MIDWEEK MATTERS

29th November 2016 - Stockport Town 3 v 1 Atherton LR  - According to meteorologists this was the penultimate day of the autumnal period.  A time when most leaves have fallen, the air has taken on a spiteful turn and the many football leagues are settling into a state of play that indicates how the season may well unfold.  The wheat and the chaff are separated, those tempted by success teased further, those destined for a dogfight looking to dig in and get dirty - a fine time of year if you look at it from a characteristic and positive point of view.  I duly arrived in good form (despite a nagging virus), got my cuppa, took a seat and awaited the first rotation of the globe.  A mid-table team versus one from the bottom end - a duff or a delight could occur, here is my take.

A rapid start unfolded, Stockport had a few early chances with that pesky Nathan Neequaye stopped by a last gasp tackle and the No 2 (Kiarno Samms) slapping one goalward and sending out the early warning signals.  Atherton started with a rather narrow formation but Stockport were only just shading things.  The away lads came closest to opening the goal account with a deflected shot just looping wide and a header from the given corner producing the same outcome.  Stockport probed, No 2 bombed another shot goalward but the netman was equal to it with a low save that kept the overall sheets clean.  The half continued, Stockport had a weak penalty claim turned down after the efficient No 4 made a sterling run and flick manoeuvre that I certainly applauded.  Atherton were proving a tough nut to crack though and created a certain frustration in the ranks of the Stockport crew with that driven No 2 being most infected and getting into some verbal nonsense with a spectator that became quite unnecessary.  Head down mate, do your bit and enjoy!  The upshot of this niggling resulted in a distraction to focus and as a result a fine long ball was played by an Atherton rear man that saw the leggy No 8 (Favour Imande) finish like a seasoned professional  with casualness incarnate exhibited.  A minute later it was only an offside flag that saved further blushes for the home pack as another long ball was latched onto and looked likely to lead to a doubling of the ALR advantage - unlucky indeed.  Even though this chance indicated an away team advance it was Stockport who struck next after a pointless foul was committed and they won a bonus free kick.  From this play they duly won a corner which led to an in-box scramble whereupon the frisky No 2 (yes, him again) snatched the equaliser and set up the game proper.  Many one on one tussles were happening, there was some swift play from either side and when the ref blew for half-time it seemed as though we had an encounter to relish.

Half-time and after purchasing the customary cuppa and having a chat about Mince Pies with the lass in the kiosk lo and behold but a punk comrade from the grimy spiked circuit was saluted and a grand old chat was had.  Paul Swinnerton (tour manager, memorabilia retailer, promoter and football addict) is a face I have known for a goodly while after attending his gigs back at The Royal Oak in Poulton-Le-Fylde, and what grand nights they were.  Throughout the break and the second half we discussed various punk bands, the state of play and the ins and outs of the football ladder and a good old time it was.  Cheers squire and who knows where we shall meet again - in the pit, on the touchline or at a record fair - all good stuff.

The second half was a hectic affair with no side gaining full control and chances sporadically dropping at the feet of many players.  Stockport initially had the slight upper hand and had the first proper chance of doubling their own scoreline which was duly taken by the ever industrious No 2 again who was in the right place at the right time and did what was required.  I had unfounded expectations of the boys from Laburnum Road falling to pieces at this point but this wasn't the case as they came forth and after 3 more minutes fired themselves right back into the game with a strike from the hustling David Moore.  This was totally deserved and despite the difference in league places Atherton were more than holding their own.  A balance now ensued with not much really happening but when a free-kick was played, the ball was given a superb angle to make for a defender's nightmare and it was duly expected when a Stockport bonse rose and nutted home the lead goal.  James Hampson celebrated, the crowd of 46 were divided, would they get a grandstand finish?  The answer was 'no' as both units grafted hard with no real effect.  Composure was certainly the lacking ingredient for the away side and if only they had played things a little more steadily and not felt rushed when composing that crucial final ball I reckon they could have easily got back into this one.  Stockport seemed to create more width towards the latter end of the game with their No 3 allowed to make several decent runs and stretch the defence of their opponents.  It all came to nothing though and when the referee blew for time up it was just as well as the game had settled into something of a stalemate. My choice of Man of the Match is perhaps a controversial one as I am going for an Atherton Laburnum Road player.  No 11 (Alex Guest) played a solid first half, hustled in the second and looked to have some neat feet, a quick thinking mind and proved to be a tricky customer whenever he was in possession.  I like the eagerness to create play and the desire to get forward attitude - one to watch methinks.

FINAL THOUGHT - Tonight was one of those nights when you watch two teams who have potential to progress but seem to be in a process of just finding any true form and so making things more difficult than they appear.  Atherton have talent but for me just lack cohesion and that final calmness of touch.  Stockport work better as a unit but need to stay focused on the game and be supportive of each other so as to gain maximum results for their efforts.  The teams may stay as they are come season end and they should both feel disappointed if they do so.  Fingers crossed a good push comes and, like a pregnant fat lady about to drop the sprog, birth is given to a new ray of hope.