In a tempestuous fixture, Atherstone Adders came from behind to secure a hard-fought win against Coventry and North Warwickshire.
The Adders arrived in Coventry to be confronted with a changing room strewn with discarded Haribo sweets. Ashton was tempted to eat the last remaining fizzy cola bottle for the princely sum of ten British Pounds, but ultimately declined the offer. Kids today are so fussy about what they eat!
Anyway, to the game! The home team started very strongly, pressing with intensity from the front, and it wasn’t long before they had scored. A clearance from Felix, playing at centre back for the first time, was adjudged to be a foul, and a penalty flick was awarded, much to everybody’s surprise. The burly South African centre forward stepped up and dispatched the ball past Luke, who had donned his gloves for the first time in a while. Darren’s frustration with the penalty being awarded was evident, as he received a green card for dissent.
The game continued with Coventry & NW putting pressure on the away team’s defence, and it looked like they had extended their lead when they put the ball in the net following a short corner. Much to Atherstone’s relief, the umpire disallowed the goal as the shot was hit from outside the area. However, this didn’t seem to improve Darren’s mood, as he was yellow carded for yet more dissent. Two cards in 18 minutes would probably be a record for most players, but probably not for him! After having his second rest, he came back onto the pitch with a warning from the umpire that one more transgression would result in a red card. This obviously did the trick, as he (by and large) behaved himself for the rest of the match.
It was, in fact, the home team’s centre forward who received the next card. Following a skilful run past a few players, he came up against Darren (Balotelli) Bird, and decided to charge into him like a rhino (Now we know where Grant’s rhino has gone!). For a split-second Darren thought he may be penalised for simply being in the way, but the umpire brandished a yellow card to the Coventry based player. After protesting the decision, he eventually trudged off reluctantly at a rather slow pace.
It was now that The Adders started to come into the game, and soon won their first corner, which was masterfully converted by Midget JEM, with yet another assist by Darren (If you insist on giving me DOD, I will use this opportunity to my advantage!).
After a very eventful first half, the score surprisingly was all square. At the break, Team Grant (Grant and Ant – have you caught onto this yet?) reiterated the need to remain disciplined and not to argue with the umpires (that horse had already bolted!).
Just after the restart, Alex took a reverse stick ball to the chin – it wasn’t very high off the ground, but then again, neither is he! To his credit, he took it well and walked off the pitch with blood dripping from a cut.
The game continued to be a very physical one, but it appeared that the early pressing by the home team had taken a toll, as they seemed to be tiring. Ady took advantage of this, when a lovely counter-attacking move was finished off by him rounding the keeper and scoring to take the lead for Atherstone.
There followed a series of short corners for the home team, and it was down to the heroics of Luke which kept them at bay, as he made some superb acrobatic saves, which ultimately earnt him the accolade of man of the match.
Darren, not wanting to be out of the limelight for a second, took a ball in the face from a short corner. Fortunately, his dashing good looks were preserved thanks to the facemask he was sensibly wearing.
There was another card before the end of the game (and this time not for Darren!) which was given to the Coventry & NW striker for yet again charging into Darren on the edge of the away team’s D, and knocking him to the ground. This was a second yellow and The Rhino Mk. 2 was off for the rest of the match.
There was still time for other players to be knocked over – the most notable being Lord Negus, who went down like he had been punched by both Tysons. Thankfully, he was ok, but it was noted that Jack had not gone to check on his dad’s health, but instead appeared to be checking on the details of his inheritance on the sidelines!
The next goal would be crucial, and fortunately for the away team, it was the tall, rangy striker Ady, who yet again used his skill to beat the keeper and seal the victory; not before worrying his teammates by almost mis-controlling the ball before eventually putting the ball into the net.
It was an extremely hard fought, gritty performance form Atherstone Adders, who showed great determination and belief to come back from such a difficult start to the game. They now need to show this next week to get their first home win of the season.

MOM: Luke - superb saves which were vital in staying in front, and winning the game.
DOD: Guess who? Yes, Darren for too many reasons. However, his mental arithmetic is good, as his fines added up to £10 exactly!
Match Report by Darren (Oftheday) Bird