Congleton Town v AFC Liverpool, 17th September 2016

 We had never won at Congleton.  As I entered the ground, I remarked to Alan Harrison that by a law of averages, we surely have to win here sometime.  There was a minute's silence before the game to mark the untimely passing of a Shaw Lane AFC player who passed away whilst playing for the Evo-Stik Division One South side.

It was generally a sound first half performance by the Reds, with a goal disallowed, and at least one clear cut chance which went begging.  However, our goalkeeper Josh O'Connell made a series of errors at the other end, which contrasted sharply with his performance at the same ground on the final day of the previous season just four months previously.  Consequently, Congleton took the lead against the run of play on the 42nd minute.
Within a minute of Jason Carey coming on as a second half substitute, he was sent through on goal, but his lob cleared the crossbar as well as the keeper.  Prior to Carey's introduction, Mini being Mini had been very quiet.  Well it was Mini Adegbenro who in fact provided two assists for Carey and Franny Smith respectively, to score two goals within a six minute period.
Suddenly, we were in the lead with about twelve minutes to go, and in sight of that first victory at Congleton.  But we switched off pretty much straightaway after taking the lead, and it was back all square again. 
Our brief lead had been fully merited, as we had been the better side at the 78 minute mark.  But what happened next after that Congleton equaliser left us hanging on.  Freddie Potter got sent off after kicking out at an opponent, when going for the ball.  Alan Harrison was deeply incensed, and felt the reaction of some Congleton players surrounding the referee made a contribution to the red card decision.
We did hold on, and Dave The Rattler who had been having a little bit of fun on his megaphone had a Kenny moment, i.e. blow your whistle *****!  The two Alans and I were a bit shocked.  Although, Dave later claimed the five letter word was in fact Titch!

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