5th November 2016 - Whitchurch Alport 4 v 0 Alsager Town FC - Myself and my good lady had been attacked by the icy wind for 4 hours prior to this match as we led a group of 10 people on a fungal hunt in the open spaces of Cheshire. The pre-match chips were a crucial necessity to fight off a bit of the chill but as we sat prepared for the opening 45 minutes of footy we fell victim to a sniping cross breeze and dithered away. The football had better be good or a run for the car would be the option taken. To add, today's match was in the Reusch First Division Cup, 2nd Round South - so there!
The start was patchy and did little to raise the spirits. Alsager pushed hardest, Whitchurch busied themselves trying to gain a foothold but the initial play was primarily in the midfield and was nothing short of miserable. The first promise was shown by a Whitchurch move that tested the keeper and resulted in a very justifiable penalty claim. The crowd shouted, the ref ignored and a free-kick was given on the edge of the box. Slap, top corner, No 11 (Mike Blundell) produced a fine goal that was made to look easy and the deadlock was cracked open. The away chaps now worked more vigorously with the best chance being a hopeful free-kick that was connected with but the resulting shot cruised wide and we stayed as we were. Besides the goal, quality was a scarce commodity but when a Whitchurch bod ran the wing, weaved inwards and brought about the second goal (Alex Hughes take a bow), things looked to become alight and a good old cup match was on the cards (surely). Whitchurch didn't read the script and maintained control and no matter how much Alsager forced the issue the glimpses they did get of goal were marred by some absolutely woeful finishing. The half ended and I found myself with little else to scribble - best get a cup of tea and move to the other side of the pitch for half two.
The second half came and saw the home team get the first shot in which led to a goalkeeping fumble. The ensuing corner was wasted but within seconds the goalkeeper slipped up again (literally this time) and the howler of the season was a distinct possibility but luckily for the No 1 it was the side netting that rippled from the error and not the place he was dreading. On Whitchurch came, the move of the match was had with the No 3 taking the ball from the rear to the halfway line, smacking a cross-field beauty to his No 7 colleague who took it to the brink, placed a cross that caused panic which allowed a shot to be drilled in and saved. The loose ball was there to be latched onto and from 2 yards out the globe was...skied - by heck what a miss. Alsager took hope from this let off, had several attempts of their own but their finishing boots were as cold as the day itself with misdirected shots aplenty. Whitchurch were now pulling the strings, stretching their opponents and creating many gaps. Their No 11 produced a cracking shot that brought a fingertip save and had Alsager gasping once more but, as the lucky escapees threw themselves forth, the Red Men broke again with two fouls being overlooked and play allowed to carry on that led to the third goal being sunk and Matthew Ashbrook taking the plaudits despite the offside decision controversy. Alsager now looked ragged but even so, with better accuracy, could have snuck a few goals back and still had hope. A fine example of their fortunes though was had when they were awarded a penalty and the shot, even though on target for a change, was saved. The match summed up in several seconds - cripes, football is a warped world indeed. Moments later salt was rubbed in Alsager's open wound with a long ball not dealt with and up popped the Whitchurch striker, Matthew Ashbrook again, who buried the ball to bring up a quite unexpected 4 - 0 scoreline. Nothing else of note occurred, the game was done and when the last whistle sounded we applauded a good home performance and made for the warmth of the car. Man of the Match, the Whitchurch No 2 (Nick Marley) who caught my eye (no not in that way you dirty minded devils) played well from back to front, was never afraid to carefully work an opening, threaded many a good ball and made a few well-timed runs that led to many cracks in the opponents armour. Remember, as well that what is done off the ball is equal to that done on it - hence my choice.
FINAL THOUGHT - Despite the scoreline there were 2 good sides on show today with the titty of fortune only dangling one way and allowing one side to take its fill. I feel Whitchurch have much to offer on many fronts and seem to be well rehearsed in their requirements as a team and how to work as a complete unit. Alsager have some hefty buggers in their side and will always pose problems and if they have a good rummage in their closet of hope they should find some decent shooting boots for the rest of the campaign. If so, they will be up there in the league, fighting for promotion and making life uncomfortable for many.
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