TUESDAY NIGHT TICKLER

26th March 2019 - Congleton Town 2 v 1 Northwich Victoria - Into the rear end of the season we go with only 10 matches left for we two wanderers to attend.  The run-in will be used to catch a few new teams and squeeze in some neglected favourites - there are too many of both to be honest.  A day at work, a breezy ride down to the ground and the usual scenario set - chips, tea, arses on seats.  As per I am run ragged, it is all self-inflicted and down to nothing more than passion and what many would deem stupidity - alas the many are wrong and to do is my raison d'etre.  A home win looked on the cards tonight but when, at this stage of the season, legs are tired, there is little to play for and summer excursions beckon - well, who the Hell knows.  I have a Buddhist figurine that has the head of Brough Scott and a pecker that resembles a nude John McCrirrick picking up a ten bob bit - I use it to garner an insight into future realms - all I need do is rub the swollen bits and close my eyes (not in public though).  The piece of prophecy indicated an 8 - 8 draw, I think I may have rubbed certain areas a little too vigorously - darn these heavy hands.  I shoved the ornament up my pet donkey's arse and opted for a 3 - 1 win for The Bears - only by reading this report will you find out the end result and if, the head pills I am on, have eventually kicked in.

The first hint at any action came via a few shots each way with No 7 (William Hasler-Cregg) for the Congo and No 11 (Jordan Darr) for the Vics putting in early range finders that brought little in the way of brow-furrowing consternation for either keeper.  The hosts began to apply a certain pressure with Hasler-Cregg a noticeable splinter in the jacksie of the opponents rear.  A decent ball was played through much midfield mither that saw No 10 (Saul Henderson) flick on with his lofted crust and No 9 (Daniel Cope) receive with the goal gaping wider than the oral orifice of a sprog before a lactating nipple.  The ball was boomed, a gasp arose from the onlookers, the ball penetrated the night-time air rather than the awaiting zone of glory, the groans from the punters were thoroughly justified.  Immediately after Hasler-Cregg captured the ball, cut in with concentrated focus, shot and forced a decent save.  The keeper looked to clear, Cope blocked and a moment of panic ensued, somehow the mittman recovered.

What a hectic start with the guests under the cosh.  The Vics managed to cultivate a sortie forth, the hirsute No 10 (John Connolly) was an integral part of a move that saw his shot blocked and ultimately cleared.  From here the visitors had a period of high potential with several passes just falling short of the 'killer' grade.  Shots came each end, there was nothing to raise any goosebumps of excitement until Congleton flashed forth with No 11 (Emini Adegbenro) scampering down the wing, blazing in a low cross that was touched back with Henderson walloping and rattling the timber - now that was close.  Another ball forth came next, Cope took it down quite beautifully and let fly - just off target.  More shots came, the same outcome was had, the shooting boots were slowly getting warmed up.  Suddenly Hasler-Cregg received, fantastic urgency and drive were displayed through a run that traversed several defensive guardians.  The peg was eventually swung, the contact was perfect, the bottom corner was found, it was a strike well deserved and added a new dimension to a fascinating affair.

Northwich Victoria came on next, a ball in and out was knocked back with precise interest by the feet of No 8 (Matthew Clarke).  The ball flew with good impetus, the only thing lacking was direction, the bar was missed by the smallest of margins.  No 4 (Dominic Craig) had a pop next, again off line and then The Bears pounced, a free-kick found Henderson who had an AWOL keeper to beat.  The shot was at the centre of goal, the mittman back-pedalled quicker than a Tory MP, somehow a gloved hand extended and just recovered the situation, in truth, it was a fine moment of redemption.  This slice of salvation though was instantaneously negated when a ball by No 8 (Dean Warburton) entered the 6 yard box, Cope stuck his neck out and tupped the ball homeward. 2 - 0 to the hosts, that looked to be it for the first period but not so, The Vics had other designs, passed and probed around the box, a player dashed, was tumbled, a penalty awarded.  Up stepped No 9 (Brian Matthews), he slammed the ball into the keeper but the impetus was high and the net eventually found - we went into the break on a knife-edge (ooh me arse).

We stayed put for the interval and listened to a few elderly gents nearby natter away about Quatermass, The Golden Shot and of course, the match.  They are a grand bunch here, very amiable folk and make this place a joy to visit - as per, supporters are what make any club what it is, end of.

The second half started with increasing gusto, shots came, threat was minimal and both teams really started to snuff one another out and so impede any real flow.  Cope for the hosts took a free-kick that was closer than first anticipated and then more attempts either way were dealt with or just plain old duff.  Eventually The Bears began to bite, Hasler-Clegg released a beauty but just couldn't create enough bend to sneak inside the upright.  The NV ranks needed some respite and needed it in double quick time but the Town came once more, Adegbenro wriggled away down the wing and fed Henderson with a neatly placed pass.  The shot was like the freshly drained testicles of Old Homo Giles - lacking in spunk.  2 gratis-digs for The Vics were had, one was from the teams own half that led to the second just inside the 'D' - alas the punt was piss-poor.  The time was gobbled up with little action had, the visitors worked mighty hard but the chances that came either way lacked a finishing spark and were negated by some reliable defending.

Down the run in and Congleton played a fine containing game, Northwich Victoria had a penalty claim waved away and then, from the midst of grinding animation, No 12 (John Main) latched onto a long pass and looked set to sign, seal and deliver the 3 point prize.  Once again the shot was lightweight and wide.   The last gasp saw a NV free-kick enter the goal area but a touch was lacking and that was that.  The first half had been a beauty, the second a chess-match that dampened true thrills.  From the hard work Man of the Match goes to the Congleton Town No 5 (Thomas Morris) for a pivotal performance that oozed dogged determination, a stubborn resistance and a defender's insight into protecting and building from the back.  A good player this, one The Town need to hold onto. 

FINAL THOUGHT - It was one of those games tonight that was of two contrasting halves - the first a brisk and bright affair that exhibited free-flowing football with chances aplenty at either end and the home team dazzling in many areas.   The second half was a less flamboyant event with a clash of styles contributing to a battle of wills and only the barest opportunity to ripple mesh on offer.  The home team are almost a complete unit and only the barest tinkering is needed to make this the full-on machine destined for the next step up.  Our visits to the Cheshire Silk 106.9 Stadium are always a joy, no matter how tired or how flustered we always feel welcome, enjoy the ambience created by the faithful and always witness a good game of soccer - tonight was no exception and applause must go to both sides for the fair play and good approach to the game.  The Vics worked away and have many classy elements but were just outdone tonight by a decent group of players.  Perhaps the FA Vase distraction isn't helping and of course, that is where emphasis must lie.  Nevertheless there were many positives tonight, much to applaud and one or two players who look to be in real command of the game.  The fight for third spot is still on, only a few points separates the teams with The Vics holding games in hand, it could be an interesting run in.