Atherstone Adders 3rd team welcomed their local rivals, Tamworth 1s, to The Queen Elizabeth Academy on a bright sunshiny day, and following their opening win away to Market Harborough, they were feeling positive ahead of the match, despite Michael McIntyre, aka Felix the Cat, (or something that rhymes with cat!) turning up late with no kit.
However, it was the away team that started as brightly as the sun that shone down upon the Warwickshire pitch. The home team’s defence were struggling to find a pass into midfield, due to the strong press that was being applied, and it was from this press that Tamworth nicked the ball and scored early on.
The pressure continued, and it seemed it would be a long day when, following a slack pass, the Tamworth forward picked up the ball on the edge of the D and slotted the ball home.
Finally though, there were some good attacks from the Adders forwards, with the Tamworth ‘keeper making some good saves, when it looked certain that the arrears would be reduced.
A potent weapon of the big aerial, which Ant had warned the team about in the changing room ahead of the game, was being used to great effect by the big Tamworth centre-back. On one such occasion, Darren was chasing back to intercept the ball but decided he’d rather career into the Tamworth attacker. To his credit, the Tamworth player stayed on his feet, and a goal was avoided by some good covering at the back. However, Mike brandished the familiar green triangle at Darren, soon after the attack had broken down, meaning Darren had not avoided his customary card for the game (better than the away game though eh?!).
Despite, the game becoming a bit more of an even battle, Tamworth managed to score a third goal after another loose pass was intercepted by the away team and dispatched past Harry to make it 0-3.

Half time soon arrived, and it was over to Team Grant (Grant and Ant) to provide some much-needed tactical advice. Buoyed by this knowledge, Adders started much brighter and it wasn’t long before they earned themselves a much-deserved short corner. Darren strolled up from the back to inject to Ant, who had his shot saved. However, the ball fell to Paul “The Lord” Negus, who bamboozled everybody with a shot which seemed to bounce at the ‘keeper’s feet, and through his legs, much to the home team’s delight! Co-incidentally, Adders have now scored from a short corner taken by Darren in each of his last 3 games. (Give me DOD and I will take advantage of writing the match report! ?).

Tamworth continued to pose a threat and soon scored again following a free hit that was taken quickly. The issue was that the home team thought that a short corner had been given, due to a terrible foul by Darren, and had switched off. However, Tamworth had not, and ran into the D and scored a soft goal.

It was a much better performance from Adders in the second half though, and they managed to score a second goal. Darren won the ball strongly in midfield (I told you I’d take advantage of this!), James picked up the loose ball, and proceeded to weave his way through the burly defenders, like a short Maradona, and rifled the ball into the net with the power of Thor’s Hammer.

After some more pressure from Tamworth, despite making some great saves, Harry finally conceded a fifth goal. I can’t/don’t even want to remember what happened to be honest!

The final whistle blew, with Tamworth securing a 5-2 win. It was a difficult game and one from which Atherstone will learn. They probably played the future league champions, but also know they can do much better.

Man of the Match: Little Alex Kobrin, who dazzled in midfield with a new-found energy and perseverance (only after beating an elderly Paul in an arm wrestle). I finally got my wish of an arm wrestle to decide MOM!!!
Richard of the Day: Darren, due to receiving Adders’ only card of the game (only after a tie against Felix who didn’t even come back for teas! Pure prejudice!).

Next week sees The Adders travelling to Old Silhillians, hoping to repeat their pre-season friendly victory. COYA!

Match report by Darren (of the day) Bird.