WHOOSH

13th March 2019 - Avro FC 5 v 0 Daisy Hill - It was touch and go if I would risk attending tonight's match due to the wicked wind that was whipping in from the west.  Anyone who knows me will realise that I am very proud of my flowing locks and after recently treating them to a Vosene and Milk Stout rinse I didn't want them blown all ways by the cruel gasps of old Sister Typhoon.  As the day ticked on the lungs from where the billows came grew tired, the blasts less industrious and so me and my good lady headed out with a spare hairnet in case of the unexpected.  I was tempted by the possibility of goals, Daisy Hill would do well to get through this unscathed and even though I do like a sackful of strikes I was hoping they would give their all and make for a touch and go encounter.  We turned up in grand time, STP Stu wasn't in attendance tonight despite being untroubled by any meteoroligical upheaval due to him being a bald bastard and having what is known as a 'waterproof head'.  I know deep down he is very jealous of my lush barnet but we remain good friends and I give him due respect for that.  Tea was a necessity, viewing points were chosen with care, I fancied a seven goal treat, the question is - would they all go the same way?

As the wind persisted, the rain insisted, the game got flowing with Avro making the early running via a couple of corners, one of which was won via their twinkle-toed No 2 (Neil Sagar) who executed some neat work in the corner and put in a decent cross.  The ball was touched toward goal, knocked out and hammered back.  The effort was blocked, Daisy Hill eventually constructed their first advance of the game with a corner won.  The sphere was hoofed in and flicked on by a rising bonse that watched the ball fall not too far from the inside of the far stick.  The visitors came again, picking out their black numbers on red shirts was virtually impossible, but after some good play a snap shot came that just squeaked off-line.  Avro were piqued by this untoward probing, they used it as a catalyst to come on strong via a swift response that saw a cross met on the volley by a close-in No 7 (Jake Pollard).  The connection was sugar sweet, the save equal to it with a cherry on top (by heck I could thrash a bit of cake).  The home team were now inspired, No 10 (Louis Potts) trespassed, lost the ball, regained it and put in a slotted pass for No 9 (Joe Beven) to latch onto.  Beven used quick feet to negotiate his marker, picked his spot and gently curved the ball around the outstretched hands of the keeper to find the far corner - it had been coming.

From this moment Daisy Hill were looking ahead at a long night of graft, they started from the kick-off with good spirit, No 8 (Danny Warburton) robbed the opposition, cut in and had no option but to release.  The shot came, it was of middling pace and without direction, the awaiting mittman gathered without fuss.  The hosts bounced back, a free-kick was borne after Beven had put in some choice labour.  The ball entered the fray, it was glanced on, the keeper somehow got in the way.  Avro marauded once more, a ball out wide was tossed high into the box.  The pestered keeper misread the trajectory, it dropped over his head and at the far post Potts appeared and managed to nudge home with the noggin and double his sides lead.  Avro were now hungry for more, Pollard was unlucky after chasing a lost cause and winning a corner only to see matters negated by a clumsy foul.  Daisy Hill now dug deep, No 11 (Hensley Mills) was working hard and trying to lead the way but Avro were always strong, alert and quick to the ball.  The hosts duly charged, No 4 (Vincent Howell) passed out to Horrocks, the pass in was accurate and troublesome, it was a shame no takers were arriving.  From here the traffic kept moving one way, No 3 (Nicholas Alexander) went on a convincing run, wormed inwards and released a low cross the keeper just held on to.  At the death Potts showed great strength, put in a quality ball that Pollard touched toward goal.  The outcome was a deflection wide and a wasted corner.  A troublesome free-kick was snuffed out and we were done.

We stayed put for the break, tired, cold and not willing to make a dash for a brew in this quite shitty weather.  Me and the good lady shared a Malteser choccy bar - it helped in a small way!

The teams came back out, the second period began with the home lads still dictating.  Potts finalised a golden move with a firm strike that lacked accuracy and then soon after a movement came from back to front and was built on hustling and good pace.  An angled kick was won, the ball went in and then out, Alexander slapped in a hefty shot - 3 - 0, pick that out!  Another shot came soon after, the same way, with the same intent - this time it went over and then Daisy Hill had a good bout of possession that saw them pass and move but find little in the way of opportunity.  The resident defense was efficient and unified, the absorption led to a break, Alexander again, this time shooting without direction.  The guests bounced back, a stunning move saw a shot produce a fine save and a follow-up get the same treatment - a great keeping moment from the host No1 (Jordan Latham).  Soon after No 16 (Jack Berry) had a dig but the home keeper could stand still and watch the ball sail high over the bar.

Entering the back stretch, Avro continued to bombard their opponents, a shot over a wandering keeper was just dealt with by the back-pedalling No 1 (Joe Leather) but the pressure remained with 2 corners causing concern.  Despite being 3 goals down the DH dudes dug in, No 4 (Ryan Farnworth) found time to shoot but dragged his effort wide and then No 10 (Ashley Stott) bust a gut, got in one or two good positions but any fortune was found wanting.  Into the last minutes, a corner for Avro was too long, it was recovered and played back in to situation 'troubling' with the mitter stretching, missing and allowing No 8 (Joe Rathbone) to slot home.  That looked to be it but in the 92nd minute the hosts swept forth, a collision took place in the box and a bonus boot given.  No 17 (Michael Norton) stepped up and clattered home and at 5 goals to none we were done.  Another solid performance on a miserable night and for me, Man of the Match, goes to Avro's No 9 (Joe Beven), a persistent pain in the proverbials, a whizzing machine of zestful desire and one of

those players that never give one a moments rest.  He worked hard tonight, a fine component in a well-oiled machine.

FINAL THOUGHT - And so Avro continue to impress with the acute, attractive and incessant brand of football that makes each and every team work hard to stay in the mix.  Again many players stood out, No 4 (Vincent Howell) was an efficient participant and No 2 (Neil Sagar) proved himself to be a stout defensive member who was unlucky to be injured tonight and whom we hope will make a speedy recovery.  The team are keeping up the pressure on the magnificent Longridge Town and one slip by the leaders of the pack and no doubt these Oldham based 'erberts will pounce quicker than an aquatic based pervert on a unsuspecting Tadpole's todge.   Daisy Hill are having a rough time of it at the mo and are looking ready for the drop.  This, with the evidence shown tonight, is something of a puzzle, as the team have good pace, a keen willingness and a work-rate that persists up until the final peep of the whistle.  The only problem I would pick out is the urgency getting forward and the available support when in a position of promise - maybe the solution will come via a 'shit or bust set up', play a 3-4-3 set up and just ruddy well go for it in the closing weeks.  There is potential, there is an opportunity, the Donkey of Good Fortune has a dong that needs a good tug now and again - the question is - are the team brave enough to take the shaft of chance with both hands and pull off a climax of success or get kicked in the teeth trying - for me, it is worth a gamble.  Me and the missus pootled off home after the game, worn out, cold and sick of of the shitty weather - I am glad we made the effort though (as always).