AFC Tattenhall – a first League win

There is a reason you haven't heard from us yet this season, it is not much fun writing bad news. However, after yesterday's first win of the season, we felt compelled to share this wonderful news. It has been another season of transition, with a lot of new additions to the squad working hard to gel into a team. I won't bore you with all the details of previous failures, just allow yourself to bask in the rays of this beautiful victory.

Dee Rangers were the visitors on this crisp winter's morn. The sun shone but the mercury was tickling minus. The game kicked off with Tattenhall on the front foot. They passed it round majestically, leaving their opponents bewildered. One fan overheard their manager asking his assistant "How on earth are they at the bottom of the league, they are amazing?!" It wasn't long before we opened the scoring, George Dobson knocking the ball into the net from a Mutete pass (with his LEFT FOOT!)

The opposition duly equalised through a gut-wrenching own goal, only for Tattenhall to retake the lead just before the break again through the Mutete-Dobson axis. After half time, there was a nervous tension in the air, indicative of two teams that had won one game between them all season. After 10 minutes, Dee Rangers equalised again.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Joe Sumner took his place on the field, and despite not touching the ball in his first 10 minutes on the field, he soon quietened the doubters, who watched Mutete's cutback absolutely walloped into the back of the net. This was a thing of beauty, with a foot like Thor's hammer, he struck it first time, the ball curving into the net like an EU banana. The crowd gasps, and murmurs of "That's the best goal in the world" spread around the Flacca.

The momentum was growing and soon Tattenhall were 5-2 up, with Collen Mutete the supplier of all five. Dee Rangers pulled one back at the end, the defence playing musical statues. (The music having stopped just as their striker was through on goal). But the final whistle blew, and AFC Tattenhall ran out 5-3 winners, a win which takes them one step closer to promotion.

It has been a long time coming but those lucky enough to have watched any of our games will have seen the most beautiful father-son combination in action. Tattenhall stalwart Damon Smith has brought his son Joe along to anchor our midfield and watching their relationship blossom on the football field makes even the most hard-hearted of us shed a tear. Some of their interplay is sublime, and it is inspiring to watch the two play together. Damon has taught Joe everything he knows (except that ruddy backheel) and long may this continue!

Join us next Sunday (11th December) for the big derby against Waverton. Crunch time.