Second half fightback secures a point for 'Latics

AAFC 2 PADIHAM FC 2

A great second half comeback by the home side grabbed a point against Padiham, much fancied to push for promotion again this season after narrowly missing out to Winsford and Runcorn last term.

Padiham showed their promotion credentials in the first half with two strikes in the 15th and 16th minutes to leave Ashton shell shocked, as first Vinnie Braine pounced on a loose ball after a Padiham corner, and then strike partner Gareth Baker made the most of a static Ashton back line rushing through the slide the ball past Andy Paxton in the Ashton goal.

Missing the defensive duo of skipper Steve Rothwell and Mike Burke for the first time this season Ashton could have started to feel sorry for themselves, but none of that and slowly but surely the home side regained its composure, held Padiham at bay and then started to create openings of their own.
Ashton's best chance of the half fell to the lively Daniel Hitchen who beat his marker and shot the wrong side of the post, into the side netting. HT 0-2

The second half was a total contrast to the first with Ashton out of the blocks at breakneck speed and with Padiham now on the back foot the introduction of substitute Steve Bennett in the 65th minute proved to be a turning point in the game as he took advantage of Ashton's dominance piercing holes in the Padiham defence on several occasions.

Adam White pulled one back

The Ashton pressure brought its reward as Bennett's efforts produced a cross that fell to Adam White whose early shot beat Padiham keeper Matt Jackson in the 69th minute. 1-2
An immediate tactical change and the introduction of sub Danny Burrows allowed Ashton to maintain forward momentum and from a corner Chris Lawton drove the ball in to the net from close range to end a goalmouth scramble in the 72 minute. 2-2

Chris Lawton equalised for Ashton

The final 15 minutes saw half chances for both sides but in the end a draw was a fair result on the balance of play - the proverbial game of two halfs.

Influential sub Steve Bennett received the man of the match award for Ashton acting as the catalyst for the fightback although credit the whole team especially defenders Chris Lawton and Pat Aspinall who were all superb throughout the match.
For Padiham hard working striker Gareth Baker got the Padiham plaudit.

MONDAY 20th AUGUST 2007 AAFC 4 GOLBORNE SPORTS 1

Ashton progressed to the second round of the Wigan Cup competition with a 4 goal second half blitz orchestrated by substitute, and former Golborne player Paul Townshend.
In the first half Ashton struggled to find the rythmn that was much in evidence in the back to back wins at Castleton and Bootle, but always looked dangerous in possession, whilst Golborne counter attacked well on several occasions with Westworth and Walker putting the Ashton defence under pressure.

Ormesher shoots wide with a good early strike

Golborne drew first blood as poor marking in the Ashton defence gave striker Westworth too much room on the six yard line, latching onto a well taken corner from Walker to head home in the 27th minute.

This woke up Ashton but the forward line were over eager and got caught off side on too many occasions to allow any decent build up of pressure on the visitors defence. Moreover when the strikers did get behind the defence a combination of wayward finishing and Sports' goalkeeper Mc Millan came to the rescue to keep Ashton at bay. HT 0-1

The second half commenced with Ashton well in the ascendancy and the early pressure, and crucially the introduction of Paul Townshend in the 55th minute, brought instant reward as within a minute of after his arrival as substitute. Townshend stole into the box to head home a well delivered cross by Gallenders, 1-1
Five minutes later Ashton got in front as an accurate long range pass from skipper Rothwell arrowed into Martin Ormesher a good touch, turn and early shot nestled into the bottom corner, before keeper McMillan had chance to react, 2-1.

Ormesher turn and shot beats McMillan

Ashton were rampant and suddenly found the fluid movement and passing that had been evident previous games and Ormesher had a chance for his second as a goal mouth scramble fell to him in the six yard box but a last ditch block by a covering defender prevented the goal. Chances also fell to Townshend, Gallanders and White but these were denied by a combination of good defending and sound goalkeeping.

Ormesher gets there first to bag his second goal
In the 80th minute the game was eventually made safe for Ashton as Hitchen burst through down the right to deliver another accurate cross which Ormesher met with a sharp finish. 3-1.

Townshend caps it off

Paul Townshend then put the icing on a tremendous second half performance by him, and the team as a whole by slamming the ball home after another quality cross from an Ashton wide man. 4-1 final score.

In the next round Ashton will now face Hindley Town on Monday 3rd Septenber - venue and kick off time to be announced soon.

Acknowledgement and thanks once again for the excellent action photos from celebritypixuk. See www.celebritypixuk.co.uk. These and other high quality shots are available for purchase by just clicking on the web site

Saturday 18th August 2007 Castleton Gabriels 1 AAFC 3

With Castleton's home ground out of action the fixture was shifted to Bacup Borough and got underway in wet conditions that made the surface slick, and for some players slippy under foot.
Ashton started that game very brightly putting Gabs on the back foot with some incisive passing and this provided instant reward as Mike Johnson threaded the ball through to Dave Sherlock on the right wing who put in a pin point cross for Paul Townshend sliding in at the back post. 1-0 to Ashton
Ashton continued to dominate the play using the wide men to maximum effect but the final delivery or pass was not quite tuned in the the runs of the attackers enabling the Gabs defence to clear the lines.
Credit Castleton they kept plugging away and the hard work of Matt Jackson and Dean Watkinson in the midfield gradually gave Gabs a platform in the game and having done so, and from the first major threat on the Ashton goal a superb cross swung in by Brad Barrington was met in the 24th minute by the head of Dean Watkinson and flew into the back of the net. 1-1.
Chances were few and far between for the rest of the half, but a blow for Castleton came when centre half Michael Ward was taken off the pitch due to an ankle injury and replaced by Lee Chadwick.HT 1-1
The second half commenced with Ashton once again regaining the ascendency and sould have retaken the lead in the 46th minute as Adam White burst though on goal, but his efforts were denied first by a good save by Mark Canning and then from a narrow angle the follow up shot struck the post.
Castleton’s injury troubles continued to mount as Brad Barrington accidentally kicked the underneath of an Ashton defenders boot and limped off to be replaced by David Jenkins.
Ashton were dominating possession but finding it hard to break down a stubborn Gabriels back line with the final pass lacking the quality needed to create a clear opening. Castleton battled away, playing on the break and feeding off any indecision in the Ashton passing, and against the run of play Castleton had a half chance in the 59th minute when Ashton failed to clear the ball in a penalty box scramble. The loose ball fell to Andrew Pheby who played in Christian Evans, but his effort on goal failed to trouble Ashton keeper Paxton and it would have been chalked off anyway as the referees assistant had his flag raised for off-side.
The introduction in a ten minute after the hour mark in the game proved decisive as Daniel Hitchen and Chris Almond replaced the injured Pat Aspinall and Dave Sherlock, whilst the fresh legs of Steve Wallace were introduced for the hard working Jimmy Porter.
The fresh legs and the better fitness levels of Ashton's other players was a key factor and some sloppy passing gave the Ashton side possession that suddenly became more efficiently used and substitute and new signing Chris Almond pounced in the 82nd minute to score from close range following a great though ball from Ashton's left.
Almond then went close again with a good effort that skimmed past the Castleton near post. As the clock ran down good work down the right by Steve Wallace in the 88th minute forced a corner, which found its way through a crowded 6 yard box to an unmarked Daniel Hitchen to head home, againfrom close range 3-1 to Ashton, and game over.
Another all action quality display by young Dave Sherlock earned him the Ashton MoM ward, whilst the midfield effrots of Matt Jackson earned him the Castleton accolade.

Meanwhile the reserve team went down narrowly by 2-3 to Glossop North End in their first league game, with strikes from Pete Tarpey and Colin Gillespie not quite enough to earn points, and gilt edged chances missed throughout the match left all wondering what might have been.

Next weekend will see Ashton back at Brocstedes Park for a match with Padiham (3pm KO), when it is hoped that the great away form in the last two games can be replicated. The reserves will be away at Cheadle Town.

Back to back victories for Ashton gives the team a great start to the season.

GALLENDERS MAGIC GETS ASHTON'S SHOW ON THE ROAD

BOOTLE 2 AAFC 3 Tuesday 14th August 2007
Ashton bounced back magnificently to get the league points tally off the mark after the opening days narrow defeat to Chadderton, whilst Bootle failed to reach the standards achieved in their first league fixture of the season, a 7-0 drubbing of Holker Old Boys.

Gallanders breaks clear
The early exchanges suggested a close contest and that it was, with the result turning on some magic from Simon Gallanders and a determined hard working performance from all 14 players.

It was Gallanders who broke through the Bootle defence tricking his marker before digging out a cross from the dead ball line to find Paul Townshend who had ghosted off to the far post and headed home unchallenged in the 7th minute. 1- 0 to Ashton.


Ashton had chances increase the lead through Dave Sherlock, Adam White and Gallanders whilst Bootle's best effort came from striker Anthony Hickey.
The early part of the second half saw Ashton on top and Dave Sherlock again tested the Bootle keeper Mark Mawdesley. Ashton's second came from a great defence splitting pass by Dave Sherlock who found Simon Gallanders on a well timed run that put him clear of the Bootle back line, and with enough time to slot home. 2-0 to Ashton.

Dave Sherlock having well earned kip
during an all action display

Bootle fought back and a speculative punt from the half way line caught the wind and had Ashton keeper Andy Paxton back peddling and had to palm the ball over the bar at full stretch.
Introduction of substitute Paul Hopkins livened up the Bootle attack and from a dubious free kick awarded by the otherwise faultless referee he drove the ball hard and low into the corner of the goal to reduce the lead 2-1 to Ashton .


The game became very open as Bootle pushed forward for the equaliser. Then on 80 minutes magician Gallenders stepped forward picking the ball up 10 yards outside the Bootle box and then embarked on a session of keepie uppies at full sprint into the box evading all the defenders before cooly lofting the ball over the head of the mesmorized Bootle keeper, to open up a two goal lead for Ashton. 3-1 to Ashton.

Si Gallenders turns on the style

Bootle threw caution to the wind but some good backs to the wall defending by the Ashton back line seemed to be holding Bootle at bay until the Bootle striker was up ended in the box and with no doubt the excellent referee Mr Corns pointed to the spot. Jamie Hay stepped forward and tucked the spot kick away to give the home side some hope of a point. 3-2 to Ashton.

Despite a few late scares the Ashton defence held firm and posted the first three points of the season ahead of the next match an away match against Castleton Gabriels on Saturday 18th August, which will be played at Bacup Borough, 3pm kick off.

A man of the match performance from Gallenders, whilst Bootle defender Carl Dale earned his teams award with some resolute defending, whilst looking dangerous on set plays.

More top quality photos on the link below thanks to our pals at celebritypixuk.

http://www.celebritypixuk.co.uk/slideshow19117.html

AAFC 1 CHADDERTON 2 - SATURDAY 11TH AUGUST

Excellent macth report on the match courtesy of Cables Tiger see LINK AND edited REPORT BELOW

http://prescotfootball.blogspot.com/

North West Counties League 2, Brocstedes Park, Ashton in MakerfieldIt's something of a surprise to note that a single suburb of Wigan is home to two North West Counties League sides-Ashton Athletic and Ashton Town. All football clubs living in traditional rugby league country seem to have to work doubly hard to keep the footballing flame alive.And so it is with Ashton Athletic.
Sporting folklore in this part of the world tends to be of the oval ball variety.A fact underlined when crossing the nearby park while walking to Brocstedes Stadium. Several youngsters wearing,for the most part, rugby league shirts are engrossed in a game of impromptu cricket with the only white atire in sight being the wicket keeper's Real Madrid shirt.The ray of hope for local football's future is the teenage lad hacking away furiously at a golf ball with a driving wedge, his Wigan Athletic shirt darkened with sweat as the sun beats down.

It's a pleasant surprise to find entrance to the Brocstedes is only £5 including match programme.The stadium is tight and cosy with a welcoming club house.Several punters are already huddled around the TV watching Sunderland take on Spurs in the Premiership.
Outside,the two teams are already on the practice pitch going through a rigorous warm-up session. Obviously the days of players turning up at 2.30 having just downed fish and chips and a pint of bitter are long gone.The sort of barrel-chested centre halves once seen in the English first division no longer exist, not even at this level of football.I suspect most of the players have downed a pre-match meal of pasta with chicken followed by several bottles of spring water.We've come a long way since Norman 'bite yer legs' Hunter revealed in 'Shoot' magazine that his pre match ritual included beans on toast with a bar of chocolate.

Today's visitors,Oldham-based Chadderton FC ,have their sights set on bigger things than the NWCL.
A recent take over by a property development company has seen work start on renovatating their ground and the club recently appointed its first full time employee.There is certainly hope that the club will improve on last season's promising 5th position in the league.And if you can't have hope before a ball has even been kicked when can you?

The early stages of the match are best described as cagey with the ball being the proverbial hot potato.It's the 15th minute before the first chance appears as Ashton carve open the Chadderton defence only for the keeper to block at the feet of overlapping full back Jimmy Porter . A few minutes later Ashton's Simon Gallanders picked up the ball in the centre circle and went on a mazy run, side stepping several Chadderton challenges before having his shot blocked. Shades of Michael Owen's goal in the 1998 world cup without the all important finish.

This proves to be the highlight of the first half for Ashton as Chadderton take a grip on the game.Several corners are won and space starts to appear in front of the Ashton penalty area.
Inevitably Chadderton open the scoring in the 42nd minute. A precise lob to the left hand of the penalty area finds a Chadderton player in acres of space, and despite muted shouts for offside no whistle is heard and his first touch is good enough to allow him to draw the Ashton keeper before sliding a low shot into the net.

Half Time Ashton Athletic 0 - Chadderton 1

The second half is near enough one way traffic with the path to the Ashton goal being the one more travelled. Chadderton start to ping one-twos around the Ashton penalty area and Ashston's young side seem to visibly wilt in the oppressive August heat.
To no one's surprise Chadderton increase their lead in the 70th minute.The Ashton keeper fails to collect a corner under heavy pressure and the ball finds its way to the net via a Chadderton head from the six yard line. Only sloppy finishing and brisk work from the Ashton Keeper prevents more Chadderton scores, whilst the Chadderton keeper enjoyed a relatively untroubled second 45 minutes. But, as someone once said, it only takes a second to score a goal and Ashton ought to have pulled one back in the 72nd minute as Substitute Adam White burst through from midfield creating a one on one with Chaddy keeper Lee Swanson, only to make the wrong decision of passing rather than rounding the keeper and slotting home himself, clearly the easier option as thought by everyone else apart from the player himself.
Ashton did then haul themselves back in the game as the full time whistle beckoned. A lofted pass finds its way to Striker Paul McVeigh in the penalty area with Chadderton's defence left appealing in vain for offside. The finish is low and crisp top give the home side some consoilation for their efforts.

It would have been something of an injustice had Chadderton not gathered all three points and on this occasion footballing justice prevails.On this showing Ashton's young side will provide a stern test for many of their NWCL rivals this season and Chadderton should be well and truly in the promotion mix.

full time:

Ashton Athletic 1-2 Chadderton
attendence 38
more pics at http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/cablestiger/

Posted by Tigernet at 09:31 0 comments Links to this post

AAFC complete Pre season build up

The good mix of pre season games has prepared Ashton well for the start of the new NWCFL season this Saturday 11th August 2007, as Chadderton are the visitors to Brocstedes Park for a 3pm Kick off.

Passage through to the Goldline Trophy quarter finals as part of the season's preparations represents an initial mission accomplished and with some good performances in the friendlies against Runcorn, Flint and Rhyl the mix of games should give the squad a good base for the season, as the Club looks to build on last year's first season back in the North West Counties, in this the leagues 25th Anniversary.

Meanwhile the reserves continue with their efforts to retain the Hindsford Cup for the Club with the short trip to Atherton to take on Howe Bridge Mills of the Lancashire Amateur League in a 2pm kick off.
This season's competition has been somewhat dogged by the unseasonal rainfall in July but in the games that Ashton did complete a variety of Ashton line ups have drawn 4-4 against Bolton Wyresdale with goals from (TBC); then won at Irlam MS where YYYY and ZZZ scored; and most recently Ashton were beaten 2-4 by Fives Athletic of the Manchester League as a brace of goals by Richard Sharpe was not enough on the day.
The Reserves also locked horns with a Marine XI on Wednesday 8th August but ended up 3 goals to the worse, including a fabulous first half strike from 30 yards by Martin Christian, which changed the complexion of a game that until then had Ashton "ahead on points".
Nevertheless it was a very good work out for the lads that had not been involved with the first team at Elton Vale the night before, and the match photos below from the Marine game are provided courtesy of www.celebritypixuk.co.uk

Danny Burrows gets there first, as usual
















Pete Tarpey rises to the challenge
















Jonny Parkinson almost clear
but the covering Marine defender
thwarts a strike on goal




These prints and additional high quality shots are available for purchase on the above mentioned web site - just click on the link!

The full results from the friendlies and Goldline Trophy and Hindsford Cup games are provided below:-

Thu 19.07.07 Friendly AAFC 2 Runcorn Linnets 3

Wed 25.07.07 GOLDLINE AAFC 4 Ashton Town 4

Sat 28.07.07 Friendly Flint Town United 2 AAFC 2

Sat 28.07.07 HINDSFORD Cup AAFC XI 4 Bolton Wyresdale 4

Tue 31.07.07 HINDSFORD Cup Irlam MS XI 0 AAFC XI 2

Wed 01.08.07 GOLDLINE AAFC 3 Tempest United 1

Sat 04.08.07 HINDSFORD Cup AAFC XI 2 Fives Athletic 4

Sun 05.08.07 Friendly Rhyl FC 2 AAFC 0 see www.rhylfc.co.uk

Tue 07.08.07 GOLDLINE Elton Vale 3 AAFC 6

Wed 08.08.07 Friendly AAFC XI 0 Marine XI 3

Sharpe hat trick powers Ashton through to Goldline Quarter finals

Elton Vale 3 Ashton Athletic 6 Tuesday 7th August 2007

Ashton took all three points against Manchester League team Elton Vale in the last of the Goldline Group D games but it was not all plain sailing as the home side tested Ashton's resolve with a committed performance in the first third of the match.
Elton took the early initiative and went into a two goal lead within 15 minutes, and had other chances to increase the lead, however Ashton eventually woke up the the game and two quick fire replies from Dave Sherlock in the 35th minute and Richard Sharpe in the 38th made it 2-2 and saved an uncomfortable half time team talk.
A re-shape of the team in the second half really paid dividends as Ashton dominated possession throughout the second half, however playing on the break it was Elton that got their noses in front as a disputed penalty was awarded and converted by the Elton striker 3-2.
Undeterred Ashton stayed calm and immediately after the restart substitute Si Gallanders burst through from midfield to put the ball past the Elton keeper and make it 3-3.
In the 56th minute Sharpe was in the right place again to fire home from close range and then Paul Townshend increased the lead with a fine lob from distance 5-3.
Ashton were now running riot and could have increased the lead even further, whilst Elton too had a couple of late chances to reduce the deficit.
However the night was Richard Sharpe's as he completed a splendid hat trick in the 85th minute with a precise text book shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner of the net to make the final score 6-3
The victory allowed the Latics to take top spot in the Group and thereby guarantee a Home tie in the quarter finals against Atherton LR, (date to be announced).

The NWCFL Season gets underway on Saturday 11th August and for Ashton it starts with a home match at Brocstedes Park against a Chadderton side much fancied to push for promotion this season. Kick off is 3pm and admission is £3.50 with concessionary rates for children and OAP's.

Rhyl 2 AAFC 0 Sunday 5th August 2007

WHITE WONDER GOAL HELPS SINK ASHTON

Ashton warm up for Rhyl's Euro Hero's
THE 2007/08 season proper has not even started yet, but in this game alone Rhyl produced a goal and then a save which will be hard to beat in the campaign ahead.

Three days after their heartache in Haka, the Lilywhites returned to action on Sunday with an impressive pre-season warm-up win over North West Counties League side Ashton Athletic.

Rhyl manager, John Hulse rested a number of key players that had for Rhyl in Finland, but the players on show performed impressively enough to suggest competition for places is going to be keen at Belle Vue this term.
“It was nice to see players on the fringe of a regular first-team place prove they are more than capable,” said Hulse.
Rhyl took a 19th minute lead when defender Matthew Holt showed great alertness to rob Dave Sherlock on the left and send over a superb cross which Phil Coffin headed in on the bounce.
The lively Coffin forced two fine saves during the half from Ashton keeper Andy Paxton who also did well to push a Carl Ruffer header on to the post.

Rhyl dominated possession in the midfield but found it difficult to penetrate a stubborn defence, and on the break the visitors came forward with pace and the Rhyl defence had to be on their toes to blot out the threat.

Ashton look for the quick counter attack after aRhyl corner

After the break the Wigan based side shaped up even better in attack and a fierce volley from striker Paul McVeigh looked a goal all the way, but Paul Whitfield in the Rhyl goal produced a stupendous reflex stop.

Ashton were keeping the ball better and were exerting greater pressure on the home defence and in doing so started to create other openings. However the efforts on goal were largely off target or comfortable for keeper Whitfield Ashton's progress was then stopped in its tracks when the impressive New Zealand Under-20 international Michael White let fly in the 65th minute scoring a goal that lit up the Belle Vue Stadium.
Until then White had not produced anything special, restricted by a competitive Ashton Midfield, that is until he turned his marker on a sixpence then let fly from all of 35 yards with a stunning swerving missile which flew into the net like a cannonball.

Rhyl introduced a few more recognised regulars for the last 20 minutes and in the closing stages could have extended the lead but resolute defending by Ashton and good goal keeping by replacement keeper Mike Woodruff held the Rhyl side, no more than the endeavours of the Lancastrian visitors deserved.

In fact a late substitute, Richard Sharpe almost made an instant impact just after his introduction and fizzed a powerful drive across the face of the Rhyl goal that beat Whitfield but ended up just the wrong side of the upright. Sharpe then combined well with PeteTarpey and McVeigh and had several maizy runs that had the Rhyl defence back peddling.

The friendly proved an excellent work out for Rhyl , whilst Ashton Manager David Powell was delighted with the efforts of the relatively youthful Ashton side and said "the game was a huge help to us as we continue to develop the players at our Club and we are delighted with the hospitality shown to us by Rhyl. I am sure that our players will benefit from the experience as as move towards the start of the new Vodkat NWCFL season next weekend".

Acknowledgements

Photos of second half courtesy of
Mark Chesterton
Website Editor
www.rhylfc.co.uk

Part of match courtesy of Dave Jones from www.thelilywhites.co.uk


Ashton recent signing Chris Lawton gets to grip with
Striker Dave Cameron assisted by another new signing, Adam Cree

Ashton keeper Mike Woodruff saves from close range and Lawton and
Craig Scrivens are on hand to mop up the danger













Rhyl corner flashes across the Ashton goal, with keeper
Woodruff dumped on his back side resulting in an Ashton free kick.

AAFC 3 TEMPEST 1 - 1st August 2007 Goldline Group D

Ashton grabbed all three points against a spirited Tempest side from the West Lancashire League and took the initiative by taking top spot in Goldline group D. Tempest had already beat Elton Vale in their first match 4-3 and it was Tempest who took an early lead after 15 minutes as keeper Andy Paxton let the ball squirm out of his grasp allowing the Tempest striker to slot home from a narrow angle.
Ashton fought back and pulled level just before half time through Paul McVeigh.
The second half was more one sided as Ashton turned the screw and played some flowing football which brought goals from Dave Sherlock and Steve Bennett to give Ashton a comfortable result at the end of the night.
Elsewhere in the group Elton Vale went down by the odd goal against Ashton Town leaving the two Ashton sides 1st and 2nd in the group with one match to play.

Flint Town United 2 AAFC 2 Friendly 28th July 2007

Ashton made the trip across the Welsh border to take on Welsh Alliance outfit Flint at their well appointed ground.
The home side started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute as a long range free kick was not dealt with by the defence and the Flint centre half nipped in ahead of keeper Andy Hewitt to toe poke the ball home.
Ashton gradually got a hold in the game and Daniel Hitchen pulled one back in the 30th minute and then got a second just after half time after good work by Si Gallanders.
Flint's equaliser came in the 85th minute as Craig Scriven was adjudged to have made contact with the Flint attacker in the box and the ref awarded the penalty. Keeper Andy Paxton got a hand to the spot kick but not enough to divert it away from goal.
FT 2-2

AAFC 4 ASHTON TOWN 4 GOLDLINE TROPHY GROUP MATCH

Following the draw that grouped the local rivals together in Group D of this years Goldline Trophy, and with Town stinging from their loss to the Latics in the Atherton Cup final last season, tonights game was always going to be eventful.
Immediately from kick off Town striker Howard burst through and hit a ferocious shot that rattled the home team bar and fortunately for the latics the follow up player headed the rebound over the bar. The wake up call got everyone at it but it was the visiting Town team that looked the sharper as good work down the right produced a pin point cross to Town's Prescott who finished well with a close range header in the 8th minute. Latic's bounced back and Daniel Hitchen was played in by Pat Aspinall and produced a sublime finish curling a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box to draw level.
Town had a shout for a penalty waved away by the referee after 20 minutes and then as the half wore on the Latics were showing superior fitness and could have taken the lead as Mike Johnson volley forced Town Keeper Heseldine into a finger tips save after 35 minutes. Then Heseldine produced a twin save before his defenders came to the rescue with a goal line clearance after a hectic goalmouth scramble.
Following a period of domination the home side took a deserved lead in the 42nd minute as Paul McVeigh latched onto a cross after a tremendous passing move down the Ashton right with Porter and Bennett opening up the Town defence and this gave Latics a half time lead.
HT 2-1
Town equalised from a corner as Craig Ward stole in at the near post to score after 49 minutes, but latics hit back straight away through Dave Sherlock who showed great composure to slot home to regain the lead 3 - 2.
A fine strike by Paul Crewe from the edge of the box found its way through advancing defenders equalising in the 60th minute and then a great chip by Si Gallanders found the net for Athletic after 66 minutes to make it 4-3.
Town threw men forward in the last ten minutes and this brought its reward as substitute Peter Philips scooped the ball out from under his feet on the edge of the box, lifting it into the top corner, giving Mike Woodruff in the Latics goal no chance and drawing Town level in the 84th minute.
Both teams continued to look for the winner but neither could find it and the game ended all square, with Boxing Day and Easter Monday tussles to look forward to in the season.
FT 4-4

AAFC 2 RUNCORN LINNETS 3

With some relief the unseasonal rain finally stopped long enough to a the game go ahead as Runcorn visited Brocstedes in confident mood after last seasons promotion to NWCFL division 1, finishing runners up to Winsford United.
Runcorn took the lead mid way through the first half as slack marking at a corner allowed the Runcorn No 10 to steal in and head home. Ashton bounced back as a through ball by Rothwell found Bennett in space who cooly lobbed the advancing keeper to equalise.
Runcorn stepped it up and regained the advantage and then scored a third before Ashton's substitute Ormesher pulled one back late in the half with a good finish from the edge of the box.
An excellent work out for both teams and with the result significantly influenced by a complete change of team in the second half by Runcorn allowing them to dominate possession through the midfield. But credit to Ashton for persevering and the extra minutes in match mode will benefit the players for the rest of the pre season and into the new season.