The teams eventually took to centre stage where the nip in the air was more than a little spiteful. We opened todays hoofing account with Alsager starting the game, holding on to possession and patiently passing around to get a good feel of matters. This was all well and good but it seemed to take an age before any real progress was made. The corner that was eventually won was blighted by the rising wafts and the hosts easily cleared. Ashville slowly worked themselves into the game, their first progression forth came via their No 2 (Connor Rowland) who dashed with purpose and won a kick from the corner. The ball was delivered, the Alsager No 6 (Thomas Boyd) rose and killed all threat and from here, up front action was minimal.
As both teams played with a certain hesitancy and overly cautious methodology Ashville's No 7 (Thomas Davies) tried to inject some thrills with a powerful darting surge and shot that the guest keeper did well to turn over the bar. The corner that followed was dross - thankfully a nearby feeding Kestrel kept me entertained whilst another corner was delivered in an equally awful manner.
The game rolled on beneath deceptive blue skies that gave rise to a real chill. Another Kestrel appeared on nearby wasteland, I was almost overly distracted and nearly missed Ashville's No 9 (Joseph Dulson) pop on goal that landed right in the awaiting keeper's arms. Ashville started to up the pressure levels from here but a shot that came was blocked, Alsager's No 9 (Alfie Carmichael) collected and flew away on a break that looked awash with potential. The shanks pumped, tackles were rode, a cross came and No 10 (Luke Nicholls) was there to bag the opener and finally give the game some true life.
From the immediate kick-off Alsager's Carmichael committed a foul - I suspect the legs were tired after the recent run. The ball was placed near the halfway line, No 5 (Ishmael Banks) was on it and wellied it into the box. The ball rose, and fell, it looked as though the keeper had it covered when the globe kept on falling, falling and falling and... landed in the net. It was a great way to retain parity, the hoofer was claiming it, a local Buzzard rode the thermals and didn't look impressed.
The time of the first period now tickled away, Ashville's Davies nearly grabbed a goal but his close in header was easily saved. The same player was involved again soon after when an impudent touch on to Dulson saw a tumbling in the box and a penalty awarded. Ashville were being given a Brucey Bonus (well it's better than a cuddly toy or a fondu set) and Dulson stepped up and buried the ball to send his side into the break one goal to the good - now I wouldn't have predicted that after the first 20 minutes or so.
We had a wander for a brew during the break, and of course an Arthur Bliss. As we waltzed forth the fungus Puccinia distincta was seen growing on the leaves of a Daisy and Purple Toadflax, Herb Robert, Wild Carrot, Canadian Fleabane, Bristly Ox-Tongue, Black Nightshade, Dandelion agg, Pineappleweed and Greater Plantain were added to the bloom list which also included Soapwort. Tis' good to have the peepers peeled. 3 Magpies, a raft of Black Headed Gulls and a Carrion Crow were also seen, it was just too cold for any Snakes (Especially the 'Trouser' sub-species) and any escapee Sausage Dogs.
Back on the touchline, Alsager started sharply and were striving to work their way back into this. Balls into both boxes came and went, Alsager were just lacking width and not moving the ball quickly enough. A free-kick did offer promise but the nut on goal by No 6 (Thomas Boyd) was just lacking in the all important 'oomph' factor. From here matters became somewhat stale until a home sub was away and faced with a keeper off his line. A quick cut in, a look and the ball was sent forth. The goal looked to be assured when a defender popped up, cleared off the line and saved the day. Dulson was next away, this time the guest keeper advanced and blocked with more certainty. Another ball came at the Alsager goal, the ball went up and once more the No1 (George Byrne) did well to punch behind for a corner. From this delivery Alsager cleared but failed to build any serious impetus.
The closing stages soon came in a game that was industrious but lacking a true spark. Matters had rolled along and the scoreline looked set in stone. A few more semi-threats, no real breakthroughs and that was indeed that, my pen was put away, the paper on which I scrawled left with room to spare. Man of the Match for me was Ashville's No 5 (Ishmael Banks) - a heads down, no nonsense, 'deal with it' player who did what was needed as and when required. The lucky lottery strike was an added gift from the footballing Gods methinks - somebody up there likes you.
We were soon back in the car trying to warm up and heading home. Another good trip to a favourable ground was had, not the greatest match but one we were glad to support.
FINAL THOUGHTS - A somewhat middling affair played out by two teams whom I am sure have more to offer. I found the whole escapade today rather strange and wondered what tactics were being used throughout, what was, a veritable awkward chess match. Alsager had a lot of possession but seemed to be always uncertain as to how to move matters forth and how to break down the opposing force. I am sure this style of play will win the odd game but it will also cost them a few too - I was left feeling that this was a side just lacking in a couple of crucial components and some serious invention. Ashville also left me confounded, I was contemplating a team who just seemed to lack that attacking dynamism. For several periods they played rather deep for a home team and it did look as though a goal was a spectacle that we weren't going to witness. Having said all this, I suspect both teams will be OK and looking at the tables they seem to be holding their own although Alsager need to watch their step and get a few more points under their belts. Maybe this was a clash of styles, maybe next week both teams will be walloping in the goals - I hope so and hope to be seeing them both again real soon.
