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GLYNCEIRIOG 1 GRESFORD ATHLETIC RESERVES 2

By Captain Web Jones

I received a very warm welcome when I arrived at Glynceiriog on Saturday but was so bemused to hear two of the locals comment on how well the pitch looked. We all started life in local soccer from humble beginnings, but I did think at the time, I wonder what they were comparing it too. I have always had a real soft spot for ‘Glyn, they are a real great bunch of lads who stick by each other through thick and thin and deserve much more support from the wealthy farming community. Those of my generation will remember well the tin bath at Cross Street and the Railway coach at New Broughton but Glyn’s facilities aren’t much better when you think 36 years have gone by since I last pulled a shirt on. So come you rich farmers, spare a few bob to help ‘Glyn with a deserved lift.

What have my opening remarks got to do with the match ? Well, manager Ady Roberts and his giant of an assistant “Big Sam” did in fact complain about the state of the pitch to the referee, especially the safety aspect with lots stones littering the surface. It must have been ages since Ady and Sam were involved at football at this level because they forgot to take their flask and ‘sarnies’ for the long hike between the changing facilities and the pitch.

The big plus of course from the trek through the beautiful Ceiriog valley was the result and by the time 5pm had come, one working shower head, Ady’s blistered feet and his earlier thoughts were a distant memory.

For the match itself, we did manage to put out one of our strongest sides for some time with Richie Carr coming in at the back and forming a solid partnership with ‘The Hag’. Dazzling Darren was back from his D of E hike, (see no more cryptic remarks) and Pricey had recovered to play up front with Robbie.

Now believe you me, this game was hardly a classic but will best be remembered for the cracking midfield battle between Keeno and Matty against two of the best midfielders in the league Glyn’s player boss Dafydd Morris and Mark Hibbert who oozed class. We were therefore stifled somewhat from releasing Matt on his normal sorties and Keeno had his work cut out tracking the impressive Hibbert.

Pricey didn’t last the distance and pulled a ‘hammy’ with 15 minutes gone so he was replaced with Chris Hughes who really gave a 100% performance playing alongside Robbie who was kicked up and down dale all afternoon but just got on with it to his credit.
We opened our account with a text book goal. Haggis chested down a long high ball, got it under control, took several strides forward and fired the ball hard and low to the keepers right.

We started the second half with fresh instructions from Ady and Sam which were heeded and on the hour, Chal, who is not known for his goal’s ratio went on a long run and finished with style releasing a venomous drive which gave the keeper no chance.

The points looked in the bag so with 75 minutes gone, Ady commented “I thought I would do Robbie a favour by pulling him off. (careful now Ady, you could have notched a few votes for this comment) Rob had held the ball up exceptionally well and the decision ro replace him back fired a bit as from that point onwards we put under the cosh”

With ten minutes remaining, we failed to deal with a left wing corner and the ball fell nicely to sub Tony Butler who scored with a shot through a crowd of players from the edge of the box. We were then backs to the wall with Hibbert going close with two late freekicks.

On a very positive note, sixteen year olds Jared Tindle, Daz, Chris Hughes and Huw Birkdale all played their part in our success.
Man of the Match was again Steve Halliwell who continues to grow in stature and apart from a needless booking, packed in an almost unblemished display.

The TWA Tea Award went to Matt Davies for flooring our avid reporter Captain Web. Matt to be fair followed a very high ball on the touchline and went ploughing through the ropes to send me bloody reeling and frightening poor old Paddy our mascot to death. I will be checking our Insurance policy when we meet at the Plough tonight so see whether it can fund treatment to my right knee !!

Team: Pete OLSON (6) 2. Jeff HENNESSEY (7) 3. CHALONER (7) 4. Richard CARR (6) 5. Steve HAGGIS (8) 6. Darren JONES (6) 7. Paul JONES (6) 8. Matt DAVIES (6) 9. Gareth PUGH-JONES (6) 10. Rob JONES (7) 11. Mike PRICE (6) Subs: 12. Chris HUGHES (6) 14. HUGH BIRKLAND (6) Jared TINDLE (6)