4th March 2017 - Congleton Town 0 v 3 Nelson FC - There is no greater scourge to the non-league fixture list than the Great British climate, an utter capricious bastard it is with no favours granted, no thought given to the players and punters who just want to get on an enjoy this glorious game. The past week saw 2 evening kick-offs I had planned, both called off and today I made a list of 5 potential matches and prepared to see what the ultimate outcome would be (if any). 1 match had been called off at 10am, I awaited the next verdict. Surprise, surprise - 'Game On' flashed up on Twitter, the day was sorted and after a CD review, a spot of cleaning and some map pondering I got my arse in gear and headed to the train station. My lasses were in London today so it was a case of self-propulsion if this old punk git wanted to see some action today - sounds almost sexual doesn't it (cripes). Arriving in good time, after a good walk in the sun that produced 3 Drone-Flies (Eristalis tenax) and 1 Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), a read in the sun on Stockport train station and some wholesome jackbit (chips) and a slurp (tea) at the ground, the match kicked off and transpired to be an affair that went like this.
Both teams got stuck in straight away on a fragile foundation with Nelson trying to play through the park and Congleton looking for a long, carving pass. Early on a cracking mud-flying encounter manifested itself with both sides having early efforts both fly wayward. Congleton did find the net at one point but it was to no avail as the liners flag rose and offside was ruled. This minor blip didn't deter the visitors who heaved back but it was Congleton who came closest next after their No 7 (Callum Gardner) wormed through a tight pack, played the ball wide to his colleague on the flank who then duly crossed to find the crust of an incoming player who alas saw his attempt ping past the upright. Good work indeed but straight up the other end we went when Nelson worked a move that led to the ball being flashed across their opponents goal mouth only to just evade any incoming toe that would surely have grabbed the first goal of the game. The home side took heed of this warning, pressurised and created two solid crosses that failed to find a rising head. As Nelson looked to cultivate a breakaway Congleton came again, when their No 10 (Scot McGowan) got free, put a cross in the box whereupon several of his team-mates had the chance to shoot but chose to pass instead. When a shot did come it was easily blocked and the opportunity went begging.
Nelson were on the back foot but still very much alive although another chance came the home sides way after some tireless work by the eye-catching No 6 (Richard Bailey) saw him win the ball in a corner, weave inward and eventually thwack a shot with force that once again strayed wide of the elusive net. Nelson now dug deep, a rapid attack was borne, time was found by a flank man who crossed and found the feet of Benjamin Hosking who chose his spot and fired in with casual accuracy - 1-0 and the game was now alive. Congleton responded and when a long ball was found by McGowan, his control and shot were thwarted by an alert keeper who sprawled low and produce the necessary block. It kept his team in front and allowed them to go into the break with spirits high.
The cold was creeping in, a piddle was partaken of and I refilled the bladder immediately with a grand cup of cha. Where would we Brits be without this bagged ambrosia?
The second half saw The Bears growl early and create a break that came to nowt but which allowed Nelson's crafty No 9 (Jason Hart) to create turmoil and nearly get the gift he strived for. Glory remained elusive but never fear, moments later The Admirals were at it again and in the blinking of an eye (literally) a goal was slapped home and it was Benjamin Hosking again who snatched the congratulations. The Congo Crew were now up against things, spiced tackles were flying in but all were fair and above board and complaints from players were noticeably few and far between (applause for that attitude, very refreshing). Suddenly Congleton broke, the hefty No 9 (Declan Fletcher) collared a cross, had time to release his shot but again the keeper flew low and produced the defensive goods. Excitement rose, Nelson found themselves in a 4 on 1 situation, a pass best described as 'shite' soon terminated any rising hopes = by heck indeed. Back down the other end, McGowan shot, the crossbar was thudded and seconds later the same player was at it again, this time he won a foul that was in the box, a penalty was awarded and The Bears had high promise to get back in this one. The chosen chap stepped up and an awful attempt at a conversion was the outcome - the charity of Congleton seemed to know no bounds. In fact Mother Theresa was less generous in her day and surely would have buried one of the chances on offer today.
Nelson still prodded and poked and when once more they broke away a smart move saw a cross, a dummy and No 10 shoot but the resident No 1 saved well and kept light at the end of a manky tunnel for his comrades. Now play went back and forth with impetus, both teams fought hard with the greatest enemy being the ragged pitch that was becoming more and more worn with every passage of play. Nelson picked up on a wayward pass next, their threatening No 9 shot, another save came, Congleton were clinging on. The tide ebbed and flowed, the visitors though were good value for the 2 goal cushion and the 3rd nearly came when that pesky No 9 flashed a shot homeward only to see it rise a trifle too much. The match began to simmer nicely, the final whistle beckoned, one team were desperate, the other determined and when Congleton won a corner and the ball played in bounced around the box it suddenly was jabbed goalward and only an on-the-line clearance helped keep things as they were. It just wasn't Congleton's day! As the home team continued to press, and with 3 minutes left on the clock, Nelson counterpunched and a long ball was latched onto by, yes you guessed it, the No 9 who passed across the box and allowed Mark Sharpston to bury the ball and the match as a contest. A late shot came for the beleaguered home lads but it was straight at the keeper which, kind of summed up the teams day. The ref blew, hands were shook, the game was done.
Personally, I thought this was a ruddy good match, a mucky affair that saw many players bust a gut and fight the substrate in an attempt to play football. Nelson won this by being sharper, hungrier and just a little more settled on the ball in certain parts of the park. Many of their players put in a good stint but the Man of the Match for me was their No 8 (Sebastian Julian) who tirelessly covered much ground, fought with blood and sweat for every ball and conducted himself quietly, strongly and fairly throughout. A good example of a player getting on with the job and doing the business - well done squire.
FINAL THOUGHT - One thing that springs to mind today that is of the utmost importance and worthy of mention is the player's conduct throughout this solid affair. Throughout the game there was very little griping, no play-acting and a good heads down focus that was a credit to both teams. I applaud that and long may it continue. I have seen too many teams bitch and moan and as a result drag their fellow players down, lose focus and ultimately concede goals and lose matches. Breath is precious, wasting it on decisions made and missed opportunities is pointless, save it for your next tackle and your next surging run and if your mouth does need exercise use it to encourage and support. Again, an applaud to both sides here and also to Congleton Town FC who make every visit a happy one and have a good vibe going on at the ground - I shall return and also pop up to see Nelson soon enough and pen another report. DIY forever - tis the only way!
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