Atherton LR v Squires Gate

A jolly morning was spent taking part in the "siege mentality" shopping in Asda - we were sensible - of course - just the one trolley, and less than 90 minutes, start to finish. Home for 1230, and once I found out that the Chorley v Mossley game and the Stalybridge v Southport games were off - the hunt was on ...Had I clocked the Mossley Message Board, I might have gone for the Woodley v FCUM friendly option, but no... after one false alarm with Castleton Gabriels, it was off to Crilly Park to see the game against Squires Gate.

As I arrived they were quite literally sweeping the water off the pitch - it looked perfectly playable mind - but I did notice some wispy, misty bits behind goal at the "Railway Line End".

Here's some pix from the 3-3 draw (abandoned after 80 minutes due to fog) ....

http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r272/mossleysmiffy/AthertonSQ/

Six goals - well I saw four of 'em !! A good game considering everything that the elements threw at the players. Squires Gate took the lead playing "downhill", but Atherton went in at half-time 2-1 up - didn't see either of them, altough I was told they were two good efforts (a shot and a header). A cracking third goal early in the second half looked to have made it safe for the home team, but credit to Squires Gate - they pulled it back to 3-3 before - with about 10 minutes left - the officials decided "enough was enough" - there'd been a couple of contentious offside decisions which I reckon hastened the abandonment.

Still - almost a full game - and good entertainment for those who "poo-pooed" the Christmas shopping - and even better for those with night-vision goggles ... !!