25th March 2017 - AFC Blackpool 0 v 3 FC Oswestry Town - Up early, a birding wander at RSPB Fairhaven, with 35 bird species seen and several blooming plants, followed by a wander in Lytham with a Subway lunch taken on the small but well laid out Ashton Park. The weather was superb throughout and a walk along the pier was had prior to dropping the car off at today's chosen ground and having a pootle in a nearby garden centre. Back to the Mechanics Ground, a quick chat with the proud groundsman regarding his ruddy fine work in keeping the playing surface up to, and beyond, scratch and then a cup of tea and some chips in the solar treat - lovely. We wandered to the far side of the ground and chose our arse-resting spots, pondered the programme and had a quick kiss and cuddle - we are still young at heart tha' knows. Time ticked on and then the tangerine and blue and white striped teams entered, the game was due to start and after 1 minutes silence in a mark of respect for the recent idiocy in London the ref blew and it was time to savour another episode of the wonderful non-league game.
The home team started quickly and in the first few seconds their No 5 broke like he had a chilli up his chuff and duly created a chance that saw his colleague No 10 with the ball at his feet but unable to control long enough to release the trigger. Any hope this move may have kindled in the tickers of the Mechs Men was soon doused though after the visitors No 4 played an assassin's pass that took out every player bar one, namely his colleague Brendan Price, who connected, controlled and kicked to get that crucial opener on the stroke of 4 minutes. Instantly Blackpool came back, won a corner that was knocked in with kindness to allow the No 6 to connect with and unluckily just send over. A frisky start for sure and we were soon right back down the other end when a throw-in cum cross found a bonse that nutted the ball forth only to see the keeper respond and stop the Oswestry brigade from doubling their lead. As the half settled the O's had most composure and always looked to have that extra option and a fraction more time on the globe. Having said that, Blackpool had the next effort when a snap-shot was swung forth with pace and, although it clouted the crossbar, it surely was a catalyst to re-invigorate the whole teams belief. This moment did assist in making the game more balanced and both teams were now battling for every ball and hoping to achieve something of a stranglehold on proceedings. Oswestry, for their efforts, had 3 corners in a row but all to no avail, whereas AFC Blackpool reacted with their impressive No11 easily losing his marker. providing a cross but alas seeing his ball dealt with to the cost of a corner. The corner came, it was best forgotten and no further comments are needed.
As we passed the halfway mark of this opening period the boys in the stripes threatened to unleash another long ball, with one such effort finding a bod on the flank who lobbed in and just missed the far post. Goal attempt or no goal attempt that was mightily close and the home netter was spared the blushes. The Town came yet again, the neglected No 2 led the charge and cultivated a position that saw his colleague put in a low hard cross only for the embarrassment free keeper to snuff out the threat low on the deck. Towards the last few minutes the game dissolved as a spectacle and it was just as well the referee called for a break.
We wandered towards the clubhouse for a cup of cha' and returned back to our seats with the end result still up in the air. For the record, this was the 56th match of the season we have attended and we still haven't won a bloody raffle - I doth protest but we won't give up!
Period two began with much pace and perspiration, a renewed urgency was had by both units with plenty of hollering on the pitch and from the dug-outs. In fact a couple of bods from the home pit may wake up tomorrow with voice's rougher than Fanny Craddock's after a long indulgent cannabis session - it does happen! The first action came after Oswestry conceded a corner but broke with style after their No 11 held the ball and released with casual class. This composure eventually led to a cross flying across the goal that just eluded all stretching toes, both defensive and offensive - crikey. AFC tried to gain a foothold and worked hard but as they did a sudden fracture appeared in their industrious back line and when Daniel Tinsley found the ball at his feet he wasted no time in picking his spot and sliding the ball home to add icing on his team's advantageous cake. Now Blackpool had to push and push they did, but more gaps appeared at the rear and they were caught on the hop again when a simple but effective move was finalised by Daniel Graham and the game was, as far as the home team were concerned, flushed round the U-bend.
Only minutes left and the O's came in waves and tried to add more gloss to an all round shining performance. Arguing between a home bod and his manager was doing his team no favours but they still worked hard and they were unfortunate not to snatch at least one back after their No 11 weaved forth, flung in a low cross which could have gone anywhere and given the whole squad a glimpse of some light at the end of a very long tunnel. The away team were tight today though, tighter in fact than Neville Southall's jockstrap (see recent photo's of the ex-Everton goalkeeper and no further evidence is needed) and with minutes left it seemed they had the match signed, sealed and delivered. Blackpool did have a brief rennaisance but they finished on the back peg as Oswestry won 2 back to back corners that saw Alun Morris connect his noggin on both, one forcing the keeper to make a marvellous save and the other just flying wide. The visiting No 10 had a shot but it was straight at the keeper and somewhat tame and the final kick came the way of Morris again who tried his luck but fired over. And that was that. Man of the Match, coincidentally enough, goes to the aforementioned No 6 of FC Oswestry Town (Alun Morris), who put in a ruddy cracking performance and was tougher to beat than Ken Dodd's Tax Dodging excuses. A real workmanlike performance and one that had a touch of understated quality from which his team benefited tremendously.
FINAL THOUGHT - Sunshine, a fine footballing pitch and a decent game that indicated how luck, confidence and cohesion can make great differences. In truth, Oswestry deserved this because it was a concrete act and all departments worked as a complete unit and on another day they may have had 5 or 6 goals to celebrate. Blackpool, for all their current woes, have much to ponder but positivity manifested itself in the form of their No's 9 and 11 who never stopped working, kept their heads down and set an example for all to follow. They will survive the drop and then, in the close season, just need to work on their engine and tighten a few loose screws - it can be done. Meanwhile Oswestry are doing fine and after this opening campaign next year they may just well be a force to consider with greater apprehension. Oh and to finally add - this is a great ground to visit, nice set up, good seating and did I mentioned the pitch - wow!
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