CONGLETON TOWN FC 0, NANTWICH TOWN FC 2
(NPL Division One West)
Since their Cup win at Nantwich several seasons ago, the Bears have struggled against the Dabbers, losing and drawing last season and losing 2-0 in miserable fashion in October of this season.
Nantwich came to Congleton having recently changed manager and with 3-1 and 6-1 victories.
In 11th place in the table, they were 12 points clear of the struggling Bears, (writes Mike McLaughlin).
It had been a bright, dry day but, as this time of year, it was fading fast.
The U8s enjoyed their day in front of 677 fans, reasonable for a local clash, as the teams were announced: Parton, Liptrott, Lay, Williams, Duffy, Chadwick, Badjie, Hartshorn, Gillam, Raymond and Needham took to the field with Brisley, Hampton, Sankey, Knapper and new recruit Hesketh on the bench.
The Bears kicked off, upbank.
Play was immediately lively and open, both teams looking to attack.
Nantwich looked a big, physically robust team, personified by their energetic no 9 who broke through on three, obliging Parton to sprawl, saving with his feet.
On eight, a long centre flung in from the right found an unattended attacking head and the ball deflected off a post into the net, 0-1.
Home horror and disappointment were compounded by the sight of the missing marker prone on the pitch with a head injury from earlier play.
Fury and frustration flared, a restart was long delayed, but the goal stood.
Nantwich looked confident but the Bears were moving well, playing bright, fluent attacking football.
A delightful move unfolded on 15, ending with a fierce, low shot from Hartshorn whistling narrowly wide.
The game was being keenly contested, much grappling and grabbing in midfield.
Nantwich looked seriously determined to concede nothing, anywhere on the pitch.
Several players appeared admirably adept in the arts of unarmed combat, so difficult to evade and escape from.
On 22 a scuffle erupted as a Dabber kicked wildly at a floored home player, inevitably receiving a caution.
On 23 as a Williams free kick speared through the visitors defence, Gillam nudged it home before spotting the offside flag.
Raymond elegantly glided through several tackles to feed Badjie who shot just wide from in front of goal on 24.
Nantwich hit back and the home side had to concede a corner.
Busy
It was a busy game, bubbling away, plenty of crisp attacking play from both sides.
Much of the neat, perceptive movement from the home side was being well appreciated, but as so often lately, there was no goal to celebrate.
The Dabbers threatened again on 31, a clearance off the line needed this time.
On 33 a long pass reached Needham. He turned and shot and watched as the ball ricocheted off the keeper’s legs. The corner caused brief problems before being unceremoniously cleared.
On 36 tempers flared, the crowd irate as the physicality mounted nearing acceptable limits.
On 39 the Bears flowed again, Gillam’s clever chip so close at the far post.
Nantwich tested Parton again as the game fluctuated entertainingly.
Duffy overstretched in conceding a foul in midfield and had to be replaced by Brisley.
It had been an energetic and even half. There had been chances for both teams, the Bears, often impressing, unfortunate to be in arrears.
Hampton had replaced Gillam as the game resumed.
The pace had not slackened, both teams went about their business with intent.
The Dabbers pressed, winning a threatening freekick on 48, obliging Parton to save well, low to his left.
The home side responded, busying down the bank, edging collisions, pushing the visitors back.
Thereafter, however, the pace of play began to slow, both teams gradually losing their edge and precision.
More and more of the game appeared aimless, scrappy and dull.
Perhaps the unrelenting pace and effort of the first half was taking its toll.
Knapper and Sankey replaced Raymond and Badjie.
The Bears were pressing forward but lacked the accuracy and pace of earlier and were unable to disconcert the big, strong, determined defence facing them.
Nantwich attacks were less frequent but still crisp enough to warrant respect.
The game was fading in the descending gloom.
The crowd, previously appreciative and responsive, seemed to be succumbing to an inevitable foreboding.
Hard as the Bears toiled, dominating position and possession, they looked less and less likely to equalise.
The game was flat and getting flatter.
In added time Nantwich broke on the right, an effort was half cleared and a firm, low shot made it 0-2.
It seemed hardly relevant.
Afterwards Nantwich were pleased, three points gained at one of the most difficult venues to visit.
They did the ugly, running themselves into the ground, their back four terrific.
Manager Duffy was still extremely angry at the referee and his influence on the result. He thought his team had probably deserved a draw, having had a good first half against big, strong and physical opposition.
As is often the way in such circumstances, little went the way of the Bears. They continue to periodically impress with their play, building fluent attacks but rarely crowning them with a goal. They have areas of weakness that are costing dear and remain a frustrating proposition, so close to, yet so far from, success. Doubtless the management are as frustrated as the fans.
(Photo: Ell Treanor Photography).
