7th March 2017 - City of Liverpool 0 v 0 Sandbach Utd - I enjoy all the matches I go to, each and every one has its own character and yet some, prior to the match, have the zested juices of anticipation flowing, the ageing but always willing butt cheeks clenching in excitement and the arthritic jaw grinding in expectation. Tonight was just such an occasion with two solid teams due to go at it like sexed up Stoats on Viagra and only one destined to come out sporting an erection of success (well unless it is a draw of course but that just ruins my ramblings). Home early from a grinding day at work, fish fingers and a cup of cha for tea, Quorn Burgers for my veggie lady and out down several motorways to the Delta Taxi Stadium. The crowd was destined to be a big un' tonight so we tried to avoid the manic traffic of the hamster-wheel commuters and did so with average success. With notepad at the ready and a cup of tea swilled we took up our positions and as per (because it is always good to give something back) I scribbled down a match report and, it ended up as thus.
Both sides took up their positions, all punters and players were prepared, the necessary shrill of the whistle came and the first foot made contact with tonight's chosen sphere and we were underway. The atmosphere rose and surely we were in for a ruddy humdinging beauty. Initial play saw Sandbach press up and make the best of a scrappy melee. Early tackles flew in with plenty of sauce with the home side eventually settling to the task at hand. Space and time on the ball was a rare commodity as both teams hustled and harried with fervent vigor. A couple of early shots from The Purps were snuffed out at the death but kindled up hope in the hearts and gave a foundation on which to build. And build they did with the first chance proper coming their way with a butter smooth onslaught leading to a choice cross that was mis-kicked which in turn led to a bobbling ball bouncing round the box which was then connected with and, oh cripes, mis-kicked also. The shooting boots were still back in the changing rooms it seemed. Sandbach reacted to this minor scare with an equally cutting attack that sliced apart the scouse midfield but which was thwarted at the last by a hearty tackle that saved the day but also led to the blocker limping off moment later - bad luck indeed.
Onwards and the next action was brought about by the City of Liverpool who worked the flank, flashed in a cross which caused a rear guard bod to make a faux pas but luckily knock the ball over his own net. Nothing came from the forthcoming cross but once more Sandbach reacted, went up the opposite end, earned a free-kick which was nicely floated forth and from which a bonse connected and made a real stinker of the goal scoring task. So still no breakthrough, just a hectic affair that showed little light at the end of either tunnel. Both defences were as tight as Larry Grayson's Love Diary and a 0-0 half-time scoreline appeared to be a sound wager. Saying that COL broke again like greyhounds from a blazing trap and their No 10 was mightily unlucky when he attempted to lob the keeper but saw the ball hit the roof of the net. Sandbach were still in this though, they were playing some liquid football and giving as good as they got especially on the tasty tackle front. The crowd were in good form, high value verbals rung out and as the half came to a close Sandbach had one last effort that was nutted against the bar by Kris Stockton and one of the Liverpool lads forced a good save from the opposing keeper and then his team mates had a claim for handball which I soberly deemed as opportunism gone mad - cheeky buggers.
Half time, all square but plenty to mull over. Just a choccie bar for me and the lady (oops and some Flap Jacks) and hoping the 2nd half would bring a break in the deadlock.
The second period began in fractured fashion with players dropping, rough tackles halting the flow and a few subs also hindering any fluidity, Eventually Sandbach began to push but it was COL who had the first effort when their mercurial No 11 started and finished a move with a shot that had pace but no direction. Moments later he was at it again but when the ball landed at his feet, balance when begging and so did a golden opportunity. The tide looked to be turning the way of the home birds who now pecked the visitors back line with nagging persistence. Nothing too perilous came but a couple of crosses caused minor skirmishes with the goalie just doing enough to quell the danger and one shot hit well but curving wide of the sticks. Sandbach would not sit back and take any sort of beating though and they broke again with pace, looked set to pass water (very polite don't ya think) on COL's recently steaming chips but the netman was off his line with great awareness and saved his team's backsides with a solid block. A few thrills and spills came in the home side's box, but last ditch tackles and keen alertness kept this game void of goals. Things were perfectly set, chances few and far between and when Sandbach produced a free-kick and notched up a verdict of 'utter shite' it all seemed set in stone that we would be witnessing a zero-zero draw. A header from that towering No 5 of Sandbach was a much better effort and roused one supporter to holler the passionate words of 'Let's bury these bastards' which really upped the touch-line thermals.
The last blast was upon us, the visitors were putting some good play together, they were working well off the ball but this was a game still very much in the air. A cracking game, fine banter with the song regarding Sandbach being just a shite service station a good rib-tickling moment. The game was on a knife edge, tension was tangible and when Sandbach won a final free-punt and the ball was drilled low toward the net it was only a top drawer save that stopped the eager guests from snatching all 3 points. A few late decisions were questioned by hepped up punters, the ending was frenzied and then, out of the unexpected blue...we were done. A good hard fought game with honours shared and so, I feel it only decent that I will have Men of the Match today rather than just one Man. For Sandbach I am choosing the towering authority of their No 5 (Kris Stockton) who dealt with everything that came his way, produced some dominant aerial play and, if luck would have been kinder, could have even pinched a goal. For the City of Liverpool I am selecting the smooth and steady No 3 (Joseph Camozzi) who remained calm and controlled in an ocean of turmoil and fast, relentless action. Good work chaps, Fungalised applause all round.
FINAL THOUGHT - Well, a midweek tussle and one that saw a bloody fine effort from both teams who worked their arses off and gave good value in a goal free game that wasn't without incident. City of Liverpool have a marvelous atmosphere going on at their ground and surely contribute to a fortress like situation that must be a bugger to deal with for any visiting team. For me, I feel as though I witnessed two solid teams who are destined to be in the mix at the final breath but they must both remember, this is one competitive league and in the top bunch there are some highly effective squads that will be giving it their all up until the last day. We are lucky people indeed, to have this fine approachable and honest football for our pleasure and long may we put the support in it thoroughly deserves.
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