31st December 2016 - AFC Liverpool 3 v 2 West Didsbury and Chorlton - A match with the missus today and after arriving at the ground in plenty of time we had a mooch in a local charity shop and then hit the ground to partake of a warm drink. Taking up our positions we awaited a game that looked set to be close but little did we realise what a well-balanced and thoroughly enthralling affair it would be!
The match commenced, both teams looked to play the ball on the green, the first chance soon came the way of the away squad with a defending slip offering the No 9 a chance to take aim, pull the trigger and...blast over. 2 more immediate chances came with one causing the ball to be cleared off the line by a very alert home keeper. The other shot flew wide but warnings were high and the Didsbury dudes had made their presence felt. Straight down the other end and a rapid break saw a close in cross get nutted but fly just over with the men in red wondering how the chance was missed. West Didsbury and Chorlton now just started to shade proceedings, they had better off the ball movement and a greater awareness of the play around them but, AFC Liverpool were holding their line and were in no way on the back peg. In fact a hopeful ball from the home side was tossed into the box and a goal could easily have been the result if it wasn't for the goalie who came and cleared whilst getting clobbered in one ungracious move. It was already proving to be a fascinating encounter and even the cannabis fumes that blew our way failed to dull the senses as we both remained intrigued by the action. The home fans began to holler, many good performances were coming to the fore - where would that opening strike come from?
Half chances did appear, both goalkeepers were on form. An error from player of the half, Liverpool's No 8, allowed a WDC bod to roar in a shot but the netter saved well and kept this captivating encounter all square. A few seconds later the mitt man had to deal with another shot, this time the save was more comfortable and we still had to wait for a breakthrough. Alas it was only time that was saving the lads in red from a leakage and on the 34th minute, after much scurrying, a shot by Joseph Shaw came, squeezed in low by the post and gave the visitors their just deserved advantage. Before the break Liverpool had to face another couple of fierce shots and then see a breakaway nulled at the last moment by a fine tackle from their opponents No 2, a moment that I feel deserved particular attention. Liverpool were now playing some half decent football but the globe was just not bouncing with any favour and although their No 9 (Jason Carey) was starting to impose himself it was his opposite number (Saul Henderson) who snuck in after an innocuous break and slotted home to double his team's lead. In response though, the aforementioned player who sported the same digit refused to be outshone and after some good battling work by his comrades he connected with a cross and fired home right on the 45th minute. A turning point? It could well be!
A wander for a drink and a water leak and back on the touchline. Place your bets folks, this was up in the air.
AFC Liverpool were out of the traps chomping and an instantaneous attack saw a cross get nutted across and the hard-working No 8 fire and force a decent save. A corner followed, another shot flew in, just off target - be warned WDC, be warned! The away 'erberts reacted, No 6 fired one in, again just wide - the temperature was certainly rising though. The home teams' tails were now up and after another shot whizzed wide one pondered an equalising goal that certainly seemed on the cards of destiny. No sooner pondered then the prospect bore fruit when a counterpunching breakaway saw a long-looping shot by Jack Leamey find the net and leave the keeper stranded. A great goal, one best described methinks as a 'super looper'. The fightback was nearly complete but the visiting troops dug deep and found it within themselves to produce a couple of goal attempts that may have posed little threat but still sent out the message that the game was far from done. A see-saw in possession came, a moment of genius or a second of ill-fortune may decide the outcome. Suddenly a minor faux pas at West Didsbury's rear allowed the ominous No 7 (Emini Adegbenro) to slip in, round the keeper and slot home like a seasoned pro. The ensuing jig of delight was well earned although won't get him a slot on next years Strictly Come Dancing. Now the home squad looked more lively, their guests slightly jaded and when the Liverpool No 7 popped up again, challenged the keeper, won the ball and shot, it was only good charm that saw a defender clear the line and keep things competitive. Midfield mayhem arrived, one team looked to cement the win, the other strove to get back in it. AFC Liverpool came close to undoing all their good work when a bit of careless tossing about in their opponents half saw the ball lost, a breakaway come and an equalising effort just squandered at the last, much to the relief of the heads in red. Doggedly though they worked away and saw out the last 10 minutes and took the final 3 points available of 2016 and, in many ways, showed what a team can do with a never say die attitude and a determination to not stop chasing a seemingly lost cause. The final whistle brought to an end the football of 2016 and what a high to finish. Man of the Match for me is going to AFC Liverpool's No 4 (Kieron Brislen) who shifted his arse when necessary, tackled and trudged when called upon and kept a cool head in the midst of much action. A stout performance and one of many good efforts on the day.
FINAL THOUGHT - A superb tussle this, one that indicated just how well matched many of the teams in the Hallmark Security League are. The visit to the land of Ken Dodd, Jimmy Tarbuck, Cilla Black and perhaps the biggest clown of all, Derek Hatton, was well worth the effort and we shall certainly be returning to see how things transpire in the land of Scouse. On the way home we got a cake and a pasty and had a safe journey and, I even picked up the telephone number of a gay Diddyman in case I ever go on the turn. All in all a very successful venture!
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