Written by: Samuel Johnson
Alsager Town had an unlikely visitor from New York at their FA Vase match against Heather St Johns on Saturday.
Ed Sager, 57, discovered the Bullets after accidentally coming across their X account and realising there was a town in England that shared a name with his late father, Al Sager.
In an act of tribute to his father, who passed away two years ago, Ed made the journey to Wood Park to see the Bullets for the first time. He revealed that his father was a huge sports fan and would be delighted for his son.
He said: “He would’ve been as thrilled as I am at this happening. He’d even have been happier that I went [to an Alsager game] than he did.”
Mr Al Sager was unaware, throughout his lifetime, of the Cheshire town which shared his name. He lived across the globe in New York, where he worked as an analyst for IBM. But it was his legacy that brought Ed on an unlikely journey to Alsager.
Ed said: “Any chance to connect with a memory of my father is welcome. Sometimes it’s subtle, like a song. Other times it’s just remembering a laugh you shared that brings comfort.
“Having a town that shared his name, though, was an opportunity I had to act on and it’s been such an amazing day. Terry, the chairman, graciously welcomed me and Ian escorted me around the ground as we had a great conversation about non-league football. I owe the team a huge thank you.
“Alsager to New York isn’t a common tourist route, but it’s a great town and I couldn’t be more impressed. When my kids come to visit, we’ll try and get down again.”
Match report: Alsager Town 2-2 Heather St Johns (1-3 on penalties)
Alsager Town faced Heather St Johns at Wood Park in the Isizu FA Vase, with both sides top of their respective leagues. The Bullets won their previous match, as they hammered Cammell Laird 3-0 on Tuesday night, and had been defeated just once this season.
They got off to a flying start, getting an early goal when Adam Barlow, who wore the captain’s armband, scored a header from close range.
Alsager had another big chance when Celson Segunda got himself into a great position, but he headed the ball narrowly wide.
Heather St Johns had some chances in the first half, while having most of the possession. Their supporters even cheered after mistakenly believing their side to have scored, when a shot from Jacob Carter hit the side netting.
But it was at set pieces where the Saints looked most threatening, as they were awarded plenty of free kicks and corners.
Although Alsager were not in control of the match, they did enough to secure a half time lead.
Half time: Alsager Town 1-0 Heather St Johns
The Bullets started the second half brilliantly, putting their opponents under lots of pressure. They had a chance to double their lead when a drilled cross was fired inside, which Lewis Martin was inches from connecting with.
They had the ball in the net moments later, when Thomas Murray scored a header from a free kick, but the goal was ruled offside.
Heather St Johns responded, scoring an equaliser as Jack Hession headed home from a corner. And the Saints had another promising opportunity when the goal appeared open, but Kaylan Wilkinson distracted the attacker enough to keep the scores level.
But despite Heather St Johns’ chances, it was the Bullets who took the lead for a second time, when James Phillips scored a header from a free kick.
As the game neared its end it looked like Alsager might seal the victory, but Heather St Johns scored in stoppage time, when the ball fell to Jake Finnerty at the back post, who scored to make it 2-2.
Full time: Alsager Town 2-2 Heather St Johns
Penalty shootout:
Alsager’s only penalty this season came on the first day of the season against Winsford United, which was converted by Jeanny Leblanc-akpo, but the Bullets had conceded a number of penalties. This was evident in the shootout, as while Arran Lyons made some good saves, the penalty takers failed to hit the mark.
The Bullets’ first penalty was converted, but the next three failed to beat the goalkeeper. One of the penalties was saved, while two hit the woodwork.
Lyons saved Heather St Johns’ second and third penalties, but three spot kicks were fired past him, giving the Saints a 3-1 victory in the shootout and sending them through to the next round of the FA Vase.
Full time after penalties: Alsager Town 2-2 Heather St Johns (1-3 on pens)
The Bullets will be hoping to bounce back with a win on Monday, as they face Market Drayton Town away from home, in the NWCFL First Division South. Kick off is at 3pm.
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