20th August 2019 - Cheadle Heath Nomads 0 v 1 Abbey Hey - As a fine punk band claimed 'I am in a rut' and with the head up the arse I am feeling a bit low at the mo. It happens, tis an hazard of 'thinking', being busy and pissing in the wind. The day at work was busy, it seems a persistent pile, my carcass is constantly creaking and the weather, as per, is an unreliable bugger. Shaken but very much stirred I got myself ready for football and my good lady said she would join me too - what a bonus indeed. We arrived in plenty of time (we only live a few streets away) and met up with STP Stu. We chatted to many folk, enjoyed the somewhat pleasant thermals and pondered the outcome. We gathered predictions, we were all to be proven wrong although my missus was closest with a very conservative prediction. The key though is getting out and supporting, taking your mind away from the daily niggles and enjoying what is, a simple game but one that can be utterly fascinating. We are in the early throes of the season but already teams are making a mark, the question is would that mark be a glowing daub of proclaimed success on the palace walls of potential or a mere shit-streak of impending doom upon the karsi doors of persistent defeat - I may be a dabbling down in the dumps but I have enough of a spark to be truly absorbed.
From the off the Nomadic home tribe worked hard, won an immediate corner that was flicked over the bar from the near post via the bonse of No 10 (Daniel Browne). The start was frantic, both teams sought to grab the first testicle of promise and perhaps get lucky with a few pips of success giving birth to a goal or two. A gratis dig was granted to the hosts, it went in, was knocked out before No 3 (Stephen Kirby) blazed over with untamed abandon. As payback for this audacious ripper, the visitors came on strong. A simplistic passing sequence saw No 8 (Luke Hincks) threaded through with the first goal beckoning. The shot was struck low, the placement was a little awry - it was a chance and a chance gone begging.
The early stages developed, there was little to call between each side but Abbey Hey began to outwork their opponents and due to an incessant pressure made space to play further up the park. After 2 Nomadic corners the away team earned one of their own when the No 2 (Joseph Neild) did a spot of weaving in the corner. The ball was delivered, the punch away clean enough with a return shot well held by the ever alert No 1 (Aaron Tyrer). The Hey were now 'on it', another sweep forward and a free-kick earned. The ball was posted into the box by No 4 (Matthew German), it had good pace and accuracy allowing Hincks to pounce and touch towards goal - the save that followed was exceptional. A follow-up attempt came, was cleared and the resultant corner produced a firm header that was wonderfully saved although the offside flag dampened the thrill somewhat.
The game continued with appreciable vim, Kirby had a another shot over for the hosts and then Browne followed suit with an equally elevated attempt. The Hey were good value though and constantly hustling and harrying their opponents. Eventually a free-kick at an acute angle was won, No 3 (Dylan Norris) was the taker and eyed his spot. The ball was swung in low, seemingly without danger, a defender was told to 'leave it', the swinging legs were avoided, the keeper was unsighted and the ball crept in beneath his crouching framework. A sneaky goal for sure, borne perhaps from a minor error of judgement, they all count though.
The jaded minutes of the half were done with much bluster, the hosts had a few corners, one punched over, another too long to be of concern whilst Abbey Hey hunted for the second goal of the night but were over zealous and falling all too easily into the offside trap. As the half drew to a close the rain fell, Nomads had an hopeful long range punt at an open goal that was eventually dealt with and then we were done.
A brew and a choccy bar for half-time and an all important Jimmy Riddle. The scoreline so far was something of a shocker, to keep in with the theme of things I drew a nude picture of Queen Victoria on the toilet walls and added the slogan 'Bob Carolgees was a murderer' - needs must.
Back in position, the second half began with a free-kick for Abbey Hey which just missed all rising bonses. From here a very patchy period followed, in fact it was so patchy it would have put a vagabonds threadbare under-duds to shame - I mean, it was quite shocking. Abbey Hey continued to move the ball with greater fluidity and when not in possession were tirelessly pressing their opponents and giving them no time on the ball. A few substitutes came each way, it failed to alter the now degenerating pattern of a game that saw one team try and have little in the way of creativity and the other team work hard and be just happy to dig in and spoil. Eventually The Nomads progressed with some razor-sharp passing and searching moves. They were kept at bay with the end shot from No 16 (Jack Warren) a result of the mither and duly off target. Another onslaught followed, No 7 (George Blackwell) was in space at a slight angle. A shot was had, it had good energy, the save was bang on and kept this one a 1 goal to nil.
Into the arse end of the game, Blackwell for The Nomads put in a cross, No 14 (Richard Tindall) snuck in on the blind side, the effort was weaker than a the comedic routine of Jim Bowen with the ball trickling wide in seeming despair (yes, footballs have emotions too, you just need the right medication to realise it). The hosts continued to work with fervour, a good lather was being built in the murk. Browne had a glorious chance to bury in the box but shied say from a punt and unselfishly crossed the ball - it was the wrong decision and the chance was gone forever. The game faded and with a few minor chances at both ends, No 17 (Ashley Harrison) perhaps had the best opportunity after a decent spurt of play but the end shot was tame and then it was all over. Abbey Hey had come, confounded and conquered, Man of the Match goes to their No 5 (Joshua Dickin) who reflected the great defensive attributes of the team, the high discipline and the relentless work-rate - a very reliable shift and with a good reading of the game the lad did himself proud.
FINAL THOUGHT - And there ya go, despite many expecting a home win and Cheadle Heath Nomads looking to keep their season rolling the right way, Abbey Hey came and did a smash and grab number and pissed off home with a 3 point prize very much deserved. The key to their success was obvious - an undying work ethic that gave their opponents no time to settle and no time to suss out a response. Like a fox attacked by a flapping chicken hepped up on desire and goofballs - this was a fluster-inducing onslaught that pecked away until the very last and strutted off with a cluck of success. This attribute and this attribute alone will serve the away team well and they may not be movers and shakers in the end mix this time around but they will certainly be putting the wind up a few teams both at home and on their travels. Cheadle Heath Nomads were disappointing tonight, they rarely threatened, were harassed out of their game and when Plan A and Plan B went awry seemed to run out of options. Don't misread my words though, come season end they will have done mighty fine but it will take dedication, passion and a certain ability to solve many footballing puzzles placed in front of them without much delay. They have another tough match on Saturday, against a Maine Road team who are known to run themselves ragged - I fancy a close-one but could the Nomads be on the rebound and put in a stormer - my loins are girded, my buttocks clenched - I may strain myself, I hope it is ruddy well worth it.
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