Saturday 17th February 2007 Ashton Athletic 2 Winsford 2

Match report to follow but in the meantime have a Butchers at the video - courtesy of Winsford FC (hence a few of the Ashton near misses not featured!) Nevertheless a good watch.
Its better to download it on to your PC rather than trying to view on the putfile site - takes about 10 mins.

http://media.putfile.com/Ashton-Athletic-FC-v-Winsford-United-FC

Ashton entertained the runaway leaders of NWCFL Second Division in good heart after 2 wins and a draw in the last 4 matches and having already claimed maximum points from the visits to Brocstedes Park of 2^nd place Runcorn and 3^rd placed Padiham the Ashton team were looking forward to another challenge.

Meanwhile Winsford were seeking to increase their eight point cushion at the top of the league hot on the heels of a mid week quarter final cup success against neighbours Ashton Town that secured them a semi final birth against New Mills next weekend.

Ashton made enforced changes with Richard Sharpe and Simon Gallanders missing from the previous week’s hard earned draw at Darwen through injury and holiday commitments respectively. However, these absences presented chances to Steve Bennett and new recruit Andy Smith who had both showed up well as replacements in the Darwen match.

The home team got at Winsford straight from the kick off as first Steve Wallace and then Tom Potter cut in from opposite wings in quick succession to shoot with Wallace’s effort forcing Winsford keeper Danny Morton into a save that was gathered at the second attempt, whilst Potter’s effort lacked power and was more easily collected by Morton.

Winsford’s Hanlon then intercepted a clearance from Martin Rigby and broke on to the Ashton back line, but good covering forced Hanlon to shoot wide under pressure.

Then in the 10^th minute two moments of brilliance from Ashton’s young players as first Adam White skilfully extracted himself from a dead end near the corner flag to play in Mati Mahoney whose driving run across the edge of the Winsford box followed by some neat footwork and changes in direction left 4 defenders in his wake before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give Ashton the lead. 1-0

Winsford fought back immediately as goal machine Rob Hopley broke through but his shot was off target. A cross from the Winsford right then produced a moment of controversy as a Mike Watson challenge in the box sent Les Miranda tumbling to the ground clutching his ankle. The loose ball fell to Danny Topping on the edge of the box but his shot went wide as his teammate’s claims for a penalty were waved away by referee Matthew Pope. Unfortunately Miranda was forced to leave the field, and was replaced by Phil Porter.

In the 20^th minute Ashton’s lead was almost increased as Mahoney turned provider with a superb through ball to Steve Bennett to go one on one with Morton, but Morton was up to the task as Bennett’s shot at full stretch was well saved at the second attempt.

Winsford skipper Mark Quinn then tested Andy Hewitt in the Ashton goal as his long range shot was tipped over the bar before Ashton’s Adam White was played in by Mahoney only to have his shot saved by Morton.

Winsfords Dave Hanlon gets on the ball.

Hanlon moved up front following Miranda’s departure and was causing the Ashton defence problems with his movement and skills on the ball and it was this good movement off the ball and interplay down the right with Mike Murray and Phil Porter that got behind the Ashton rear guard. From the move Hanlon’s pin point cross fell into the advancing run of full back Mike Murray who finished superbly into the corner of the goal to give Hewitt no chance and equalise for the visitors in the 30^th minute. 1-1

Directly from the kick off Ashton bounced back and forced a free kick in a wide position 5 yards outside the box. Andy Smith whipped in a wicked curling shot that was destined for the top corner before Morton tipped the ball onto the bar at full stretch. The rebound fell kindly to a Winsford defender, who cleared the danger.

Hanlon again broke clear down the Ashton left this time beating Steve Wallace before producing an in swinging cross that just eluded the advancing Winsford attackers.

As half time approached Mahoney produced another defence splitting ball as his reverse pass reached Bennett whose effort was blocked and cleared to safety. A driving run from the midfield by Adam White caused the Winsford defence to back off and using this space his pass found Potter whose in swinging cross was just beyond Mahoney at the far post. HT 1-1

The second half got underway with both teams tightening up in comparison to the open end to end first half and it was Winsford who created the first opening as Andy Smith got dispossessed by Paul Derrick just inside the Ashton half. Derrick then lofted a through ball into Rob Hopley whose well timed volley forced a save from Hewitt, who was not to know that the linesman had flagged for off side.

A great lay off by Hanlon produced an opening on the edge of the box for Porter but his first time effort was well blocked by the covering defenders.

The next 20 minutes became a tense midfield battle with both teams slugging it out for supremacy and clear opportunities were at a premium. It was not until the 75^th minute that either keeper was troubled and it was Ashton substitute Paul McVeigh who rose highest as a short corner allowed Steve Wallace free delivery to pick out Mcveigh on the six yard box, but Morton came to Winsford’s rescue again as he dove to save at the foot of his post from McVeigh’s downward header.

Porter was then once again on hand in the Ashton box latching on to another Hanlon cross with a header that was placed wide.

In the 85^th minute Ashton took the lead again as another well work corner fell to Adam White and from a tight angle he fired the home side ahead. 2-1

Within a minute Winsford were back on level terms as a dubious free kick was awarded to the visitors just outside the Ashton box. Although the first effort was blocked by the wall the subsequent early cross was lofted into the box and as Ashton’s keeper Hewitt came out to claim the ball he was buffeted by a combination of team mate Rigby and Winsford forward Hopley resulting in the keeper dropping the ball. Unfortunately for Ashton the referee did not see this as a foul on Hewitt or Rigby and when the ball fell to Hopley he shot into the roof of the net to tie up the scores. 2-2

The late dismissal of Adam White in the 88^th minute for what was supposed to be a second bookable offence was extremely harsh, especially having regard to several worse challenges that had occurred earlier in the game. With a man up and time running out Winsford piled on the pressure launching balls into the Ashton box but the defence held firm to ensure a share of the spoils. A great contest enjoyed by a decent crowd who watched man of the match performances from Adam White for Ashton and Dave Hanlon for the visitors. FT 2-2

Saturday 10th February 2007 Darwen FC 2 Ashton Athletic FC 2

With the vast majority of games postponed following the weeks bad weather full credit to the Darwen ground staff for enabling this game to take place. Although the surface was heavy and cut up badly throughout the game it remained playable for the full 90 minutes and huge credit also to both teams’ for the high fitness levels and excellent application that produced some attractive end to end football with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle.

Darwen were out of the blocks at lightning speed clearly smarting from the disappointing loss to bottom Club Norton last week, whilst Ashton were unusually subdued and lacked concentration for the first few minutes of the game.

A mix up between Adam White and Steve Rothwell, both going for the same clearance from the Darwen keeper allowed Darwen possession down the left and a long range effort from Liam Denning clipped the top of the bar and ran away to safety for Ashton.

Then a misjudgement of a through ball by Mike Watson allowed Darwen skipper Neil Almond to burst through and force Ashton keeper Hewitt to make a good save.

The mistakes at the back unsettled Ashton and allowed Darwen to exert early pressure, and from an inswinging corner in the 4^th minute by Leigh Smith caught the wind, tricked keeper Hewitt and sailed into the top corner untouched to give Darwen a deserved lead 1-0.

Ashton bounced back almost immediately as good work down the Ashton left flank forced Darwen to foul and the referee duly awarded a free kick. Good movement around the ball and in the box, allied to a pin point delivery from Simon Gallanders was met by Richard Sharpe who powered the ball into the net from 6 yards to even up the score line 1-1.

Despite the goal Darwen continued to trouble the Ashton defence with skipper Neil Almond, midfielder Leigh Smith and striker John Turner combining well on several occasions, whilst unaccustomed slack marking at the back allowed the home side a few sights at goal. Some last ditch clearances seemed to be holding Darwen’s onslaught at bay until the 16^th minute as a sliced clearance by Steve Wallace failed to provoke a reaction in the heart of the Ashton defenc e and Almond pounced on the loose ball and fired his team in front again 2-1.

Darwen were now flying forward at every opportunity in an attempt to kill off the game and were only prevented from increasing the lead by a couple of great saves from keeper Hewitt and some more last ditch defending during several goal mouth scrambles by the Ashton defence that was slowly getting to grips with the ground conditions and their opposition.

As the half wore on the balance of play started to even out and Ashton could have scored again as the lively Sharpe latched onto a through ball, beat the keeper to the ball but the keeper, Daniel Holland got finger tips to Sharpe’s attempted lob forcing the effort wide. Sharpe was injured as Holland followed through on the challenge and a short time afterwards Sharpe hobbled off the field and was replaced by Steve Bennett.

Just before the break a good solo effort by John Turner could have increased the lead but his effort fizzed over the bar. HT 2-1

The second half got underway with Ashton visibly more determined and immediately put Darwen on the back foot with early efforts by Steve Wallace and then two in quick succession by Matt Mahoney which were thwarted by last ditch defensive blocks as the home defence rocked. The early pressure paid dividends for Ashton as substitute Steve Bennett got first to a great cross from Tom Potter to equalise after 48 minutes. 2-2

Darwen hit back immediately and from a set piece centre half Matthew Anderton headed into the net in the 50^th minute but had been spotted by eagle eyed referee Worthington for a push on Ashton’s Rigby, and correctly awarded a free kick to Ashton.

The next 10 minutes became a stop start affair as the teams battled for supremacy and several yellow cards and injuries threatened what, until then had been an enthralling encounter. The referee who was already having a fine afternoon intervened sensibly to stamp down on the foul play in a consistent and fair manner which then left the teams in no doubt as to his requirements, which in turn allowed the teams to get with the last 30 minutes of football. This last segment of the match was a great advert for NWCFL football as both sides showed passion, determination and quality and went hell for leather to secure the three points.

More good work down the left by Tom Potter created another opening for Bennett but his well timed volley shot over the bar. The growing activity from Simon Gallanders was causing the tiring Darwen midfield no end of problems supplying the Ashton forwards with increased frequency. In the 70^th minute a good passing move from the back and into the midfield went through Gallanders, and having brought in other players the ball was return to him just inside the Darwen box but his shot was blocked by Holland and the rebound was put over top by Bennett at full stretch.

The game was at its most open and end to end play was creating chances at both ends. A free kick swung into the box reached the dangerous Turner who controlled the ball on his chest, but his touch was too heavy, the ball went just out of his reach and was safely gathered by Hewitt.

A series of corners and free kicks around the Ashton box for Darwen were defended well and Ashton counter attacked several times to great effect. In the 80^th minute Gallanders broke out and played in debutant Andy Smith whose drilled shot had the beating of the Darwen keeper but recovering defender got a foot in to deflect the shot wide. From the resulting corner, a bit of a collector’s item as centre half Martin Rigby attempted an ambitious overhead kick, but despite the good contact with the ball the effort was too straight and keeper Holland was well positioned to gather easily.

A Darwen defensive block then denied Ashton striker, Mahoney in the 85^th minute before Gallanders again released Potter down the left, crossing to Bennett whose shot was heading for the top corner before another last ditch defensive intervantion denied the visiting side.

With the minutes ticking away to full time neither team slowed the pace of the game and its was Darwen that had the last chances to seal the victory as first John Turner miskicked, and then substitute Patrick Lauber forced Ashton keeper Andy Hewitt into one of many great saves in the afternoon, which more than made up for his misjudgement on the first Darwen goal. FT 2-2

A great afternoon’s entertainment I am sure enjoyed by the players, managers and spectators and a last word for all three officials who played their part throughout the match and it was good to see them overseeing the game with smiles on their faces and a consistency that many higher league managers would die for, Paul Jewell for one!

Man of the match for Ashton was Simon Gallanders whilst striker John Turner was Darwen’s ward winner.

Next Saturday Ashton take on league leaders Winsford United at Brocstedes Park 3pm KO whilst Ashton’s reserves will hopefully be back in action with a short trip to Wigan Robin Park for a friendly (TBC)

END

Saturday 3rd February 2007 - Ashton Athletic 1 Leek CSOB 3

Refereeing decisions are supposed to even themselves out over a season but the last two matches has seen Ashton plunge even deeper into deficit as the same referee that took charge of last week’s narrow win against Castleton once again showed an almost total disregard to consistency, equity and common sense, and with it put to an end Ashton’s mini revival. The failure by the referee to clamp down on persistent badgering by the Leek players for every decision throughout the match, even when it was 100% obviously not in favour of Leek infuriated the home management and supporters. Ultimately, and especially in the second half this led to an abundance of mistakes by the officials.

Despite this the match was in the opening period shaping into a hard and entertaining contest between two committed sides that is until the referee intervened and brandished a straight red card to Ashton’s Martin Rigby after just 31 minutes. The incident that led to the sending off took place 8 yards into the Ashton half as a long diagonal clearance from the Leek defensive flank split the Ashton back line. As Rigby and the Leek striker, Tarr turned to give chase Rigby’s hand on his opponents shoulder was rightly adjudged to be a foul but with recovering defender Peter Hitchen shaping to mop up the danger the referee blew for the foul and called up Rigby for his marching orders - for supposedly denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Now I know we have seen some spectacular long distance goals on the TV recently but as far as we have witnessed so far in NWCFL Division 2 scoring from 45 yards out is extremely unlikely and with defenders in reasonable proximity it is difficult to accept that the Leek striker would have been able to advance more than 30 yards with the ball, without being accosted by the recovering runs of the Ashton back line.

The incident was undoubtedly a huge turning point in the match but Ashton can remain positive as even with a man down chances were created that could have affected the result, and the work rate of the 10 men was a great effort in the circumstances.

The game had started in furious fashion as with two bad tackles by Leek defenders on Pat Aspinall, and then another shortly afterwards on Simon Gallanders were treated very leniently by referee Steve Parker. End to end attacks then broke out as first Leek, through Mark Fox and then Paul Rutter shot wide. Ashton responded with a Tom Potter break that led to a corner, and from the set piece the ball fell to Adam White whose low shot was well saved by keeper Gavin Deauville.

On 16 minutes Ashton were awarded a free kick after Simon Gallanders was up ended again and a superb delivery by Tom Potter reached Matt Mahoney whose powerful header could not be held by Deauville and Richard Sharpe pounced on the loose ball to give Ashton the lead. 1-0

It was all Ashton for the next 10 minutes as Leek were rocked by Ashton’s positive start. Steve Rothwell hit a 35 yard screamer that cleared Deauville but was denied by the crossbar. Another Tom Potter free kick once again found Mahoney whose downward header was held onto this time by Deauville to prevent Ashton from increasing the lead.

As the half wore on a series of soft free kicks were conceded by Ashton that allowed Leek to build some pressure of their own. The Ashton defence held firm, dealing well with the aerial threat until a long throw from the Leek right wing was not cleared first time and the ball was allowed to reach Leek skipper Dan Hyde unmarked just inside the box and his early shot beat Brobbin to even up the scores in the 30^th minute. 1- 1

Then came the sending off and after Rigby left the field the Ashton team were forced to regroup and dig in to prevent Leek from scoring again. Just before the half time break more strange refereeing decisions as a couple of innocuous challenges by Ashton players attracted yellow cards - clearly Mr Parker felt a little pushing and shoving was far more deserving of cards than the two footed tackles around the knee/waist by Leek players earlier in the half. HT 1-1

With defensive resilience a must for the second half Ashton got off to the worst possible start as Leek were awarded a dubious free kick 15 yards into the Ashton half. From a deep cross Paul Rutter ‘s effort was well blocked by keeper Joe Brobbin but his defence was slower to react to clear the danger allowing John Powell the easiest of tap ins after 50 minutes.

As the lingering fog started to threatened the completion of the match Ashton tried to get back in it straight after the kick off with good passing through the midfield but the extra defender kept the attacks at bay despite the tireless efforts of lone striker Richard Sharpe.

Leek however had their tales up and poured forward when given the chance, determined to kill off the home side. This they did, but again in controversial circumstances, as initially Nick Lewis and Jake Johnson combined well to create an opening down the right. The subsequent shot from the edge of the box was well block by Brobbin and turned away onto the edge of the box. Leek’s Dan Hyde was once again first to the ball and as the Ashton defence moved out to play the Leek attackers off side, Hyde let fly and with Brobbin severely unsighted by at least two Leek players standing 2 yards off side the keeper had no chance to save and Hyde celebrated his second of the match. The Ashton players and supporters demanded off side but neither the referee nor his assistant gave any thought whatsoever to the appeals. 1-3

The Ashton 10 men never gave in, a characteristic shown in abundance in many matches this season and several chances created in the last quarter of the game might on another day have given Ashton some reward from the game. Meanwhile Leek seemed to take the foot off the gas and let Ashton back into the game.

Richard Sharpe, a threat throughout the 90 minutes broke clear in the Leek box and his great effort was superbly saved by Deauville in the 61^st minute. Then Matt Mahoney burst into the box and was brought down by a last ditch challenge that prevented him from shooting and to Ashton’s surprise the referee pointed to the spot. Unfortunately for Ashton the Gallanders’ penalty kick was saved by Deauville and with it went the chance of a decent foothold in the game.

An Adam White shot after 65 minutes also tested the keeper whilst several other good attacking raids were thwarted by no nonsense defending by Leek.

Ashton had a second shout for a penalty came after 75 minutes as lively substitute Bennett was upended in the box, a more blatant penalty than the first one – but no - this time the referee waved play on.

With the fog worsening Leek then spent the last 10 minutes collecting a few yellow cards for late and dangerous tackles that the Ashton players were fortunate not to sustain serious injury from. At least one tackle was worthy of a straight red card but as with several challenges in the first 5 minutes leniency was the name of the game for the referee - for the Leek players anyway!

The final chapter in the Comedy of Errors from the men in black came as Ashton’s Bennett broke clear down the right flank, latching onto a great through ball but before cutting in on goal he was stopped in his tracks when the referee spotted the linesmans flag and blew for Richard Sharpe being in an off side position 50 yards away on the left wing!

As the teams lined up for the restart in play the referee was asked what he had given and the response was “I don’t know”. The Leek keeper decided a goal kick would be a good idea, and the game and several Ashton players limped to the final whistle.

The MoM for Ashton was Richard Sharpe with an all action performance as a lone striker for the lion’s share of the match whilst Leek skipper earned his team’s mantle for his two goals and good midfield play.

Ashton’s reserve team had a much better day returning with all three points from the trip to Darwen as goals from Paul McVeigh, John Parkinson and Mike Hamilton secured a 3-1 win.

Ashton’s first team will also make the trip to Darwen next Saturday 10^th February hoping for a similar result, whilst the reserves are at home to Chadderton, both 3pm KO.

END