4th February 2017 - Eccleshall FC 0 v 1 Atherton LR - After a morn of sorting grasshopper pictures, catching up on a few chores and making a 'To Do' list for the coming week it was down the M6 with my fine missus for a match that concerned two struggling sides fighting to stay afloat. These non-league fixtures are a constant delight to my DIY punking soul, so ruddy earthy, real and away from the claptrap of that nonsense that used to be a working class game. I really am amazed at the consistent quality on show and, in many respects, how overlooked and neglected some of these teams are. Anyway, I expected a good kick about today, these two squads needed to work hard to gain a boost and what the final outcome would be was anyone's guess. Here is the Fungal lowdown on what transpired.
The first lower limb swung, the sphere became animated and the initial action indicated that both teams were loaded with a plentiful supply of vim and vigor and destined to be involved in a real close affair. Too much panic from both teams and a stodgy pitch took an early toll on the early fluidity but Eccleshall forged the first chance when their No 2 (Callum Hood) dribbled through and really should have had a crack but instead opted to pick out his colleague who recklessly blazed over. Both sides continued to work with huff and puff but commitment to the front was slow in coming at either end. Options were lacking it seemed but Atherton had the next opportunity when their leggy No 11 used good pace, cut nicely in and thumped forth an average shot right into the meat of the keepers belly. A free kick followed from the Laburnum Rovers lads, the ball in was decent enough and the crust that connected came as close as anything seen thus far. Another free kick the same way followed but was absolutely awful as was the counter attack - we stayed as we were! Were we heading for a stalemate?
Despite the lack of goals this was a cracking tussle and could go either way with Eccleshall having the next chance but the weak end shot was cleared with ease. Atherton looked for a through ball and that ranging No 11 sneaked through again and repeated his shot at the netters midriff. 3rd time lucky perhaps? A cross for the visitors came next, it was just tapped over resulting in another corner that saw a defender's bonse rise and just do enough to thwart any further threat. Right up the other end and a crabby deflection dropped at the feet of the No 9 who should have bagged the opening goal but, with time to spare and just the goalie to beat, somehow struck over the cross bar. If the finishing of both sides matched the endeavour we would surely have had a bag of goals at this stage. The pendulum of play was unpredictable, it was one way then t'other and as the half came to a close Atherton had one last chance with a foul on the edge of the box giving them a free boot which turned out to be nothing short of crap. Maybe the legs were tired after a hard half running on a pitch stickier than Richard Madeley's fingers - it does happen and the half time whistle came as a relief to both teams.
Tea, a pea and a stretched of the old boiled eggs.
Half two and Atherton were straight at it, an early shot blazed in and was deflected over. From the corner nothing happened and Eccleshall were allowed to push back. The ball was flying back and forth in a still fascinating encounter and all we needed was a moment of inspiration or freaky fortune to break this very secure deadlock. Suddenly a long ball from nothing found the feet of Atherton's No 9 (Theodore Kidd) who rushed forth, had the keeper to beat, whom he duly rounded before tickling the ball home with the coolest of brows. The ALR bench erupted, some 'erbert appeared and gave off a good shout as well as a fine fragrance of Eau de Cologne (the cannabis version) - by heck, let us hope the dope stayed on the touchline and didn't infect the home team who now needed to get from under the cosh and dig real deep. Atherton were now frisky, they surged forth, a liners dubious decision was labelled as 'wank' by a frustrated Eccy player and still the action levels remain lofted. Eccleshall were not giving in and really making a match of it - the end result was in the balance.
Time progressed and Atherton were now looking the more cohesive and organised unit with plenty of players still keen to run their rear off. Their No 14 should have grabbed further glory when his superb run and shot flew just wide of the far upright. Another break for the visitors exposed some flagging Eccy legs but the finishing was awry and the game refused to be put to bed. The match now looked like a case of many shagged out shanks hanging in and as midfield tensions rose a free-kick for the home squad added to the stress levels with one side applauding the decision the other disputing it very hotly (can you guess which). The shot that came from the sub was firm and low and a save had to be made, The corner came with little threat and after a little bit of in-box arsing another shot was pushed forth but, for the umpteenth time, it was straight at the man in the mesh. A penalty shout at the other end inflamed the away bench as well as a few players and time out by the ref was taken to quell the situation and keep all on the right side of the law. Good work squire!
Now the minutes were few, an Eccleshall sub indicated a shit or bust attitude but chances were squandered and broken down before they really started and as The Rovers applied tactics and game management they conjured up a break that saw, once more, their No 11 run, shoot and force the goalkeeper to produce a nifty save. The corner was wasted as was a bit more time and, before Eccleshall could regroup the ref called time and we were done. A good game I thought, especially for one with only 1 goal in it. It must be stressed too that both sides exposed several smart players who are deserved of greater success. Today my choice of Man of the Match must go to the previously mentioned No 11 (Adam Owens) for Atherton, who was swift, incisive, willing to work right up until the last and was, to put it in no uncertain terms, a bloody menace throughout.
FINAL THOUGHT - This is what it is all about, - two teams pissing in the wind of ill fortune, stuck in the mire at the bottom of the league but giving their all on a cold day, on a sticky pitch and all for the love of the game. The attitude and effort of both teams was commendable, the entertainment value high and the outcome but cruel and crucial in many ways. Despair and delight came, several players shone like freshly polished arses in a desert of desperation and I really do hope that both these squads get justice for their efforts and build up some form of momentum that takes them to a position reflective of their talent. The trip to Pershall Park was a pleasure (even if we didn't win the raffle - again) and we shall most certainly be back. Of course we shall be popping up to Crilly Park soon enough where memories of chips as long as eels are still fresh in the noggin. Final message - get out folks, bollocks to the overpaid, support the underdogs!
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