13th April 2019 - Burscough FC 0 v 1 Congleton Town - After a morn of birding we partook of lunch in some farmers fields and had a walk around Burscough before entering one of our favourite grounds for some more Non-League Action. The highlight of the day so far had been some close up views of a pair of Little Grebes, the first House Martins of the year and a couple of new blooms for the annual list. Me and my good lady do like to wander here and there and like a good wildlife/football combination with some sweet snacks thrown in. The ground we entered, as we know it, is ready to change, and in its current state it will be the last time we pay our respects. A chat with the guy on the gate informed us of the forthcoming plans, it is a pity the old asbestos can't be used to fill the local council offices instead of all the dead wood found there. Apparently the old ground will be used for new housing, what's new - more concrete spillage and all to the detriment of the wild world - it gets on my tits don't ya know. My hate for councillors and MP's arises from back in the 1970's when I entered the TV Show 'Blind Date' and ended up going on a cruise with a Michael Foot look-alike. The said leader of the reds was one of the few politicians I have ever had any time for but when the doppelganger insisted on dining at the Captains Table in a sequinned dress, wearing fuschia pink lipstick and persistently calling me 'Honey Balls' I think my deep rooted problems really began. Anyway the upshot of the watery trip was Mr Pseudo-Foot ended up giving birth to a bouncing baby boy which I am sure was the head chef's - the cross-eyes and greasy hands were a dead give away. And so...after yet another mental blip, back to the match. I was going for a draw, my missus a Congo win, after supping some tea, completing the Express cryptic crossword and parking our arses I think the game ended up going something like this.
The start was unsettled with both teams trying to adjust to the rather firm and unforgiving playing surface. No 6 (Anthony Griffith) of Congleton had the first blast at glory but his long range effort could only shave the arse feathers off a passing pigeon rather than busting a hole on the targeted netting. The hosts tried mighty hard to keep matters on the deck with the final ball always going astray or being met by an awaiting defensive boot. The team won 2 corners on the trot, the first was wasted, the second long, knocked back and brushed on by a rising noggin. Awaiting was No 11 (Jorde Lorde) who screwed his effort just shy of the upright - now that would have been a solid move. The hosts came once more, No 9 (Chad White) had a pop with the ball spooned off the line and over the bar by the quick reacting Griffith. The corner came, it was well struck and White put bonse on ball and wasn't that far off the zone.
Straight down the other end matters went, with the ball worked down the flank, given to No 10 (Paul Speed) who worked some space and had a shot deflected over. The angled kicked was dealt with, Burscough broke and played some lovely football in and around the box with the end result only a corner that produced sour FA. Once again the visiting Bears reacted, another kick from the corner led to a series of shots and blocks with hair-raising mayhem becoming a little to much for the opposing managers. A foul ended the pressure and then Burscough broke with No 7 (Terry Cummings) put through and with only the keeper to beat. When the ball left the end of the lower limb and rippled the side-netting one could almost feel the ill-tempered fart leave the resident coach's rear end as his disgust became to much to contain. A free-kick came the same way soon after, it went in, it went out for a corner that was delivered and met by the rising White who couldn't get enough cranial purchase on the ball to get it on target. From here the guests woke up, No 7 (William Hasler-Cregg) wriggled, fed No 9 (Daniel Cope) whose shot was weak and led to him injuring himself. Subs came both ways, The Congo pushed, No 5 (Thomas Morris) was sending forth a few positive balls, one of which was latched onto, played in by No 12 (Steve Foster) and buried by No 8 (Dean Warburton). The goal was slightly against the flow but this moment saw the visiting pack push on, play some football with more desire and have the next crack via Hasler-Cregg who couldn't keep the globe below the bar. Before the half-time break No 3 (William Doherty) played a stunning pass that truly tested the Congo rear ranks who stood their ground, relieved the situation and finished the first 45 minute period on top and with greatest gusto.
The sun shone for half-time, we stayed put like two basking beetles and soaked up the rays with keen attention. My wife tackled another crossword, I checked a few scores on her phone and then the teams came out. The start was delayed due to one of the nets falling apart at the seams - it was duly fixed, game on.
Cummings for the home team went on an immediate mission, charging forth and earning a free-kick which No 4 (Danny Brady) blasted way over. At each end half chances came and were disappointingly wasted, it was a very patchy period to say the least from which No 16 (Martin Iddon) had a chance to hammer but allowed the ball to bounce and could only make the weakest of touches that failed to trouble the target zone. The next animation came, a fracas ensued after a clumsy tackle, all players pushed, shoved and swung sequined purses - the outcome was two players sent off, one for each side and someone's string of pearls getting broken - ooh the silly buggers. Point must be made that both benches took it on the chin and refused to get involved in a pointless disagreeable slanging match. The game continued, Burscough pressed but lacked killer quality, Congo broke with No 11 (Emini Adegbenro) passing to Foster who knocked it to Hasler-Cregg. The ball wouldn't sit down, the shot came, it went wide - in truth it should have been the second and crucial strike.
Despite more space being available on the pitch due to the 2 man deficit both packs failed to make any clear cut opportunities. Subs came, composure was lacking in many areas and then Hasler-Cregg displayed great desire to burst through, find the smallest of openings and release - again off target. The Linnets flew forward in response, the effective and quick thinking No 8 (Dimitri Nkusa-Wasaulua) played to Cummings who threaded a pass that saw White face the guest No 1 (Robert Cooke). Both players arrived at destination sphere at the same time, the object sought pinged free of danger. Into the closing minutes we travelled with too many rushed balls and too much panic making for a fractured game. Burscough had 2 free-kicks that were hoofed straight out of play and then Brady connected with a real rasper that rattled the upright and ricocheted away from pastures designated as perilous. In return Congleton's Foster sent in a rather weak shot that caused no concern but it didn't matter, eventually after oodles of added on time the game was done and Congleton were travelling homeward with three hard earned points in the bank. The Man of the Match goes to The Bear's No 7 (William Hasler-Cregg) for his undying effort, great determination and general nippiness that posed problems all day long. He should have bagged himself a goal to be fair but hey, it was a darn good 90 minute bout nonetheless and deserved of the nod.
FINAL THOUGHT - So the last match of the season at Victoria Park and not really a classic. Both teams looked tired today with one or two players the exception. It was a well balanced game throughout and could have gone either way but for me the end result was fair enough. Congleton have had a good campaign and just ran out of a little steam through the back end but man, they try and play decent football, have many quality plays and when in the zone, are a match for anyone. There home ground is another fine place to visit and we shall be there again soon enough, with the rank and file who always make for a pleasurable experience. Burscough are better than what they may realise and each and every time I see them I take note what a good set of players they have, the decent way they play the game and the appreciation they show for the supporters. They seem to be keeping some consistency in the squad and I reckon their only major downfall is the lack of composure at crucial times and the pitch which is certainly doing them no favours of late. I hear they may be on 3G soon, they are not my favoured surface but I reckon this lot could reap many benefits from the said surface - you just never know but one thing is guaranteed, we will be checking them out for sure, hopefully on several occasions next time around.
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