AFC Liverpool from Yesteryear

My trip to Congleton was almost as much about Liverpool FC's despised former owners Hicks and Gillett, as it was about the banter between the Congleton fans and the AFC Rattlers.  I almost finished reading Brian Reade's "Epic Swindle" on the train there, including at Kidsgrove Station in the cold sunshine as I waited for the connection to Congleton. The first half saw the league leaders Congleton create a couple of clear chances.  However, the goal that saw them go into the lead at half time, was scored from a free kick which had been given away unnecessarily by River Humphries just outside the penalty area.   After the break, we were a lot better.  Debutant striker Darrell Hale equalised after getting his strike away, I think after a few blocks during an AFC passage of attacking play.  After getting back on terms, we did have to endure a sequence of play ourselves where we had to get bodies in the way, to block their goalbound efforts.  Then Anth...

In the opening minutes, we had most of the possession.   However, having been barely out of their own half, Padiham went on the attack to take the lead. Our response suggested that the visitors' lead would be short lived.   We were passing it around neatly, and creating chances. Although Padiham's keeper did make some fine saves, he did seem at other times less assured with his handling.   It was felt that the more shots at him, the more likely he would spill something. As it was, we did turn things around with a Steve Jones brace to go in 2-1 at the break.   The first was a free kick on 35 minutes.   The second saw him sweep home inside the keeper's near right hand post just before the break, with the keeper's positioning leaving much to be desired. At half time, I met a couple of Norwegians in the board room.   I mentioned about how I had (along with other family members) always believed I had a Norwegian Great-Great-Grandfather.   Howeve...