2nd September 2017 - Hanley Town 1 v 3 Charnock Richard - It had been over a year since I last tootled down to Potteries Park and, seeing that my wife and daughter fancied a shopping trip in Hanley, I took full advantage of the situation and squeezed in a footballing jaunt. In truth I should have gone shopping as my Marks and Sparks crotchless underpants did need replacing but I am a hardy soul and in the name of Non-League football I am willing to let my jewels perish in the Autumnal wafts or, as was the case today, let them frazzled in the Indian summer. Arriving at the ground in decent time I partook of some necessary victuals, located a good position and whiled away the time pondering many things and reading a book on 'flies' - my head is always awash with many tangents. The two armies for today's affair marched forth into the scene of battle, my mental wager was set, the outcome of the game was as thus:-
Both units were straight at each others throats with a Hanley counterpunch nearly landing in the tender parts of their guests rear but alas their No 10 (Theo Stair) was halted at the last by a quick witted mitter who certainly had no cobwebs clinging to his carcass. The CR crew responded and when a fine lofted long ball found Mark Adams but Hanley's No 2 (Josh Thorpe) produced a fine block and kept the onslaught nicely at bay. Another sweet ball from Charnock sliced open the Hanley defense but the ensuing cross and mis-controlled end punt were more than a trifle disappointing. Charnock were not to be deterred though and came forth again on fired up heels that saw a tap homeward dealt with by the agile keeper (Joe Hemmings). A very choice stop I thought. From the corner the crust toward goal was unlucky not to ripple mesh but the visitors stayed positive and were definitely having the best part of this opening period. Several players were catching the optical organs and showing penetrating effect and strong desire, all that was lacking was that final killing touch. A rare sortie forth from The Town ensued, a corner ended with No 4 nutting goalward, the deflection was mightily cruel. From here the home team dug in with their 9 (Dan Cope) and 10 (Theo Stair) looking particularly problematic. In fact Cope produced a moment of genius when he turned on a sparrows chuff, bicycle kick-volleyed a shot goalward and was only denied by the reaching tips of the keeper who knocked the ball onto the bar. Within minutes Hanley's No 5 found his colleague (Stair) who weaved between 2 defenders and cracked off a shot that went just wide of the far post and millimetres away from Cope's outstretched toes. The response was immediate and Charnock's No 9 (Carl Grimshaw) had a chance to tap into a semi-vacant net after a goalkeeping punch wasn't dealt with but, out of nowhere, the reliable mittman appeared again and did the business in firm style blocking the ball and keeping the scoresheet unblemished. What a good game this guy was having.
Suddenly the game turned, the balance was shattered and after Hanley dawdled in defense and a hopeless ball was chased by Charnock's No 2, a late tackle came on a colleague and a harsh penalty was given. No 8 stepped up (Nathan Fairhurst) and slapped in a decisive conversion. A reaction came, Hanley's No 11 (Jonathon Sheldon) cut inside and ripped forth a shot - wide but enthusing. From here the hosts came on, Theo Stair was in the mix again, bobbing and weaving in the box, he prepared to shoot, once, twice, third time lucky. Well taken lad and what an admirable fight back shown. Both teams now locked horns (dirty buggers) and chances came at either end but nothing substantial was borne. The time tickled away, No 7 (Anthony Hough) and No 4 (Jack Sanders) for Charnock Richard were throwing it about a bit (ooh the vulgar devils) and making sure persistence reined supreme. The persistence brought a late on free-kick but the opposing gloved guardian rose and punched clear and at the last a ball was cleared off the line when O'Farrell and Davison combined to create sub-chaotic times for The Blues. The half eventually ended, in this heat the teams deserved a break.
I chilled in the thermals and stretched the old boiled eggs whilst having a sip of Lemon Barley Water - cripes I was warm.
The teams came back out, the guests applied immediate pressure with Grimshaw having a quick shot that saw the ball rebound off the upright before another shot come forth and a handball offence was committed. The eagle eyed man in black saw it all and when he brandished his card of red it was an early dip for the unfortunate culprit (Joshua Thorpe) who held his head in his hands and trudged off. The penalty was taken, Fairhurst slotted home with aplomb, the game changing incident was complete. Now Charnock Richard applied harsh pressure but all the while the end fatal death kiss remained elusive. Hanley had to call upon deeper reservoirs of resistance, Sheldon somehow managed a shot, albeit wild and off target and his team strove on. Grimshaw for the Richard finalised a counter break with a shot that made the keeper save yet again and make this contest still up for grabs. As CR looked for ascendancy with numerous corners it was a certain hesitancy to go for the jugular that was making this an unfinished result. Grimshaw had another attempt, this time from his eggshell coloured head, the ball went over and frustration spilled moments later when he twice kicked the ball netward after the referee had rattled his pee (in public as well, oh the indecency of it all). A booking was given, surely heads wouldn't crack at this stage!
Next up No 10 for CR let fly, fine save and soon after 2 more shots came in from almost point-blank range via a foot and a bonse. The immovable object of Hanley's last man remained resolute and made sure oxygen of hope still pumped around the arteries of his defiant squad. Action came both ends now, a Charnock Richard flourish saw their sub have two punts, both blocked one by a defenders boat-race - the poor bugger. Hanley posed questions the other end, Theo Stair the tinker of trouble was at it again with a shot and a header both thwarted by the visiting goalie who made sure this was a fine showpiece for the work these mitted unsung heroes perform. The green clad team now made a desperate last push to grab a sealing goal but time and again they ran, quite unnecessarily, into offside positions, much to the disgruntlement of their travelling support. At last, and in the 95th minute, they got the break through via a weak shot that seemingly gave birth to more disappointment but somehow snuck in and cemented a hard fought win. It gave added gloss and perhaps a false tint to a game that was closer than the scoreline suggested, a common occurrence in this funny old game. The final whistle game and we were done with my Man of the Match going to Hanley's No 1 (Joe Hemmings) who was a stalwart between the sticks and produced an abundance of saves that made sure his team stayed within striking distance of opponents on the rampage. It was a very worthy stint that deserved more - maybe next time!
FINAL THOUGHT - I came, I pottered and I witnessed a close affair that saw one or two key performances that will put both squads in good stead throughout the coming months. The Mossie Men are a decent set-up and within the midfield they produced some good passages of play that will create many a chance. The only gripe I had today was that a certain dawdling around the box, perhaps down to lack of options, cost them so many extra chances on goal that could have finalised the game long before the 95th minute. The team will do just fine though and I reckon will be in the top 4 come season end. Hanley Town are a resolute force and will be no pushover for any team, both home and away and with some fine footballing facets and some persistent and talented players they will end the campaign with more wins than losses that is for sure. They have a nice set up at this club and it is always a pleasure to pop down and enjoy the game, I hope to be back sooner rather than later - in the meantime - keep the spirit chaps.
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