Stone Dominoes v AFC Liverpool, 30th January 2010

When AFC Liverpool travelled to play Stone Dominoes at the end of January 2010, the Reds had not played a League Match in nearly two months due to a prolonged period of snow and ice.   Coincidentally, it was Stone who we played in early December at Valerie Park in that previous league outing.  That day AFC played in blue (as a gesture towards climate change protest) and lost 4-1.  That result put the Dominoes in a comfortable position at the top of the table, whilst AFC were tumbling away from the promotion places and in need of something to halt the slide down the table.  

For my part, my journey to the village of Yarnfield (where Motiva Park is located) almost became one of insanity.  As someone who loves walking, I simply did not do my homework properly on the terrain between Stone Station and Yarnfield.  As I started to attempt the road out towards Yarnfield, I realised that there were no pavements and should really get a taxi.  Fortunately, I came across one driving by and it was very much panic over.  

Now, fast forward a year to February 2011, as I ended up watching Runcorn Town thrash Oldham Boro 6-0 following an AFC postponement.  Whilst attending this match I got talking with a Groundhopper who had travelled all the way from Eastleigh in Hampshire.  I happened to ask him about his travels to Staffordshire.  His reply was to inform me that on hopping to one Staffordshire ground, he had walked along similar terrain to myself just over a year earlier.  He told me he was probably inches from having a leg or arm taken off by a car!  Now that is really being insane!

Back now to 30th January 2010, and my arrival at Motiva Park.  I found the whole set up with it's clubhouse and many football pitches to be impressive.  I found "Little Dave" Williams and we got talking on a range of topics from the Cup game at Glossop the previous week, to the football pools, and my journey to this particular match.  Thankfully Dave was very kind to offer me a lift home, which was gratefully accepted.  As Kick Off approached I made my way to the half-way line, and met up with another Dave.  The other Dave is now known as AFC's chief rattler.  At one point during an uneventful first half with few chances, Dave took a walk to the opposite side of the ground where he spoke to a referee's assessor.  He was soon back.  

When Half Time arrived at 0-0, we both agreed that we would take the draw now if it was offered.  I made my way inside the Clubhouse for a nice warm cup of coffee, and got first class service at no cost.  Upon walking around the Clubhouse to check half time scores, and realising that other members of the AFC congregation had been in another part of the Clubhouse with a bar, it dawned on me that the woman who served me probably thought I was some dignatory or something.  Had I been wearing a suit, I may have understood why.

As the Second Half started, I walked around the pitch, saying hello to Little Dave and Papakuz amongst others.  I got back to the same spot by the half-way line and re-acquainted myself with the other Dave.  As I looked away from the action briefly, I soon realised to my horror that the referee had awarded a Spot Kick to the Home Side.  Thankfully, parity was retained as Paul Willis made a crucial save.  That save seemed to swing the momentum our way as Andy McCoy struck on 61 minutes to give us the lead with a well taken goal.  Almost immediately, Willo had to make another crucial save, this time from open play.  Despite that scare, we definitely looked the stronger side going into the closing stages.  Ian Orme's pace was causing Stone quite a few problems.  

As the Match drew to it's close, good natured banter was traded between various sections of the visiting support and the female assistant ref who was on that side of the field.  She was asked on a few occasions in the closing stages about how long was left.  When the final whistle did arrive, it was certainly a massive moment for AFC Liverpool.  Unfortunately, it didn't herald the season turnaround which we had all been hoping for.   

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