The stage was set for the biggest game of the season. The sun was shining, the Bentilee bog was looking extra boggy and the crowds had turned up in their droves. It was the much anticipated clash of the titans, the battle of the unbeaten records and a proverbial promotion 6 pointer. Nantwich were out to avenge the Crewe Tournament final demolition and Wanderers were hoping to crack out the speaker again for another party on the pitch at the final whistle. The referee was about to get the contest underway when a domineering voice shouted "I demand to see the players birth certificates, their national insurance numbers and their last times table test results before I am happy to kick off" The kick off was subsequently delayed while the dossier of player information was scrutinised and cross checked by the Nantwich head honcho. The game started at a frantic pace with the Royals playing dangerously between their back line and their keeper several times before Golder cottened on and picked the keepers pocket to open the scoring. Nantwich were back on level terms less than five minutes later as they converted a very dubious penalty and not long after that they were ahead after punishing some indecision in the Wanderers defence. Wanderers were too often second to the ball, tentative in the tackle and indecisive in possession but stayed well in the game and were back on level terms when Golder bagged the equaliser. The pendulum seemed to be swinging in Wanderers favour when a Nantwich midfielder was shown a straight red for kicking out at Golder in an off the ball incident just before halftime. The referee was brave in her decision making despite receiving some despicable abuse from the away fans she did the right thing and gave the lad his marching orders. The rowdy away fans then began to redirect their anger at the handsome bald linesman who leaped to defence of the young official. Tension had reached boiling point and whilst the grown ups were trading petty insults the devious Nantwich management team had snuck another player on to replace the one who had been sent off. The cheeky buggers!! The second half was all set up for a Wanderers victory. They were kicking down bank with a numerical advantage so surely nothing could go wrong? Turns out a lot could go wrong. Nantwich came out with the bit between their teeth while the Wanderers lads strolled onto the pitch seemingly already smoking their victory cigars. Nantwich were first to every ball. They fought harder, wanted it more and created several chances. Wanderers couldn't get a foothold in the game and continually resorted to thumping hopeful long balls up field. The midfield was completely bypassed and they looked a shadow of the team they normally are. The final score was 4-2 to the Royal and they completely deserved to walk away with the points after their second half performance with eight men. Golder claimed the man of the match award and a brace and let's be honest he might be needing more dental work than a brace after losing half a tooth during a controversial nerf gun incident. It was a rare bad day at the office for the Wanderers boys but we all know they will quickly put it behind them and come back stronger
