A SHARE OF THE SPIRITED SPOILS

19th January 2019 - Denton Town 2 v 2 Eagle Sports - And a wary look at the bulging diary shows things are 'rammed' and I am duly designated the status of that pesky flitter 'Cobaltus rear-endus' - the Blue Arsed Fly.  Up, chores, birds fed, computer updates done, dinner consumed and then me and the missus headed out for this early fixture from the realms of the Cheshire League.  The timing fitting in well with the days plans as I had organised a gig later in the day, The Doncaster Deviants Invasion - a gathering of disturbed discordance makers destined to end in a pregnancy, a ruptured ringpiece and the conversion of some unsuspecting character to the realms of Yorkshire Buddhism - you just can't trust those white-rose wearing gits.  So, we arrived, we met up with STP Stu and took up our positions after a cup of tea and a wander round the pitch.  The weather was typical of January - cold, dreary, without gumption - as we dithered we witnessed the following spectacle - I apologise in advance if my testicles turn blue, drop off and as a result I fail to finish the report - I am trying my best here and mother's knitted nut cups are being worn with pride.

The globe of focus started to move across hardy green, we seemed on the cusp of nightfall throughout, the game duly developed though with both teams playing with a robust passion.  Attacking waves crashed at each end, Denton had one that fizzled like a Roman Candle dipped in shit, Eagle Sports produced another that saw No 9 (Chris Quirk) have a dig that was neatly stopped by the wide awake keeper.  The visiting tribe put together some attractive eye-catching sequences whilst the host unit looked to soak and release to their two awaiting front bods.  The Eagles continued to dictate the pace, they were working the pitch and moving with steadfast persistence but during one passage of play the midfield pack was pilfered, No 7 (Loma Kasende) surged from the melee, fed No 10 (Bocar Baro) with a delicious pass that allowed the frontman to tidily slot home and bring mild joy to the few ardent supporters in attendance.  The Eagles now flew with greater urgency, a cross came like a thunderbolt of Thor, the slightest touch by a wannabe hero was needed, alas it didn't come, the outstretched toes were just a tad too short.  The guest team were soon on the hunt again, an exact through ball found No 10 (Alex Finch) who deftly rounded the mittman, booted forth and struck the vertical.  The ball fell dead, Quirk pounced, made sure contact and rippled the netting - all square folks, this was already a choice Non-League cutlet.

With the game beautifully poised, a loose defensive pass from the Denton rearguard saw their opponents grab and Quirk gallop and boom - the shot was deflected over.   The corner came in, it was nutted out, and another angle kick was had at the other side of the pitch.  In, out, in, volley - like an aroused Benny Hill in a nudist colony, the upright duly trembled.  The ball rebounded, another effort was had and again the post vibrated before an offside flag was waved.  Cor blimey, this was hectic!  At the other end a free-kick was knocked forth and firmly fisted (ooh me rectum).  No 11 (Callum Williams) picked up the dogend - one look, one swing, boom sir, boom - 2 - 1 it was!  What a grand goal to be sure! 

The match remained a pure fascination, this could still go any way!  The end to end action was incessant, many solid performances were being executed, the flow was liquid and I was all agog.  The travellers turned up the heat, the ball entered the zone labelled 'dangerous' and No 8 (Edward Burthem) looked ready to shoot.  The moment passed, a re-alignment of the sights was taken and the ball was cracked into the goal.  Once more we were back to all-square but this first 45 was far from over.  Eagle Sports were soon hawking once more, a ball across the face of goal was ready to be buried, the goalkeeper (Martyn White) stretched and grabbed at the last - good man!   As Denton came under a brandished cosh their No 4 (Martin Enow) mistimed a header and Quirk for The Sports accepted, slid one past the keeper and struck the post.  A corner was given, the ball came in, No 5 (Oliver Fleming) headed over.  Soon after No 11 (Matty Hadley) blasted over and then a sizzling cross beat the sprawling keeper only to see Quirk shocked by receiving the ball and missing a golden opportunity - what a game!  The half finally ended with two shots for No 10 (Alex Finch) of the guests.  The first was easily saved, the second was neatly turned aside from an increasingly mithered mitter...and then we were done.

A cuppa and a Mars Bar for the break - by heck it went down good and then back out for the next period of honest and earthy football.

A blustery start to the second half came, once again it was the visiting pack that started to set the standard of the passing game.  A shot came from the pack, the home mitter produced a quality one handed save and then Hadley had a dig but wasn't even close.  After more pecking the same team's No 8 (Edward Burthem) blasted over and then followed up several minutes later with a dig into the side-netting.  As Denton gathered their resisting gonads Quirk of the Eagles rasped one wide, and then a cross came that needed a good punch out.  Hadley was on it, a touch to goal came, how the Hell did the guy miss?  The home lads eventually got to grips with the goings on, they earned a free-kick but could only rattle the wall and after a mad scramble see the ball hoofed clear.  

Somehow, after much battling and perseverence the clock had travelled with nippy hands.  The Eagles were shading matters, a cross saw the home keeper drop and gather and then Finch sent in a concrete strike that brought out the best of the reliable last man standing between the sticks - a great save for sure.  More mad dashing, spirited scrambling and turf scurrying ardour.   We went into the final stretch, No 9 (Chris Lingouba) had a lash for the resident lads but the ball had too much momentum and uplift - it was a half chance and as it turned out, the last chance.   This had been a bargain basement belter, we 3 onlookers were thoroughly entertained and considered our time well spent.  Man of the Match could have gone to many a player but in retrospect and having pondered matters the Denton Town No 1 (Martyn White) gets the nod for a string of good saves and blocks that surely kept his team in it and with the chance of nicking the full 3 point prize.  A good honesty and at times unorthodox effort but it got the job done!

FINAL THOUGHT - Well, what a good trip out this was, to a local team who are worthy of support and who, despite being bottom of the league, play with good passion, without idiot griping and with respectable effort.  The home team are not deserved of the position and can, with a rub of the green and a few tweaks turn this season completely on its head.   The only advice I would give this lot if in a managerial position would be to stay supportive of each other, make sure the full pitch is used and when receiving a pass go to meet the ball rather than waiting for it to come to you.  This will increase the tempo, bring good reward and certainly give a good bunch some gratifying return.  Fingers crossed and yes, we will be back.  Eagle Sports are a decent side and today, played a passing game I was certainly taken by.   They worked hard and have many efficient players that can surely see them push on further into the top team tussle.  From front to back there is a vein of quality and with a bit of work on the decision making process they could dish out some severe hammerings if teams don't watch out.  I hope to get a trip in to this teams ground before season end - I'll be reporting as per, hopefully on a victory rather than a draw but hey, if the game is as good as this - who cares!  PS - Denton Dave Starkie is a doofer, epitomises the Non-League ethos and his commitment and passion deserve a mention - so I have - keep at it fella, respect!