head on the ball this lad could move up a few notches methinks - that though, is easier said than done.
We ambled off pleased with what we had seen and were happy to soak up the still prevalent beams. A good day for sure, unless of course you were a Crewe FC fan.
FINAL THOUGHTS - A lovely day out and good value all round. Crewe looked in disarray today with the main problem being the lack of cohesion up front and of course, the lack of options when attacking. I am not sure if any players were missing or it was just an off day but this was a mighty poor performance and not one worthy of a mid-table team. I am sure they are better than this and hope they can finish the league with the minor flourish. I wouldn't mind getting back to this ground again soon, the welcome was warm, watching the local lass run for each and every ball after 25 years service, a real cockle warmer but tis all a question of time and what the crippling conkers are up to at the mo. As I ponder the league standings I see Broadheath Central have an outside chance of winning this league which would be no mean feat. I also note that this is one of three grounds I have yet to visit in the Cheshire Premier league so am hoping I can rectify this before the season finishes. Today they looked like a very polished end product and could easily give any team in this league a run for their money. All 5 goals today had an appealing facet to them and indicated a team playing well together and perhaps on a run-in high that could see them run out champions. The next few fixtures could be key, I am due to have another fungus tattooed on my bonse on the 4th of May, if timings go to plan I may catch this lot at home against Whalley Range - ooh cripes, watch this space.