Stepney FC 2–0 Aigburth FC: a professional dismantling

Stepney FC beat Aigburth FC 2-0 on Wednesday 12 August. Look, I might have expected a scrappy draw, but watching the game, it just felt like Aigburth had forgotten how to exist in the final third. The first half was a void. A scoreless, drifting affair where the most exciting thing was the wind in the stands.

Then the second half happened. Rudolf Buchholz popped up in the 53rd minute, converting a nice bit of work from Felipe Mediavilla. Honestly, I reckon Stepney could have had a few more, but they seemed content to just nudge Aigburth further into the dirt. Rafe Clitheroe put the game to bed in the 72nd with a header from an Alper Bezirci delivery. Simple. Efficient. Boring, in a way that makes you want to check your watch.

Aigburth tried to rally, but Honorio Olabarría decided a straight red in the 90th minute was the best way to end the evening. It didn't change the score, but it did add a certain chaotic energy to a match that had previously been about as spicy as a glass of lukewarm water. Stepney move on, Aigburth continue to blow hot and cold, mostly cold.