4th April 2017 - Atherton LR 0 v 2 Stockport Town - Despite booking a provisional visit to this ground several times this season the watery Heaven's had leaked a little too often and denied us some footballing pleasure at ye olde Crilly Park. Fortunately, before the season ends, we had been granted a dry period and this Tuesday night fixture was duly noted in the diary. After a day at work and a quick tea, as well as identifying a few bugs from my walk home, me and my good lady set off and arrived at the ground in plenty of time. I considered a close game tonight but these latter end fixtures can throw up some darn queer results and I kept my betting money in my pocket. A chip barm and tea for both, a chat with a local face who's son plays in the nets for the visitors and then up to our pile-inducing seats in the chilled weather to watch the anticipated game.
The slopes of Crilly welcomed the two teams and the game began in enthusiastic earnest. The start was a matter of settling in with both teams frantic but ineffectual. Stockport were running the flanks, the Rovers were staying more central, the guests eventually started to press higher with a couple of crosses flung into the danger zone and a free kick won but producing no product. A bit of ball bother commenced (no, not due to tight shorts), and several replacements were tried, some oval, some lacking air, some actually round. Cripes, struggling for balls at a footy match, what next in the football world - Gordon Strachan claiming he knows something about management - surely not! Anyway the game eventually continued, an injury came for the Stockport No 4 (Liam Bennion) after he stuck his head in a compromising position to connect with the ball but got nobbled for his troubles. Spiced tackles followed, more Stockport pressure resulted in much panic but both teams were lacking a calm head to take control. A couple of chances came for the Lions, one of which saw a bonse rise from a corner and make a good connection that forced the ALR keeper to produce a fine reaction save and keep things level.
The Lions pawed away, they were testing the Rover's resilience with the next chance coming via a long ball that was missed by a defensive noggin and allowed Jamie Hinchcliffe through but only to be denied by the impressive No 3 for ALR (Christian Grundy) who did just enough to stop a certain goal. Up the other end and some fine link up play saw the ball go in the box and Beck Murray find the ball at his feet. A shot was attempted and scuffed but moments later the Rovers were at it again when their No 8 (David Moore) robbed a defender and put in a shot but alas the angle was tight and the keeper blocked with ease. ALR's No 11 chanced his foot next but the ball swung low and wide and one wondered if these missed chances would be rued later on in the game. Stockport responded, their No 9 (Aaron Dwyer) was through but as the ball was trapped he not only duped the defense but fooled himself also. Moments later the same bod was through but the cheeky chip was poorly executed and we all awaited the opening goal as the temperatures up in the stand seemed to plummet. Back and forth we went, both units working hard and with an ALR free kick one of the few rare shots that was actually on target. Before the half came to a close the home teams Theodore Kidd thumped one forth but again missed the net and McConnell for the visitors cracked one toward goal but the netman saved with ease. The ref blew - we were drawing a blank folks.
Tea and chocolate and a chinwag, the air was icy, who was that daft bugger in shorts - I bet his todger was something akin to a acorn and serve him ruddy right! Watch out for the Jays man!
Half two - Stockport playing downhill - Atherton needed crampons - would this be decisive? It was a hectic start with many pistons pumping and working up a good lather. A through ball from ALR led to Stockport's No 1 going on a short excursion to make a clearance which I am sure led to a few home fans having their tickers in their gullets. The match started to become fresh and frisky (a bit like Albert Steptoe after a bath) and a balance was had. The equilibrium though was nearly tilted ALR's way as their No 9 (Theodore Kidd) forced his way through, into the box and then let fly. The ball was thudded hard but sliced across the goal face and went behind for a goal kick. Back down the opposite end of the pitch and the recently introduced Stockport sub (Ben Halfacre) had the ball at his tootsies. He prepared to shoot, the ball bobbled, he resettled and connected - 1 - 0 to The Town, the fuse was lit. Atherton now worked hard and Stockport's recent strike hero was being a real problematic element that needed constant attention, proof of which came when he had another dig that the keeper had to parry which in turn led to a follow up thumped over. A wise substitute came next for the visitors followed by a free kick that was nutted against the bar but Jamie Hinchcliffe was waiting for the loose ball and duly tapped in. 2-0 - it was now a definite uphill struggle for the hosts.
A minor lull came, the Rovers were trying but just having no fortune and being slightly outpaced in many areas. On the 82nd minute The Lion's Ben Connolly tried to lob the keeper but it was a tame effort and easily dealt with and shortly after Halfacre walloped a volley forth but the mittmanm somehow scooped over. The high endeavour continued from both teams, the minutes ran out and as the final call rung from the ref's whistle thoughts were indeed mixed. Good on Stockport Town for the persistence, a shame for Atherton Laburnum Rovers for the consistent ill fortune. Man of the Match tonight was close, in fact so close I will mention two stand-out players if you don't mind. For Stockport (Ezequiel Miranda) ran his globes into the ground and made sure his markers earned a ruddy good crust. He even did some defensive work and did that mighty well - I can't fault it. For Atherton Laburnum Road (Christian Grundy) was outstanding and looked as solid as a rock and highly disciplined in his chosen role - he is one who deserved more from the nights proceedings but will be a major asset to his team in future games and hopefully propel them onto better things.
FINAL THOUGHT - Stockport are a sturdy side and if they keep their discipline and make sure heads are held high then next season I reckon they will be in the hunt for certain promotion. Atherton LR are better than their position reflects and I reckon playing on a sloping pitch that is unkind to the ball is perhaps not doing their confidence any favours and not helping them get their just desserts. I noted many good players in their squad and a good 'head down' desire to work the full 90 minutes - surely an upswing is due and the squad will get a few breaks here and there. A good jaunt this to Crilly Park, a ground with character and a welcoming ambience. We shall be back, hopefully next time with a bit of sun on our backs and the ALR brigade victorious.
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