After a diverting jaunt round the country's carpet manufacturing centres, with consultation of the Mappa Mundi to assist, it is time to revert to the day job. So a bright Spring afternoon found JCFC at
Saturday 18th March 2023
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 3 v 3 Stafford Rangers
Steven Lawson (Stockton); Matthew Morton, Anthony Ficetola.
The referee's name was unfamiliar, but fortunately the Sedge programme provided not only his domicile but also his age (40) and various other details. The line of officials before the hand slaps was reminiscent of the famous TV sketch. The very tall AR1 played the John Cleese role - though with a less superior bearing. Mr Lawson, in the middle had the Ronnie Barker role - but fortunately not the figure that his professed enjoyment of a few beers with the lads might suggest. The much smaller AR2, like Ronnie Corbett, knew his place. The opening quarter offered little to trouble Mr Lawson, so he found little cause to trouble the players. His use of reverse gear was very good and his coverage of the ground was good, if not extravagant. A splendid header from a free-kick gave Stafford the lead on 22 minutes and things became a little more lively. Liversedge claimed a penalty - not given, probably correctly - with the Stafford keeper for some reason racing towards the centre circle to complain to the referee. Meanwhile from the home technical area came a loud suggestion that it was a disgrace, while Mr Lawson had a long word with a home player. On 34 minutes, the Stafford keeper went down bravely to snaffle the ball from an attacker's feet - but then got up and angrily barged his opponent, leading to the arrival of numerous "peacemakers." For JCFC , the correct decision would have been the one that no referee would ever give - a penalty for the keeper's barge. When matters were resolved between the players, Mr Lawson was standing near the goal-line, the players lined up for a clearance ... when from the far side of the field there appeared AR1. A discussion followed and a Sedge player was called back to receive a yellow card, followed by one for the keeper. It all seemed slightly unorthodox. A couple more yellows followed in the ensuing minutes - one per side - with that for Stafford leading to an equaliser on 43 minutes.
A half-time check revealed that Brighouse Town, rather than concede a penalty just before the break, had scored and led third-placed Stockton 2-0. The Stockton scout who had endured the dreadful match against Sheffield, must have been shaking his head in disbelief.
Stafford went ahead again just a minute into the second half, the lead lasting just four minutes before a header from a free-kick put Liversedge level once more. Stafford's third came from a less powerful header from a long throw after 58 minutes. Ten minutes before the end a second yellow saw Stafford go down to ten men. As added time began, the visitors conceded a penalty and Liversedge rescued a point.
It had been an entertaining game, so credit to Mr Lawson for that. Overall he had a pretty reasonable match, though without any clear sprinkling of stardust. Most referees would settle for that, however.
Back at Cleckheaton bus station, a further check revealed that Stockton had scored in the final minutes, but Brighouse had come away with an unexpected and much needed three points. All the more needed as their fellow relegation dodgers had also picked up points. Brighouse are seven points clear of automatic relegation, but there still looms the possibility of a play off against a Step 5 team.