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.

Easter Monday 9th April 2007 Ashton Town 2 Ashton Athletic 2

Honours were even after the Ashton derby fixture on Easter Monday as the local rivals fought out a 2-2 draw at Edge Green Street.
Town had the first chance as a set piece in the 2nd minute was not cleared and the loose ball fell to Town skipper Ross McNair in acres of room. However Athletic's new keeper Danny Vickers, having recently changed Clubs, saved brilliantly at point blank to deny his former teammate.
Simon Gallanders then broke down the left before cutting in and shot low and hard, but Town keeper James Heseldine saved.
Town's Simon Howard then escaped his marker, latching onto a though ball but Martin Rigby recovered ground and got in a valuable block to prevent the shot troubling Vickers.
The visitors then had a long period of dominance with first the goal post coming to Heseldine's rescue as a Gallanders corner was helped on at the near post by McVeigh to Rigby who headed goal ward only to be denied by the post.
Another corner, this time played short allowed Gallanders a sight at goal and his shot was spilled by Heseldine and fortunately for town fell to a defender who cleared to safety. A third corner in quick succession again had Heseldine at full stretch, with the half clearance again falling to a team mate rather than the advancing attackers.
In the 25th minute a Gallanders free kick was met squarely by Sharpe but the contact was too goodand the ball flew wide of the post.
Town were visibly rattled and struggled to find a foot hold in the game to allow them to mount attacks, and only resolute defending kept Athletic at bay. Further chances were forged through Richard Sharpe who twice broke clear with maizy runs but the first attempt was well saved again by Heseldine and the better second chance on 39 minutes caught a bobble which forced the shot over the bar.
Town finally managed a forray forward as a free kick from deep was flicked on and into the arms of Vickers.
HT 0-0
Town started the second half with more attacking intent and a good left to right passing move created space for a well judged cross into the box which was met by the unmarked Danny Smith whose movement lost his marker during build up play and allowed him to score after 47 minutes 1-0.
Athletic fought back immediately piling on the pressure, Gallanders attempting a lob that was safely gethered by Heseldine before Town conceded a free kick just outside the box in the 52nd minute. The free kick was not cleared and the ensuing goal mouth scramble produced several efforts by Athletic and one such attempt was blocked by the hand of a Town defender which the referee spotted immediatly and awarded the penalty kick. Paul McVeigh stood up to the mark and fired in the equaliser. 1-1



Athletic pushed for more goals as Gallanders again found Sharpe and with Heseldine hesitating it looked like Sharpe would get to the ball first, but a change of heart by Heseldine allowed him to recover and nick the ball off Sharpe's head. Paul McVeigh volleyed wide from another promising move down the right and then good interplay between McVeigh and Sharpe produced another chance for McVeigh but again Heseldine was on hand to deny Athletic.
Substitute Alex Marrow was introduced, making his debut and having an instant impact as McVeigh worked down the right flank again to deliver a deep cross that found Marrow whose first touch brought him back inside to allow a low hard finish back across the keeper to give Athletic a deserved lead in the 70th minute. 1-2
Having looked comfortable throughout the second half it looked like Athletic were well on the way to avenging the 2-1 Boxing day defeat against their near neighbours but the home side had other ideas.
Town broke forward down the right again and somewhat fortuatously were awarded a soft free kick by referee Woodward, one of several he had given to Town throughout the match. A great inswinging delivery was latched onto by substitute Chris McNally whose flicked header in the 73rd minute was guided into the bottom corner, leaving Vickers no chance to cut it out. 2-2
The last 10 minutes became very disjointed with Town seemingly settling for the draw, lauching the ball out of the ground at every opportunity, but Athletic managed to forge one last chance as once again McVeigh and Gallanders combined before freeing Marrow but this time his shot on goal was well blocked by the recovering defender.
FT 2-2
For Athletic Rigby was a tower in defence whilst the attacking flair and efforts of McVeigh, Sharpe and Gallanders also caught the eye, however the MoM was given, not for the first time this season to Rigby's Defensive partner and skipper Steve Rothwell.
Town's MoM was given to Mike wood whose efforts in breaking up play in the midfield were a key to town's success in securing the point, however Ross McNair and James Heseldine were not far behind.
The next game for the first team is likely to be a freindly on Saturday 14th April v Walshaw Sc at Home (2pm KO) unless the Atherton Charity Cup second Round match v Highfield is brought forward - currently scheduled for Monday 16th April 7.30pm ko.
This will be quickly followed by another crunch league match at Daisy Hill on 18th April 2007 7.30pm KO.

Saturday 7th April 2007 Ashton Athletic 1 Norton United 0

Two nervy teams made for a scrappy game in this basement encounter at Brocstedes Park. However it was Ashton who secured the three points, and deservedly so having the greater possession and many golden opportunities to have increased the lead.

After early pressure by Ashton openings were created for Paul McVeigh, Andy Smith and Steve Rothwell but none of the shots troubled Norton keeper Dean Latham. Norton responded as Steven Colclough shot wide after a good lay off by Liam Shotton.

As the half went on Ashton’s dominance became even stronger with a Richard Sharpe lob beating Latham but also clearing the bar by inches. A series of corners for Ashton also produced near misses, including two clearances off the line in quick succession denying Sharpe and White. Long range efforts from White and Smith were once again off target and then Paul McVeigh forced a tremendous save from Latham tipping a thunderbolt over the bar from close range.

Norton did however threaten throughout the match on set pieces with well delivered corners and free kicks around the Ashton penalty area keeping the defence on its toes.

Another Ashton corner just before half time finally brought Ashton the reward they deserved as a pin point cross was met full on by the head of Martin Rigby who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

HT 1-0

With both sides closing down in midfield the second half was as scrappy as the first, but with Ashton always having the upper hand in possession but Norton a threat on the break and on set pieces.

As a result several chances fell to Ashton but the inspired Latham denied the home side from increasing the lead, whilst debutant Danny Vickers in the Ashton goal had a relatively quiet afternoon.

Not the best afternoons entertainment but Ashton were satisfied with the three points that moves them back up to 14^th spot and more importantly puts 8 points between them and Norton, and with second from bottom Castleton losing on Friday night Ashton also now have a 7 point advantage over them.

FT 1-0

The result sets things up nicely for the Easter Monday derby clash with Ashton Town at Edge Green Street, for a 3pm KO.

Meanwhile the reserves travelled up to Nelson and goals from Louis Hughes and Martin Ormesher secured yet another drawn match 2-2 and will look to keep the 4 match unbeaten run going next Wednesday at Flixton 7.30pm KO.

Saturday 31st March 2007 Bamber Bridge Res 1 Ashton Athletic 1

With yet another blank Saturday for a league fixture the first team made the short trip to Bamber Bridge Reserves for what proved to be an excellent work out.
Bridge took the lead in the 30th minute as slack marking from a corner let in the home team for the simplest of headed goals. Ashton created several decent openings but a bumpy pitch and a strong head wind were making things difficult and clear shots on target were limited.
Ashton were denied a clear cut penalty however when Dan Hitchen played the ball across the box towards two free Ashton players in the Bridge penalty area, but before it reached them a defender stuck out a hand to block the pass. With everyone expecting a penalty the referee decided to bring play back for a late challenge on Hitchen.
HT 0-1
With the elements in Ashton's favour for the second half, pressure was exerted on the Bridge defence however it was not until the 70th minute that the equaliser was scored, and what a goal it was. Adam White picked up the ball just outside the bamber Bridge box and beat several men with a maizy run before unleashing a ferocious drive that hit the underside of the bar before bouncing down and over the line.

The last 15 minutes were end to end as both sides searched for the win, but neither could find the killer finish. FT 1-1

Ashton's man of the match was Mike Winer.

Next saturday 7th April 2007 the team are at home against Norton United in a crucial "6 pointer". 3pm KO