Weavers versus Wardle - title decider?

Weavers v Wardle - Rochdale Online Alliance Football League

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Passion, commitment, blood, sweat and occasionally tears, football is a great, if at times irrational, game.

We are used to seeing and hearing about the big money players, but what of the grassroots? What of the hundreds of players who venture out in all weathers for the love of it, to play on pitches no self respecting professional would use for grazing sheep, never mind attempt to play football on?

We sent our photographer to the crucial top of the table clash between  Weavers and Wardle at Firgrove playing fields, a game that will go a long way towards deciding who takes the BKC Trophies Premier Division in the Rochdale Online Alliance Football League.

A hard fought game, with some bruising tackles that had referee Buckley reaching for his cards on more than one occasion, and on one occasion the card was red.

With Wardle reduced to ten men for the last ten minutes in a finely balanced game, Weavers had the opportunity to make their extra man count, but the result was honours even, two goals each, and that was probably fair, though in terms of footballing ability Weavers were the better side.

The draw leaves Wardle on 41 points having completed their fixtures for the season. Weavers, with 37 points, can overhaul Wardle should they win their last two games.

• www.rochdalefootball.co.uk/