1st January 2019 - Kidsgrove Athletic 1 v 1 Chasetown FC - The crack of dawn came, we three roamers shifted our carcasses and set out to start the New Year in the usual doofing style. An early morning walk at Knypersley Reservoir got the annual wildlife sightings underway and was a new stomping ground on which we set our feet. 8 Bramblings and a Sparrowhawk were the pick of the birds and 35 species of fungus were seen too, the best being the Winter Polypore (Polyporus brumalis) - quite a subtle stunner. A short drive was had after lunch to Bathpool Park (another new place) where we had another wander and saw a few different species. A quick change and we pootled to the targeted ground which was also a place we had not visited before and after paying our way through the turnstile we took in the ambiance of this Evo-Stik arena and had a much needed cuppa and some fine chips. Kidsgrove is famed for being home to a headless ghost known as the 'Kidsgrove Boggart'. The ghost is said to be that of a young lass who was murdered inside the Harecastle Tunnel, a tunnel that is found along the Trent and Mersey Canal. Sinister indeed and this discovery had me pondering other ghostly tales I have come across over the years such as 'Old Nobless Norman' of Batley who is said to flash his pecker-free parts to women of the night in the hope of a free hand-out and of course, old Fat Arsed Freda of ye Olde Plumpton Green, a 30 stone brute of a woman who is said to molest male members of the public who have been taken short and are duly dribbling behind a tree. For research purposes I spent 6 months urinating on the said Green, all I got was 2 chilblains on me John Thomas, a charge of Indecent Exposure and a new species of fungus that is said to rely on the golden liquid for the production of the fruiting body - Cockolitis pissonata - bonus. I do digress however (what's new there then I hear you say), and to the match we must go with the scribblings as ever, off the cuff, enthused and, I hope, ruddy well accurate!
The hosts dictated the early play with some keen passing and some sharp movement when, from a seemingly innocuous blip a ball was played back, the keeper and a defender both chased and in popped No 11 (James O'Neill) for the travelling team and slotted in the escaped globe to truly shell-shock all in attendance. This was a late Christmas gift for sure, Santa's sack was still leaking (ooh mammy) and it was now a case of how the Kidsgrove lads could respond. At each end shots came and then a cross for the hosts saw No 7 (Joshua Lundstram) collar in the box and try his darnedest to let fly but was just hassled too much and the chance went begging. Kidsgrove came on again, a lovely ball in from the angle looked to be heading goalward when No 4 (Ryan Wynter) of Chasetown nutted off the line in quite an impressive and authoritative style. It was a momentous piece of defending but the hosts advanced once more with No 10 (Anthony Malbon) putting a firm crust on the ball only to miss the framework and save the keeper any untoward bother. Chasetown offered a crack on goal in return after the edgy mittman knocked an uncertain kick out that allowed No 9 (Thomas Hill) the chance to blaze one low. The home No 1 (Curtis Pond) did will to dive low and safely gather - much to the annoyance of the travelling supporters who weren't half giving him some stick.
The game remained fascinating as the Athletic pack strove to find equilibrium and the Town chased like urgent zealots and worked to maintain their lead. The away team had a penalty shout soon after, the referee waved play on, a shot followed and was deflected - it only just dropped the wrong side of the bar! O'Neill for the guests showed great strength next, left his marker and put in a quite hefty and accurate crossfield ball. No 7 (George Cater) was the willing recipient, the punt that ensued was decent enough but wouldn't stay below the horizontal - as you were folks! Things now warmed up even more, a booking was given to the Chasetown No 8 (Jack Partridge) and a free-kick awarded. The ball came to Malbon who put one on a plate for No 9 (Will Saxon) to bury - the touch was abysmal, the skin of the opponent's arses remained intact. As Kidsgrove steamed on a ball in return found Hill who put in a lovely chip around the advancing keeper. The net awaited, the ball flew closer when a defender I failed to name duly popped up and cleared right on the line. The closing minutes of the first half ended with a blur of effort but no major breakthroughs were witnessed - this one was certainly going to the warped and unpredictable wire!
Half-time and we stayed put. We discussed the game and tittered at the verbals coming from the away fans, they were certainly up for this and giving their team some bold support. Due to this oral onslaught my daughter suggested we visit Chasetown FC sometime in the future - and why not?
The second half came, the initial play was even with Kidsgrove looking to ignite a fuse and bomb their way through the opposing defense. However, it was the soccerised Scholars who had the first chance when their No 3 (Callum Cockerill-Mullett) marauded with purpose and sent in a fiery cross that Hill was surprised to find at his feet mere inches from the target zone. The ball, as a result, was hoofed over - how disappointing it was! Chasetown came again, Cater sent the sphere forth and took a layer of paint off the bar with an effort that went closer than expected. Hill was the next man to have a chance of doubling the lead when he was at the apex of a breakaway and only had the keeper to beat. The trigger was pulled, the second strike looked certain, the side netting was struck and many heads fell into many hands. Kidsgrove now took heed of the perpetual warnings, No 6 (Oliver Jepson) put a concrete nut on a corner ball and was only just wide, and then Saxon full stopped a surge with a shot too high. The home team were now busting a gut, the tempo was consistently high from both teams and then the Grove's No 11 (Lee Williamson) kicked forth a very intelligent pass from which Malbon collected turned and lashed home - it was an equaliser from a situation of seeming harmless essence - in many ways though, it was well-earned.
The game now galloped to the climax, shots came here and there but failed to stretch any gloved guardians. Both teams became desperate, Kidsgrove came close to snatching victory but O'Neill for The Scholars had a chance to clinch the game but his effort was denied by an efficient block by the keeper. A penalty claim was had once more for the visitors, the referee displayed no interest and then The Grove rallied, Flint had a close-in dig but an outstanding save meant this one was still up in the air. At the last No 15 (Liam Kirton) for Chasetown nearly roamed into danger but a last blast tackle killed the peril and as it turned out saved a point for the hosts. When the referee blew and it was confirmed honours were even, I pondered the Man of the Match and opted for the tidy, skillful and unflustered Kidsgrove Athletic No 11 (Lee Williamson) who read the game, was involved in all areas and who had a distinct composure that saw his pass success rate remain very high indeed. A thinking man's footballer executing matters with little fuss.
FINAL THOUGHT - A good score-draw game this had been, with very little between the two sides and so leaving all nicely balanced for any future meetings. In truth Chasetown could have had the game done and dusted if a few early chances were nailed but Kidsgrove hung on, called upon great reserves and managed to force a share of the spoils. Both teams showed great desire and a willingness to keep things fluent and moving at all times. The positioning of both units shows what a competitive league they are in and how small occurrences can make a great differences come the season end. I can't see either of these two sides being in any serious difficulty provided the work-rate remains high and the determination is focused at all times. The key of course is taking the chances at the last and having that surgeon like mentality when dissecting the opponents defenses. To procrastinate or castrate are the options - do one and one's own conkers may get clobbered, do the other and the opposition will be hobbling victims waiting to be put out of their misery - or so reason suggests. So I sign off, pleased with the days football and looking forward to a re-acquaintance with these teams sometime soon - I wonder if balls will roll, if balls will drop or if balls will be burst - a bit of all three would be just right (provided of course my balls stay warm, unmolested and in the right place).
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