6th August 2017 - AFC Emley 0 v 3 Burscough FC - The second FA Cup slab of soccerised pie this weekend saw myself and my good lady visit the easily reached realms of West Yorkshire for a tie that could go any way possible. After dropping our daughter off at The Trafford Centre where she was working as an usher for the travelling 'In The Night Garden' show, where no doubt she would fall victim to many 2 foot tall screaming baldies, we made an easy trip across the motorway and had a fine breakfast and grand stroll around the grounds of Cannon Hall Country Park. Alas, this area had much to entertain the young un's and we also fell foul to the kingdom of the miniaturised underage skinhead. It was a fine morn though and we arrived at The Welfare Ground in good spirits and with a few fungal finds under the belt. Chips and tea were partaken of, the warm-up watched and a few chits and chats with equally keen bods was taken. The verdict on the chips was 'superb' and as they sat nicely in our gratified guts the time ticked and 3pm eventually came around. Here we go, here we go...etc. etc.
The game started in scrappy style but with only a few minutes on the clock a throw-in for the guests came, the ball entered the box and time seemed to enter another reality for the home bods as up stepped Peter Henerty to knock in from close range and give his team a lead with only 5 minutes on the timepiece. Emley looked unsettled by this and a moment later Burscough nearly doubled their lead when a long ball was collared, knocked into the red alert zone and nutted against the cross bar. The referee ruled offside anyway but good threat was displayed. The hosts now tried to gain a foothold in proceedings but their only real response was via their striving No 7 who tried a hopeful punt with no success at all. All the while their rear guard look uncertain and they were fortunate that the opposing No 10 didn't find the net with a good hoof that flew only a couple of feet over. At the other end the same numbered bod also had a strike but although more accurate it lacked any vicious venom and was easily saved. Instantaneously Burscough counter-punched, their tidy No 2 (Joshua Dunroe) took a free kick and slipped the ball through a gaping defensive wound and in crept Derek Szanto to slot home with sweet and measured control. A simple but well-executed move - always the best way.
Now Burscough were dominant but after a lax corner and bonus boot Emley counter-attacked and a swift crack was blazed across the goalmouth to an in-rushing Thabiso Magida to tap home from mere inches out. Alas no contact was made and the ex-Cheadle player looked utterly distraught at missing a golden opportunity. A dip now came, the home crew had a chance to settle but Burscough found the net yet again and seemed to seal the game completely. Alas, an infringement was spotted and the score wiped out - tough titties indeed. Emley did win a late free-kick, it was shite, reminiscent of their first half display but during the last few minutes an upsurge was had by the hard-working home crew and this did kindle some hope in the players and fans alike. The ref blew as did the wind, time for tea methinks.
Half-time, a chat with a hopper whilst a brew was slurped - it was getting nippy.
Half two, AFC Emley came out brighter, sharper and with a hunger. A quick free kick was flashed in and knocked just wide via the crust of Darius McCloed, not a bad attempt! No sooner had thoughts of a comeback rose than the visitors started to display sharper feet, greater desire and, most importantly, keener vision. From this came a chance for their No 9 (Liam Diggle) to add further glory to the 2 goal lead but a close-in botch job was had due to nothing more than the speed of the cross. Pity as this player had put himself about a bit and certainly deserved more - maybe next time mate! Emley dug deep now, their No 8 (Aaron Joseph) was a leading example of hard work and a never say die ethic but their opponents were on top today and when the home mittman clumsily dealt with a cross the header that came was unfortunate to fly above the wrong side of the cross bar. An attempt the other way came but Burscough responded with two quick punts of their own, both well connected with but just off the bulls-eye.
A lull came again, 2 subs, 2 bookings and a touch of tetchiness crept in. Emley tried to impress, Burscough tried to suppress, the chilly wind attempted to depress. To add to the home fans misery the Pewits had a man dismissed as a mis-timed tackle seemed to warm the goolies of an opponent and leave the referee in no doubt in producing a second yellow. The home fans were now chilled further, the game looked finished and, with 10 minutes left, a shot from Burscough's industrious Peter Henerty came, it was dismally fumbled and up stepped the fleet footed Jake Connelly to add a third goal and put the game well and truly to bed. Late on and shock, horror, pass me the pills - AFC Emley had a chance from a great move when a cross pinged off a defender and fell at the feet of Matthew Jackson - the opportunity however, went begging. In the last gasps of the game two more shots came in from the travelers toes and Emley put together the slickest and quickest move of the match with a clearance off the line denying them a perhaps deserved consolation - some days it just isn't meant to be. The ref blew immediately after - the contest was done. Not the greatest showcase of soccer today but several players put their arses on the line and worked up a good foam. Man of the Match though goes to Burscough's No 2 (Josh Dunroe) who played the game with a sparky attitude, kept order in his position and got forth whenever the opportunity arose. He was one to watch throughout and helped increase the headache of the home squad.
FINAL THOUGHT - A gritty game this with one team having no luck and suffering an off day and the other just having that keener edge and using their ability to communicate and see their colleagues position clearly. In fact this footballing lark is all about vision and if you are clued in to where your team-mates are and what runs they are making the game becomes so much simpler. Burscough seemed to have time to look up and see options, Emley looked rushed and once or twice I saw crosses made without any peeper seeking out a target. I wish both teams well in their seasons quest and reckon AFC Emley will be visited again, a fine ground, good chips and with a nice vibe - what more can we ask for? Well a few goals and a win next time - fingers crossed lads!
No comments:
Post a Comment