Atherton Charity Cup Final Thursday 17th May 2007

Ashton Athletic will meet near neighbours Ashton Town in the final of this season's Atherton Charity Cup. Town overcame a spirited effort by Lancs Amateur League outfit Tyldesley United in their semi final last Thursday, eventually running out 3-1 winners.
The Final will be played on Thursday 17th May 2007 at Ashton Town's Edge Green Street ground, 7.45 kick off.

Tuesday 8th May - 5 Star McVeigh blasts Breightmet

AAFC 5 Breightmet United 2 - Atherton Cup Semi final at Atherton Collieries FC

Ashton striker Paul McVeigh is certainly getting a liking for the Atherton Charity Cup, having bagged 4 in the earlier rounds he fired his team into the final with a remarkable feat of scoring all 5 of the Ashton goals in this semi final tie against Manchester Premier Division outfit Breighmet United. .
Ashton started the game staged at the neutral ground of Atherton Collieries on the front foot and good early pressure brought instant reward as McVeigh capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the 2nd minute to put Ashton ahead. 1-0
A great passing move across the part and a defence splitting pass then put in Richard Sharpe one on one with the Breightmet keeper but his effort was off target.
In the 5th minute Breighmet forced a corner which was delivered into the box and under severe pressure Ashton keeper Brobbin spilled the ball, however the shot was skied over the bar.
from the next attack in the 6th minute Simon Gallanders split the defence and found McVeigh rampaging through on goal, and a toe poke over the advancing keeper brought further reward and increased Ashton's lead. 2-0.
Ashton were now in total control and in the 20th minute went three up as McVeigh grabbed his hatrick with a sharp turn and finish from just inside the box. 3-0
Ashton kept up the pressure and made it four with the best goal of the match as fluent passing found steve Wallace wide on the right and his text book near post cross was met perfectly by McVeigh who finished hard and low in style. 4-0 HT

With the result al but guaranteed, congratulations to Breightmet for keeping at it in the second half but it was Ashton again that drew first blood as Matt Mahoney broke clear down the left and as he drove into the box he was up ended by his marker, penalty awarded without any hesitation by referee Karl Evans. No doubt who was going to take the spot kick as McVeigh stepped forward to slam home his, and his teams fifth of the nightin the 49th minute. 5-0
Ashton visibly took the foot off the gas and this allowed Breighmet a respite that then allowed them to push forward in search of consolation, but the Ashton defence was in determined mood to deliver a clean sheet.
it was niot until the 80th minute that Breighmet finnaly got reward for their endeavours as a quickly taken free kick just outside the box in the 80th minute caught Ashton on the hop and allowed Clint McLoughlin to slide the ball into the goal, as keeper Brobbin was lining up the wall and waiting for the whistle from the referee, that never came. 5-1
With the job all but done Ashton relaxed in the last 10 minutes, but this gave Breightmet more time to pour forward and exert pressure on the Ashton penalty area and from a half clearance Rob Howarth swooped to fire in another goal from the edge of the box in the 86th minute. 5-2
A comfortable result for Ashton with the MoM undoubtedly Paul McVeigh, however the work rate and quaility of the play from the rest of the team especially in the first half enabled an excellent all round team performance.

Atherton Cup Semi Final ties confirmed

Ashton Athletic's semi final tie in the Atherton Cup has been confirmed for Tuesday 8th May 2007 with a 7.45pm KO at Atherton Collieries' ground. The opposition will be Breighmet United of the Manchester League who overcame Leigh Athletic by a 2-1 scoreline in the quarter final.

The other semi Final taking place on Thursday 10th May 2007, also at AthertonCollieries will see Tyldesley United take on Ashton Town

The competition web site can be found at:-

http://www.leighrefereessociety.co.uk/Members%20Area/atherton_charity_cup_2007.htm

PRESENTATION EVENING Friday 4th May 2007

PRESENTATION EVENING

First and Reserve Teams

CLUBHOUSE

Friday 4^th MAY 2007

7.00 p.m. Kick off

All welcome

Saturday 28th April 2007 Leek CSOB 3 AAFC 3

Ashton took to the road to Leek for the last game of the NWCFL season already knowing that improved results in the middle and latter half of the season had ensured that a relegation place had been avoided, and the first season back in the league after 20 years had been completed with a good foothold established to build from in future seasons.
There was a clear determination evident to complete the league programme with maximum points and in prolonged spells Ashton produced some of their best flowing football of the season against a Leek CSOB team comfortably place in mid table, however a 5 minute lapse of concentration by the Ashton defence, just after half time prevented a win to finish off the season.

Leek also look determined to play out the season with a win, to give their retiring secretary a good send off after 50 years service to the Club. Leek had the first chance with Mark Fox breaking forward and his shot was half blocked by Steve Rothwell and fortunately Joe Brobbin read the deflection to save well.
In the 6th minute a great header from Martin Rigby crashed against the bar and although Paul McVeigh was first to react to the re bound his effort was straight at keeper Gavin Deauville.
Matt Mahoney was then neatly set up by Matt Mahoney whose effort was pulled wide.
Then in the 12th minute good movement by Fox from a Steve Millington flicked header created space on the edge of the box and with Ashton slow to close down he was allowed to cut back onto his favoured right foot to smash the ball into the bottom corner giving Ashton keeper Brobbin no chance. 0-1
Ashton maintain composure and worked back into the game and for the rest of the first half played some expansive football that brought due reward.
Tom Potter having another impressive game at left back got forward and produced a rasping shot that Deauville tipped around the post at full stretch. Paul McVeigh then popped up at he back post reading a Ste Wallace freekick but having seen the ball late through a crowded box his header was placed wide.
As the pressure on Leek was building they were restricted to counter attacking and from one such foray they forced a free kick from which the ever dangerous Anthony Tarr peeled off his marker but headed over the top.
Ashton's dominance finally brought the equaliser as Martin Rigby stole in around the back latching onto a perfect cross from Ste Wallace to score with his head in the 34th minute 1-1.

34th minute Rigby equaliser

Then 5 minutes later after more good build up play down the right Steve Wallace produced another superb cross that this time was met by striker Paul McVeigh and headed into the roof of the net to give Ashton the lead 2-1.
Leek were starting to flag, on a hot afternoon and Ashton took advantage as a cross from Tom Potter this time found Steve Bennett beyond the back post who unselfishly played the ball back across the goal for McVeigh to bag his second, and Ashton's third in the 41st minute. 3-1


McVeigh at the Double

As half time approached Leek fought back and from a corner Brobbin was forced into action managing to half clear the delivery but before a Leek player could get to the ball Simon Gallanders was on hand to clear to safety. HT 3-1

With their managers voice no doubt ringing in their ears the Leek team came out fighting and started to build some pressure of their own.
Forced onto the back foot a soft free kick was conceded and delivered into the Ashton box, and slack marking enabled Steve Millington enough time at the back post to reduced the deficit for his team in the 44th minute. 2-3
Deja vous as another cross from the left side again found Leek's Tarr free in the box and the unopposed header forced a save from Brobbin however the rebound fell to a grateful Mark fox who made no mistake to claim his second of the game to even up the scores in the 49th minute. 3-3
Leek gained confidence and continued to push for another with a Matt Bradbury header put over the bar as a result of good defending by Paul McVeigh whilst Steve Millington also header over getting on the end of a good cross from the left wing in the 58th minute.
Ashton made a series of substitutions and the fresh legs once again turned the tide and allowed Ashton to dominate the final 25 minutes with several good opportunities worked, one of which fell to Pete Tarpey in the 80th minute, whose flick header from a Richard Sharpe cross went close.
Then a controversial moment as an Ashton set piece was perfectly executed by Tom Potter driving in a curling free kick across the face of the goal, and with the distraction of runners moving along the defensive line the keeper froze and the free kick sailed into the corner of the goal. As Ashton celebrated what they though was the winner the assistant referee raised a late flag and the goal was disallowed.
Unperturbed the Ashton team drove forward and first another Martin Rigby header was just off target before Ashton were denied by a post and a goal line clearance in the dying seconds of the game.
The point would have been considered a good result away from home but not on this occasion as a strange result with Daisy Hill winning away from home at 3rd place Padiham, and a great fightback by Holker against Norton allowed both rivals to leapfrog over Ashton in the final league standings.
An eventful season for Ashton and with 9 under 21 players turning out regularly for the first team during the season, several others in the reserves and an excellent under 17 team in the background the year's experience can only be of benefit as the team grows into competing at this level of football.

Roll on 11th August for the start of the new NWCFL season!..... but before that the semi final of the Atherton Cup awaits Ashton, against Breighmet United from the Manchester League on Tuesday 8th May 2007, 7.45pm KO at Atherton Collieries.

Wednesday 25th April 2007 Atherton Cup AAFC 3 Bolton Lads 1

Last year's cup winners went out of the competition at the quarter final stage, against a highly competitive Ashton Athletic side. This was a genuine "game of two halves" though, with Ashton leading comfortably, 3 - 0 at half time, and having another ruled-out for offside.
Matt Mahoney opened the scoring with a headed goal in the 10th minute before Paul McVeigh and Peter Tarpey provided each other with goals to put Ashton 3 up before half time.

The second half was a different matter as Ashton took the foot off the gas whilst Bolton Lads Club raised their game, pressing consistently which enabled them to get a foothold in the game.
Bolton's only reward however came from a 52nd minute penalty converted by skipper Dave Warburton.
Despite more pressure from Bolton, an impressive Ashton defence ended the game on top whilst on the break Ashton had several chances to increase their lead without conversion.
Warburton took the man of the Match award for Bolton whilst Ashton's accolade went to Paul McVeigh

In the semi final Ashton will now face the winners of Breightmet and Leigh Athletic who play on Tuesday 1st May 6.30pm. The semi final date is to be confirmed.

Matt Mahoney headed Ashton in front

Paul McVeigh on target again in the Atherton Cup with Ashton's second

Pete Tarpey completed Ashton's scoring

Saturday 21st April 2007 AAFC 0 Chadderton 1

Missed chances to score, particular during the second half, once again cost Ashton dear as Chadderton smuggled the three points away from Brocstedes Park by the same scoreline as the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Today, several brilliant saves by Chadderton keeper Lee Swanson was a key factor and even when Ashton got the better of him his eager defence came to the rescue with several goal line clearances.
The first half was a relatively even contest with chances at a premium as the teams slugged it out in midfield. For Chadderton Andrew Fulham came closest pouncing on a loose ball in the box in the 4th minute, fring over the top and then in the 20th minute was played in skipper Glyn Billington and slid the ball under the body of Ashton keeper Joe Brobbin but Steve Bennet was covering and prevented the goal.
For Ashton Richard Sharpe volleyed into the side netting, played in with an audacious lob by Matt Mahoney and then Mahoney split the Cadderton defence and found Tom Potter on the overlap, but a bobble as he struck the shot produced a miscue that went wide.
As half time approached Mahhoney again found space and unleashed a powerful swerving shot that Swanson could only block, but as the rebound fell to Paul McVeigh his effort was pulled wide of the target.
Chadderton immediately went down the other end and a through ball found Fulham seemingly in an offside position, but despite the appeals the flag stayed down and although keeper Joe Brobbin did well to block his first strike the rebound fell kindly and he made no mistake second time to put his side ahead on the stroke of half time 0-1
The second half was largely one way traffic as Ashton worked tirelessly to open up the stubborn Chadderton defence as a piece of skill by Simon Gallanders beat two men and his driven cross was slice by the defender but shot the wrong side of the post for a corner. Then from the set piece Richard Sharpe rose highest but headed over the bar.
A great through ball by Mike Watson found Steve Bennett on on one with Swanson who stood tall and made Bennett lob the ball over him, and over the bar. Matt Mahoney then broke into the box in the 55th minute only to have his shot blocked superbly by covering defender Mark Davis.
Chaddy fought back as the hard working Ian Knapman found space down the left before playing in Donavan Greenidge whose side footed effort was guided wide.
In the 65th minute a good passing move between McVeigh and Mahoney put Mahoney clear on the edge of the box and his curling shot was destined for the top corner only to be deied by the finger tips of Swanson who turned waway the shot for a corner.
Mahoney was again in action cutting in from the right before shooting left footed, too close to Swanson as he easily saved.
Swanson then produced a breathtaking save as Mcveigh fizzed in a cross which was met full blast in the six yard box but somehow Swanson shuttle across to bravely smother the shot and bundle it away.
In the 81st minute a great individual effort finally got past Swanson, but Ben Greenidge was sharply round to clear off the line. The defenders again came to Swanson's rescue as a Pete Tarpey was again cleared off the line and as the loose ball fell to gallanders a certin goal looked on the cards, but once again Swanson was on hand to save.
Chadderton finally broke out of the Ashton strangehold and could have increased the lead as Paul Ashton played in Danny Taylor but Ashton's keeper Brobbin kept his concentration to save well and then Taylor had a headed goal disallowed for straying offside at the back post.
with time running out Ashton bombarded the Chaddy defence but they stood strong against late efforts by Steve Bennett, denied by a great block by sub Tony Hanlon and then the normally dependable Martin Rigby met a Tom Potter cross at the back post but his effort was placed the wrong side of the post. Ashton last chance fell to Steve Bennett in injury time but his sharp turn and shot cleared the bar.
FT 0-1.
Ashton's MoM was Simon Gallanders with an all action display, whilst keeper Swanson was the Chadderton top man followed closely by the industrious Ian Knapman.

Wednesday 18th April 2007 Daisy Hill FC 3 AAFC 1

A disastrous result for Ashton as Daisy Hill took all three points with late goals, assisted by some awful decisions from the officials, to put them one point behind Ashton in the league.
Ashton dominated the first half restricting Daisy Hill to only one sight at goal as Danny Williams fired over the top, having latched on to the loose ball off a long throw by Kyle Hynes.
In stark contrast Ashton's chances came thick and fast after the intial 10 minutes sparring. Pete Tarpey broke through after a Paul McVeigh flicked header played him in after 14 minutes however his effort was cleared off the line by a Daisy defender before it crossed the line.
Then the break through for Ashton as a well worked corner was played into the far post drawing out the keeper who was second to the ball as Steve Bennett headed back across goal to a grateful Paul McVeigh who blasted the ball into the net on the half volley top give Ashton the lead in the 15th minute. 1-0
McVeigh then returned the compliment threading in Steve Bennett one on one but great cover defending deflected the resulting shot wide.
Another good attack by Ashton was cleared onto the edge of the box and a great volley by Adam White flew inches over the bar. Steve Bennett was again in the thick of it and hit a shot on the turn wide of the upright in the 23rd minute.
Then in the 30th minute good footwork by Matt Mahoney in the Daisy Hill box beat two men before seemingly having his legs taken from beneth him by a last ditch tackle on the dead ball line. Unfortunartely neither the referee nor his assistant though there was anything untoward despite the Ashton protests.
As the half wore on Daisy Hill started to get a foothold in the game as Ashton eased off the gas but good defending prevented an decent chances on goal and Danny Vickers had a quite time.
HT 1-0
Ashton started the second half in high tempo seemingly determined to kill off the game and in the 48th minute a Simon Gallenaders run and shot beat keeper Scott Moore but once again good cover defending allowed a clearance off the line. In the 53rd minute Steve Bennett broke through again but put his shot wide. Matt Mahoney used his skills to the maximum beating several players before unleashing a volley that had the keeper beaten but it also just cleared the angle of the goal.
Steve Bennett again cut inside but instead of shooting tried to play in Pete Tarpey but overhit the pass and forced him too wide, chance gone.Ashton substitute Louis hughes also came close shooting wide from a promising position.
Then from a Daisy Hill corner the Ashton defence went to sleep as the ball was played back to the advancing Craig Naylor, and as Ashton were slow to close down he was able to play a high ball towards the far post that deceived Danny Vickers a flew into the top corner to equalise in the 68th minute. 1-1
This stunned Ashton and got the Daisy Hill lads tails up with renewed energy levels after chasing ball for the majority of the match. Ashton then fought back and created several promising positions but poor pass selection and decision making resulted in the opportunities being wasted.
Ashton over committed on attack in the 88th minute pushing for the winner when a long punt forward cleared the Ashton defence as they allowed sub Kris brown to run off side, however much to the amazement of everyone the linesman allowed play to go on. Steve Wallace covered across and caught up with Brown using his strength to steal the ball but as it fell clear the assistant referee, who had refused to help the referee through the first half on a number of decisions suddenly thought he should wave his flag for a foul even though he was on the blind side and the referee was in closer proximity. After consultation between the officials a penalty was awarded much to the fury and frustration of the Ashton players, with even experienced players Steve Rothwell and Pete Hitchen over stepping the refs mark and catching a couple of yellow cards for their troubles. Danny Williams easily converted the penalty to give his side an undeserved lead. 1-2
With only minutes on the clock Ashton pushed men forward in search on an equaliser and as full back was completing a long clearance he was closed down by the Daisy midfield and clearnace was charge down two handed by the advancing Daisy player - rugby style - and as Ashton waited for the whistle ... or the flag from linesman, Kris Brown pounced on the loose ball, ran clear and beat Ashton keeper Danny Vickers on a one and one in the 89th minute. 1-3
This was infuriating for the Ashton bench who asked why the blatant hand ball had not been given but referee made things worse by refusing to answer the question and instead decided to aggrevate the incindent with a confrontational stand off with the Ashton bench claiming that they had used foul and abusive language against him. This was a clear case of mistaken identity as it had actually been the spectators who had assembled around and behind a roofless dug out who had issued the abuse.
Feeling outraged by the allegation Ashton's supposed offender only withdrew from proceedings slowly, and rather than getting on with things the referee chose to stand on the touch line until the offender had vanished to the corner flag, delaying the match by several minutes.
Ashton finished the game desperately trying to get something back but unfortunately ran out of time and paid a high price for the chances missed that would have killed the game before the unfortunate intervantion and misjudgments by the officials.
Some great defending earned Kyle Hynes the Daisy Hill MoM, with Craig Naylor not far behind whilst for Ashton the constant threat of Steve Bennett through the game earned him Ashton's plaudit.

Monday 16th April 2007 Atherton Cup Rnd 2 - AAFC 4 v Highfield FC 0

Ashton entertained Highfield in the second round of the Atherton Charity Cup and with several guest players amonst the Highfield ranks, and a good first round win over Leigh RMI Reserves behind them a hard game was on the cards.

Ashton started the more lively and maintained a high tempo that forced Highfield onto the back foot and created a number of half chances. Highfield were dangerous on the break with veteran striker Venazzaa and the lively Wright a constant threat with accurate direct balls played through from the midfield by Daniel Mahoney and Ben Kay.

It was Ashton's pressure however that broke the deadlock with Paul McVeigh timing his run to perfection, beating the offside and moving onto to Adam White's well judged pass to fire past keeper Jason Foulds in the 30th minute. 1-0

Paul McVeigh in the thick of it before his first goal

This forced Highfield into greater effort and several good openings were created but the last ditch tackle and good keeping by Danny Vickers kept the visitors at bay.

Ashton then increased the lead as Si Gallanders was up ended just inside the box and a penalty was awarded and dutifully dispatched by McVeigh after 43 minutes. HT 2-0.

McVeigh gets his second from the spot






The second half got underway in the worst possible manner for Ashton as a dubious penalty was awarded as Martin Rigby cleared from a corner, but Referee Graham Ogden adjudged that he had fouled Vernazza. Fortunately Vickers was on hand saving superbly from Wright to maintain Ashton's advantage.

Martin Rigby has a nice chat with Referee Ogden -

"No Martin he can't run without his legs ... and that will be 8 quid"

As the second half wore on Ashton's superior fitness levels came to the fore and from increasing pressure the game was made safe as Martin Rigby timed his run to perfection onto a Tom Potter corner to head home Ashton's third in the 60th minute. 3-0

Then a stunning strike from the edge of the box by Matt Mahoney into the top corner made it 4-0 and was a fitting end to a good performance from Ashton. Ashton's man of the match was awarded to Mike Watson whilst the hard working Westhead earned him Highfields accolade.

Ashton's Matt Mahoney having a disagreement with refree Graham Ogden.
"Its Ok mi dad'll pay the 8 quid sir - thats him o' there int red shirtt!"





A bit of a collectors item amongst the teams tonight as brothers Matt and Daniel Mahoney appeared on opposite sides, and even more so when their dad Malc came on as a late second half substitute for Highfield to join eldest son Danny - on the losing side much to Matts delight!

Ashton now move on the the quarter final of the competition and will play Bolton Lads Club, at Brocstedes Park next Wednesday 25th April 7.30pm Kick off. More info on the competition can be found by following the link below, including the full quarter final draw.

http://www.leighrefereessociety.co.uk/Members%20Area/atherton_charity_cup_2007.htm

Meanwhile Ashton are also quickly back into league action with a crucial game on Wednesday night at Daisy Hill 7.45pm KO.

Saturday 14th April 2007 Friendly AAFC 1 Walshaw SC 1

With a blank Saturday once again interupting the end of season run in for both clubs a practice macth took place at Brocstedes with Ashton taking on this years Manchester League Divison One champions.

Ashton took the lead mid way through the first half as Steve Bennett latched on to a great through ball and slotted the ball cooly past the advancing Walshaw keeper. Whilst Ashton had the lions share of possession Walshaw looked dangerous on the break with top scorer Russ Brierley a particular threat.
Stand in keeper, and Walshaw manager Steve Richardson rolled back the years with several reflex saves that prevented Ashton from increasing the lead. HT 1-0

Late in the second half Walshaw equalised as a shot from just inside the box was deflected by Mike Watson into the far corner, with Hewitt stranded in the Ashton goal. FT 1-1
A good work out for both sides.