14th August 2017 - Maine Road FC 2 v 1 Congleton Town - Two of my favourite teams met in tonight's tussle with my pre-game prediction going this way, that way and out of the window - such is the magnetic attraction of these well-matched encounters that are so frequently found in the non-league pit. The day had been a long one with wildlife records sorted, a cycle ride had, some shrooming done and a few household chores attended to (gotta do my bit for my loved ones don't ya know). I headed to the ground with hopes elevated of the best match, thus far,
of an embryonic season. The outcome went something like this? No, not like that, like this - come on pay attention now! By the way - I identified 2 all time new fungi today, it put me in a good mood, I hoped the game would keep the hopes afloat.
The two squads came onto the pitch, myself and fellow punk pirates Stu Taylor of STP Promotions and Ged Murder were all optically alert, there was a decent turn-out and the late summer evening was ready to be warmed by some fine non-league action - let the globe start rolling.
A rapido start came, breaks occurred at either end with Road's Jamie Roe having the first dig of any substance. The shot was deflected wide, from the corner a shot came and another deflection was had. The resulting throw-in brought no danger and the Congo lads fought back and indulged in some high energy midfield mayhem. Out of the pack the Bears No 9 (Emini Adegbenro) shot close in but the ball flew over, seconds later the same gent again went on an arse-ripping run, slapped in a low cross that was duly dummied and allowed some frontman to try a cheeky goalward flick - who was it, how did it miss? Question, questions, amid a blur of animation. Both teams were doing some fine 'off-the-ball' running and covering more than their fair share of the pitch. The rain started to fall, end to end the ball was hoofed, what an absorbing encounter! Congleton were playing higher up the pitch, Maine Road were looking for a dissecting pass but were getting caught offside a little too often for the onlookers liking. Eventually they cultivated an opportunity, their No 10 (Connor Hughes) threaded a peach, the break looked on, Congleton's No 4 (Omar Mbowe) stood proud and reined supreme, the door was closed, the chance a memory.
No give or take in this one, Congleton came next - a dazzling move deserved a crown of glory but ended being laden with a flat-cap of failure as their No 11 (Declan Fletcher) blazed over from inches out. Up the other end and the industrious Jamie Roe forced the keeper to save and frustration rose further when No 6 (James Ormrod) followed up with a tame fart of an effort - more beans needed sir. More offside decisions went against the home 'erberts and after one such incident the Bears broke when incredible neat feet from their No 8 (Oliver Ford) saw a turn and shot end in a very near miss - a fruity effort for sure. The pace was incessant, an attack one way was paid back in kind the other, the players were certainly earning their crust tonight. A fist away from the Congo keeper resulted in a counterpunch that failed to bear fruit - typical of the half and, in truth, I was struggling to keep up. The tempo zenithed, the referee blessed us all with a break - a cup of tea is the finest way to regather one's thoughts, I am an Englishman after all.
Slurp, slurp and banter with sonic brothers - back to the game we went but not before my colleague showed me some nude photo's of Mike Yarwood - what a collection, what an erection - oh I am easily distracted.
The Road were out of the dressing room quickest, a low shot was blocked, another quick effort was spooned into the leaking night sky. Oh No 11 (Richard Williams), pray for forgiveness. The start from the Blues was impressive and moments later the same Blue'd bod broke again, was closed down by a nomadic keeper, still won the ball and attempted a neat chip in - the side-netting rippled, the scorecard was yet to be crippled. Within seconds The Road came again and only a last gasp tackle by The Bears No 3 (Richard Peters) saved their busy bustling hides. Another home grown break, the support was too slow, the shot that came was labelled lame. A repeat effort was had at the opposite keeper - firmer but too straight - come on lads, we need a breakthrough.
A blur of a move next, the hosts flashed forth and a cross and close in tap looked set for glory but the visiting No 1's feet were in the right place at the right time - lucky bugger. Congleton next, one-two and thwack - just wide - crikey get me another pen, I am running dry. The ursine pack came once more, Adegbenro through, Road's goalie quick off the mark - great block. Next and Road's No 2 (Jack Poxon) tried his luck - fair effort but easily saved. Congleton were warned, they came yet again, the ball was tossed high around the danger zone, the defence lacked decision so the mittman had to commit - foul had, penalty given. Up stepped Jason Carey to do the business, crack, well struck and deadlock broken - 0 - 1 to the Bears.
The pace stayed high, the hosts pushed harder, a break was found, a through ball caused due panic and Congleton's Mbowe was left alone to deal with a flashing attack. He was deemed to be over zealous and a trifle too heavy handed - a red card was brandished. The free-kick given was pondered, Connor Hughes shot low and brought a great save from the alert keeper. The corner that came was perfect, a thumping header was borne from the bonse of John Mason - back of the net it went, we were suddenly all square. Minutes later another free-kick was awarded the same way, it was quickly taken, a neat through ball and slotted home by Richard Williams - 2 -1 to the MR Machine - what a turn-around, this lot never know when they are beat. Instantaneously the fired up powder blues frothed up another chance, Williams was through and sent a good shot netward - tip top save. The game now became ragged, one team looking for the jugular, the other scrambling for parity - it was a sweat and steam finale. In the dying embers of the game Maine Road had all hands on deck, a late Congo attack resulted in two fouls - the first outside the box, the second inside the box - for some reason the referee blew late and gave a free kick for the first - now that was debatable. Nothing came of the punt, the final peep came and we were done with still something to mull over. The game had been a splendid one, I saw many a fine performance but, as a punk pig and a dealer in moot points, I am giving the man of of the Match to Congleton's No 4 (Omar Mbowe), a stalwart in defence who never put a foot wrong until his untimely dismissal. I care not for this faux pas, shit happens and it was a tough call but, prior to this, he stood out as a controlled giant with a good reading of the game. I am happy to give a kick of confidence and ponder the many positives the player exposed.
FINAL THOUGHT - This was a cracking encounter and if you are thinking of going to a non-league match this year you would be well advised to pick one of these teams as your first port of call. The industry and tireless work ethic will serve them well throughout the campaign and with a bit of luck one or two rewards could come their way. Going back to Mike Yarwood, he was a decent footballer in his youth after his stint at Stockport County as Director I reckon he knows is soccer onions and would have applauded tonight's stint. I think he needs to ditch his latest attempts at fame via nude advertising and get back on the touchline - far more appealing and less embarrassing for the todge - see, the game was so good it has affected my mind.
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