FOR CUPS SAKE

29th October 2019 - Congleton Town 1 v 2 Cheadle Heath Nomads - A trip out to one of our favourite footy grounds to see the black and white Bears take on the roaming Nomads in a Cheshire Cup tie that, in my addled mind at least, could go either way.  The fact is though, the football and the result were put on hold as it was the chips and tea that mattered most.  We arrived, purchased and partook and boy did they taste mighty fine.  The rich golden yellow of the sizzled spud, the soft fluffy insides, the essence of salt and vinegar on the cold night air, the dramatic tantalising splash of ketchup all intoxicating the senses and only tempered by the warm blessing of tea-bag based reality.  I was taken to a world of flying friers, condiment creators with hands of benevolence and tomato coloured dwarves dancing beneath generous clouds that leaked tangy sanguine juices laden with heavenly kindness.  Graceful Larks took to the air and sang songs of fast food worship, flowers bloomed in pastures of deep fried grasses, and then the medication wore off and we were back to the footy and a scrummy pie I had purchased too.  After chatting with many fine folk, 7.45pm arrived and the teams came out.  An upset was possible but if the visiting tribe got off on the wrong foot a trouncing was equally foreseeable, I was on the edge of my seat and it had nothing to do with wearing tight trousers.

The opening patternation of the contest saw The Bears nuzzle deep into the perilous nether regions of the Nomad's rear, a free-kick was had but went straight into the meat of the keeper's carcass.  In the twitch of a nerved up nutters eye the hosts advanced once more, No 9 (Daniel Cope) was threaded through, the keeper was off his line, the shot however went wide of the mark - chance gone!  Congo continued to dictate, a corner was resoundingly nutted away by the visiting No 3 (Craig Coates) which led to the Nomad's gaining something akin to a foothold.  The game became an open affair but real glaring chances remained a rare commodity.  A lightning break for the guests was eventually ground out, a cross that came was laden with pace, Coates came on the scene to bury but arrived just a fraction too late and could only find the side netting.  A Nomadic free-kick next, it led to an angled hoof which in turn led to a scuffed shot by the hustling No 9 (Ashley Harrison) - the ball was eventually cleared.

From here the travelling pack grew in sanguinity, a long ball found No 10 (Ashley Stott) who shot on the turn and won a corner, no danger was had from the ball in but this was mighty promising from a team apparently playing the role of the underdog.  Following a rather crap free-kick from the Nomads the home lads tried to push on but were caught offside too many times for the crowds liking, one could feel a touch of disgruntlement in the air.  Cope led the next ursine onslaught with a sharp cut inwards and a shot that was firmly blocked,   A follow-up dig was deflected over, the corner led to a period of pressure but the opposing ranks remained disciplined and saw the danger pass.  Towards the latter end of the half things became hectic and if anything, the guests were having the better of things.

During the break we stayed put and resisted the cold, we were armed with a Toblerone, a veritable triangular tube of goodness ideal for these chilly footballing nights.  It was with great delight that we chatted with the Nomad's club Secretary Nev Pearson and discovered that he had recently given up his work 'darn sarf' and was now back up this end and doing his worthy stuff for his local club. What Mr Pearson failed to tell us, which I later found out, was that he had recently been charged with streaking at Fortnum and Masons whilst sporting a tube of Cherrilossus Biscuits up his rather rubicund chuff.  Due to this naked escapade he had lost his job and been told never to return to the 'Big Smoke' again - tis amazing how the truth can be so clarifying.  And back to the game!

A brisk start came, the guests were getting pegged back but they stayed composed and produced some lovely breakaway football that was both patient and precise.  At the tail end of one cutting move Stott sent in a rather sweet shot that was tidily tipped over by a keeper very much on his toes.  The corner was easily dealt with, The Bears bounded forth and a free-kick was granted.   One pass, two pass and three, Cope pounced, thank you very much, 1 - 0 it was and perhaps against the grain of play.

The game now moved up a few gears, the hosts came again, No 5 (Thomas Morris) was clattered, No 11 (Samuel Hadfield-Summerbee) was on the loose ball and pulled the trigger.  The shot was dramatically blocked on the line, confusion reigned, the ball was bumbled over the line, an infringement killed dead any celebration.  The Cheadle pack were being put on the back foot, a substitute was made, the tide slowly began to change.  A free-kick was blocked, Congleton broke, the defending No 5 (Thomas Rogers) produced an outstanding tackle and kept his team very much alive and kicking.

From here things remained on the cusp, a chip shot by the Town's No 12 (Jonathon Higham) was abysmal, his next effort was better but could only find the awaiting arms of the mitter.  After another effort at the goal The Cheadle Heath team rebounded with No 11 (Daniel Browne) progressing with purpose before releasing No 14 (George Blackwell).  The sub was pushed out wide, kept his cool and fired into the back of the net in composed style - the equaliser was fully deserved, the substitution a moment of inspiration.

With the carrot of round two now dangling before the eyes of both hungry teams we moved into the closing stages - the question being - who would be the chomping donkeys and who would be the rogered rabbits?  The guests seemed born-again, they moved with greater purpose and gusto, the soccerised spirit was burning bright, was this the time of true resurrection.  The yellow-clad army pushed hard, the ball was passed around with swift, decisive belief, suddenly it was played out wide, Stott was on it, his striking instinct took command, boom - 1 - 2 it was, the comeback trail was complete, now it was just a question of seeing out the last 10 minutes.

Down the home stretch we went, Nomads remained on top and quelled the opposition's hopes, Harrison could have finished the game but his header was off target and then a shot came forth and needed on-line attention.  A scuffle came before the closure, it was all rather unnecessary and as a result  Browne for the guests was shown red and went for an early bath.  The game ended soon after, the upset had been witnessed, it was a ruddy good effort, Congleton looked rather deflated, it had been a tough night for sure.  Man of the Match goes to the Cheadle Heath Nomad's No 14 (George Blackwell) for giving his team that extra spark, the extra option and of course for the goal that started the wheels turning the right way.  It was a good stint, now all the lad has to do his prove his worth over 90 minutes on a consistent basis - challenge set sir!

FINAL THOUGHT - Congleton Town is one of my favourite grounds, the team usually play good honest football, the banter in the crowd is comical and without spite and the whole set up makes for a good jaunt out.   Today, despite being a regular supporter of the Nomads, I felt a bit disappointed with the Bears who just lacked the apical decisiveness and seemed to play too many hopeful balls over the top rather than play the ball around the park and pick their moment to pounce.  They have way too many good players to remain out of form, all that is needed is a bit of cohesion and fluidity and all areas working as one.  Despite the loss tonight I reckon that a team is going to be on the wrong end of a Congo spanking very soon, watch this space.  The Nomads on the other end did what they set out to do and remained tight, organised and stuck to their guns.  The first 10 minutes saw them ride a storm, once through it they set up their sails, fought against the wind and gradually built up some eye-catching impetus.  The season started slowly, now things are moving the right way, it is no time to get carried away though and feel content, there is still much to do but it must be said the future is looking rosy, the future is looking Nomadically exciting!  PS - it is important to mention that after the match I received news that all charges against the aforementioned Mr Pearson will be dropped provided he return the said biscuits and pens an apology to Mr Farquar Fontaine the in-house confectioner - now that is good news - and onwards!