AFC Tattenhall record an impressive win

AFC Tattenhall took a giant leap towards survival with an impressive win against Traveller's Rest on Sunday morning. As the frost lifted the players took to the field, and in what was a cagey opening for both sides, midfield enforcer Constable Rees took a pot shot from outside the box which squirmed through the 'keepers hands like an agitated pet, and into the back if the net. The excitement turned to sadness when goalscorer Rees swayed off the pitch with apparent concussion. He was replaced by William Turner, who went on the put in a midfield performance of maturity and grandeur that belied his tender years. With the score 1-0 at half time, perhaps the most important half of the season was dawning. The players switched ends – as is the custom – to face not only the opposition, but also the glare of the ever rising sun.

Tattenhall goalkeeper Buckingham donned his cap, as we doffed ours to him. He put in a match-winning performance, stopping everything that was thrown at him with aplomb.

Meanwhile up top, ol' twinkletoes Mutete twinkled his toes to prod in a second goal. A roar of relief was interrupted by the memory of the previous game, in which Tattenhall had let a two goal lead slip to draw 3-3. But there was a steel in this performance which made the onlookers confident that a repeat was not on the cards. As well as the aforementioned Buckingham, the defence of Pinson, Smith, Cooke and Hughes weren't in the mood to give gifts to the enemy, especially as Christmas has long since disappeared.

With 15 minutes to go, the ball was slotted through to Grimes who, much to the astonishment of the defenders around him, cut back onto his right foot giving him the opportunity to blast the ball into the roof of the net, which he did. Only 5 minutes left, and something magical happened. Cooke won the ball on the edge of his own area with a typically crunching tackle, and then looked up to see the whole pitch ahead of him. He began galloping forward, with reckless abandon, disregarding everyone who stood in his way. The goal was now in sight and everyone, including Cooke himself, was panicking. What on earth was going to happen next. The answer was imminent, as he was unceremoniously chopped down outside the area. He dusted himself off and started heading back to where he belongs, in defence. He was than asked if he would like to take the free kick. The wall was arranged, keeper in place, as Cooke ran up and curled the ball around the wall and into the corner of the net. No-one could quite believe what happened, but with the score 4-0 and the final whistle blowing, Tattenhall were victors and most people were happy. In an interview after the game Cooke was asked about his goal. "I have witnessed the birth of my children, married a beautiful woman, and won first prize for my cucumber at the village show, but scoring this goal is the happiest and proudest moment of my life."