Saturday 24th November 2007 Blackpool Mechanics 0 Ashton Athletic 2

A goal in each half got Ashton back to winning ways after last week’s FA Vase exit at Billingham, a result that moves the Latics back up to 3^rd place in the Vodkat League. Against a youthful Mechanics side Ashton were always in control of the game and secured the points with two clinical finishes.

Ashton gave a full debut to new signing Tim Lees in the heart of the midfield whilst Mark Court returned to the starting line up at centre back. Dave Sherlock also returned to the starting line up after his long term injury lay off and more than made up for lost time.

The swirling wind that was in evidence at kick off was soon joined by driving rain, and it was hardly surprising that the opening 20 minutes produced little in the way of clear cut chances as both sides struggled to master the difficult conditions. The best chance in this phase of the game fell to the returning Dave Sherlock who latched on to a through ball by Mike Burke before shooting high and wide from a difficult angle

It took until the 23^rd minute before a real goalscoring opportunity of note was created, when Athletic’s Paul Townshend glanced a header into the path of David Sherlock who misplaced a shot over the bar from 20 yards.

The Mechanics defence were struggling to cope with the aerial threat of Townsend up front, and he created another chance on the half hour mark when his delicate flick played Chris Almond in on goal, but Mechanics keeper Jamie Cook thwarted the danger by quickly scooping the ball up as Almond shaped to shoot for goal.

The respite was only temporary however, as the visitors went ahead in the 34^th minute. A wind assisted clearance from Athletic keeper Andy Paxton landed on the edge of the Mechanics penalty area, and having got his sights right from the first two efforts it was third time lucky as David Sherlock deftly lobbed the ball over the advancing Cook and into the corner of the net. 1-0

Four minutes from the break, Sherlock turned creator when a defence splitting pass played Chris Almond through, but Mechaincs keeper Cook reacted quickly to thwart the danger as he plucked the ball off the striker’s toe on the edge of the box.

Mechanics’ best move of the first half arrived just on half time, when Mark Ashall released Chris Cairns free on the right, and when he whipped a low cross into the six yard box the incoming Joe Cowell just failed to connect. HT 1-0

Any hopes Mechanics had of getting back into the game were dashed four minutes into the second half, when they fell further behind. A great through ball by Sherlock allowed Chris Almond to run unchallenged from the halfway line before deftly clipping the ball over the advancing keeper into the far corner of the net to double his side’s lead. 2-0

Mechanics squandered a glorious chance to get back in the game on 57 minutes, when Chris Days free kick was headed wide by Chris Cairns from 8 yards out.

At the midway point of the second half, a sweeping move from Athletic almost produced a third goal, Tim Lees sending Tom Potter free on the left, and when he whipped in a cross to the far post, Paul McVeigh’s volley beat the keeper but hit the side netting.Potter again got free down the left and unleashed a drive that was well saved by the Blackpool keeper in the 74th minute

As the game entered its closing stages, a long range effort from Mechanics Chris Days was beaten away by Ashton keeper Paxton, and at the other end, the lively Tom Potter was unlucky to see his shot from 12 yards beat the keeper and rebound off the underside of the crossbar.

In the 80th minute Sherlock broke free again down the right and having beat two defenders he had his legs taken from under him by a third defender as he advanced on goal, but much to everyone's amazement the referee who was on top of the incident looked to the assistant referee who was on the blind side and further away from the incident instead of giving the blatant penalty himself.

To their credit, Mechanics kept going, and in the dying moments created a couple of half chances. After Chris Days’ long range shot was pushed away for a corner by Ashton keeper Paxton, a Chris Cairns header from the resulting corner was comfortably cleared off the line. Straight away Mechanics regained possession once more, and the last opportunity of the game fell to Wayne Gardiner, whose overhead kick from eight yards failed to trouble keeper Paxton.
FT 2-0

Man of the Match for Ashton went to Dave Sherlock, whilst the efforts of Chris Cairns leading the line for the Mechanics got the nod.

A workman like performance from Ashton in difficult conditions and the team will now move on to two cup matches on the bounce. The first is the Goldline Trophy semi final against Euxton Villa to be played at Chorley FC this Monday 26^th November 2007 7.45pm kick off, and the prize for the winners will be a cup final date at the Reebok Stadium in the New Year against Charnock Richard FC.

Then on Saturday 1^st December Ashton travel to Padiham FC for a second Round Vodkat Trophy match 3pm KO.

Ashton reserves broke their run of defeats with a 1-1 draw against Mechanics reserves as Martin Ormesher netted Ashton's goal before an injury time equaliser denied Ashton the 3 points.

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Plum tie for Ashton in L.F.A. Co-Operatives Trophy qtr final draw

Ashton have been rewarded for the excellent win at Ramsbottom United with an even greater challenge against Blue Square Conference North outfit Leigh RMI.

The full draw for the quarter final of this season's L.F.A. Co-Operatives Trophy took place on Friday, and was broadcast on BBC Radio Lancashire. The draw was as follows:

Burscough FC or Bamber Bridge FC v Bacup Borough FC

Southport FC v Rossendale United FC

Chorley FC v Fleetwood Town FC

Ashton Athletic FC v Leigh RMI FC

The quarter final ties will be played week commencing Monday 10th December 2007.

The Ashton v Leigh local derby will take place at Brocstedes Park on TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2007 with a 7.45pm kick off.

FA Vase exit for Brave Ashton

Saturday 17^th November 2007 - Carlsberg FA Vase 2^nd round proper

Billingham Synthonia 2 Ashton Athletic 1

Last Saturday, Ashton Athletic were looking to continue with their cup exploits in their debut season in the esteemed FA Vase competition. However the trip to last year’s semi finalists, Billingham Synthonia of the Northern League proved to be a match too far as despite a spirited Ashton performance they failed to add to the scalps of Rossington Main, Congleton Town and Colne FC, taken in earlier rounds.

Goals in the last ten minutes from Close and Flanagan for Billingham outweighed an 87^th minute strike from Ashton’s Paul McVeigh to give the North East side passage to the next round.

Glancing header from Ashton’s McVeigh beats keeper Jackson

Meanwhile Ashton were left counting their misfortune as another effort from McVeigh, off a pin point cross from debutant Tim Lees also crashed against the bar in the dying minutes, and almost took the tie to extra time.

A great introduction to the competition for the Club but minds must quickly focus on the league as the Ashton Latics’ travel to Blackpool Mechanics for a crucial Vodkat League match. Three points will be essential to maintain the team’s promising start to the league campaign, with the side currently lying fourth and having only suffered one league defeat so far this season.

Furthermore on the evening of Monday 26^th November Ashton will be back in cup action when they take on Euxton Villa in the Bolton Wanderers sponsored Goldline Trophy semi Final. The tie will kick off at 7.45pm at Victory Park, the home of Chorley FC, and the winners will advance to a prestigious cup final date in the New Year against Charnock Richard FC at the Reebok Stadium.

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Ashton prepare for Cup match crunch time

Ashton embark on a mouth watering series of cup matches in the next few weeks starting this Saturday 17th November with a trip to the North East to take on Billingham Synthonia in the second round proper of the Carlsberg sponsored FA Vase. Ashton progressed to this stage following excellent wins against Colne FC, Congleton Town and Rossington Main. Meanwhile Billingham, having made it to the competitions semi final last season, play their first match having received a byes on the back of last year's excellent performance. Both teams sit in 3rd place in their respective leagues, although in the league pyramid system Billingham's league is a level above that of Ashton's and will therefore start as strong favourites to progress.

Following a crucial Vodkat league match away at Blackpool Mechanics on Saturday 24th November Ashton then move on to a semi final Goldline Trophy clash to be played at the neutral ground of Chorley FC against Euxton Villa from the West Lancs League on Monday 26th November 2007. Euxton disposed of Vodkat Division One side Atherton Collieries in the quarter finals to show that they have the potential to spoil Ashton's aspirations to reached the much sought after Cup final appearance at the Reebok stadium later in the season. The winners will face perennial finalists Charnock Richard FC who squeezed past our local rivals Ashton Town after a 7-6 penalty shoot out victory following a 2-2 draw after extra time last Monday.

Then Ashton's attention will be turned to the Vodkat Division Two Trophy, as the team take on Padiham FC, for the fourth time this season, this time at their Arbories ground on Saturday 1st December.

Finally the eagerly awaited COOP Lancashire Cup quarter final draw will take place this Friday on BBC Radio Lancashire's non league football show 7-9pm when Ashton will be in the hat with
Southport FC, Leigh RMI, Bacup Borough, Fleetwood Town, ChorleyFC, Rossendale United and the winners of Burscough FC v Bamber Bridge (to be played 4th December).
The Quarter final matches will take place in week commencing 10th December 2007

Vodkat cup exit ends 22 game unbeaten run

Ashton crashed out of the Vodkat League Cup on Saturday, beaten by the better side on the day as Bootle hit top form to move into the third round to play Darwen FC.
This put to an end a superb sequence of results that started with the second league game of the season on Tuesday 14th August, a 3-2 win, coincidentally against today's opponents Bootle FC. The unbeaten run produced 15 wins and 7 draws, the type of form that will need to be repeated in the second half of the League season if the chase for a top 6 slot is to be achieved by the end of April.
The Ashton team were noticeably jaded after the bruising extra time victory over Ramsbottom United on Tuesday night in the Lancashire Cup, and Bootle took full advantage playing some slick high tempo football, and for the most part looking the sharper team.
Although this was apparent in the opening exchanges the Ashton defence held firm and it was the home side that actually took the lead as Tom Potter latched onto a Paul Mcveigh header and his early strike took a friendly deflection and looped over keeper David Parkinson to give Ashton the lead in the 25th minute. 1-0

Potter strikes again
to give Ashton the lead

Bootle kept playing and stretched the home defence with efforts from Fowler, Hopkins and O'Conner keeping Hewitt in the Ashton goal busy. Then in the 37th minute a Bootle corner was swung in from the left and Carberry pulled off the keeper to meet the dross with a thumping header. 1-1.
Bootle should have increased the lead after being awarded a dubious penalty but a terrific save by Hewitt denied Hopkins and sent the teams in level pegging.
Andy Hewitt keeps Ashton in the
game with fine penalty save.
The second half got off to a great start for Bootle as a long free kick was delivered into the box to find O'connor at the far post who headed home for his team 1-2.
Ashton rallied but the instinctive passing was misfiring and as hard as the team worked the fluid play of previous games was absent and half chances for Townshend, McVeigh and Gallanders came and went. Substitutions were made but Bootle kept the upper hand and an uncharacteristic error at the back presented the lively Hopkins with a gift which he gladly accepted and give his side brething space in the 75th minute. 1-3.
Ashton thre cation to the wind in an attempt to salvage the game but the final pass and the favourable bounce of the ball was not evident and the excellent Bootle defence held firm.
with Ashton pushing forward this left Bootle free to use their counter attacking to its maximum and only two excellent saves by Hewitt prevented Bootle from increasing the lead. The excellent Andy Fowler then made it a convincing scoreline for Bootle as he cut in from the right and unleashed a powerful drive into the bottom corner. 1-4.
Man of the match awards for Chris Tyson for Bootle and Chris Almond for Ashton.
A good and deserved win for Bootle who move on to the last sixteen and once again suggested that they will be in the mixer for the promotion spots at the end of the season, and on this showing will certainly take points off the other teams in the top 6.

Ashton must dust themselves down and focus on next Saturdays trip to Billingham Synthonia for the FA Vase match, hopefully refreshed by the absence of a midweek match for a change!

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Lancs Cup success for Ashton

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 2 AAFC 4 after extra time
Coop Lancashire County Cup Round 2

Ashton progressed into the quarter finals of the Coop Lancashire County cup by taking another Vodkat League One side scalp in the form of Ramsbottom United, following hot on the heels of previous FA Vase wins over Congleton and Colne.
The match was more than eventful with some strange refereeing decisions throughout the night for both sides that at times threatened to boil over with both sets of players, managers and supporters puzzled by numerous calls by the officials. A red card and 3 yellow cards for both teams makes the game sound like a pitched battled, but that it was certainly not as both teams played hard and fair producing some excellent football until the frustration with the decisions got to the players particularly in extra time.
Early in the first half Tom Potter produced a great cross which Paul Townshend header over at full stretch and then John Blackley forced a good save from Ashton's keeper Hewitt taking advantage of a half clearance after a corner.
In the 6th minute lively striker Lee Cryer got a yard on his marker and whipped in a diagonal cross come shot from 25 yards that sailed over the head of Hewitt and into the far top corner to give the home side the lead. 1-0 Ramsbottom
Hewitt was then called into action to save a good effort from Dave Hanlon but from then on Ashton started to find the passing range and had a purple patch as two efforts from Townshend and then Steve Bennett forced Ramsbottom keeper Steve Dryden to save. Ramsbottom were penned back deep in their own half with Ashton probing down both flanks. The prolonged pressure finally produced dividends as Mark Court helped the ball back into the penalty box and a half clearance by the defence fell into the path of Chris Almond who smashed the ball into the top corner. 1-1

Ashton continued to press forward but the equaliser provoked a response from the Vodkat League One side and as half time approached two smart breaks produced chances for Cryer, from a Ben Kitchen cross saved by Hewitt and then a long range attempt by Kitchen that flew over the bar. HT 1-1
Ashton endeavoured to wrestle back the initiative early in the second half and a terrific volley from Paul Townshend after 51 minutes almost did the trick but the effort skimmed over the bar. Then a moment of controversy, as not for the first or last time referee O'Neil awarded the home side a free kick this time on the say so of his assistant despite the fact that the linesman was on the blind side and further from the tackle when the Ashton defender had won the ball cleanly. From the free kick deadball specialist Dave Hanlon looped a great free kick over wall that dipped into the bottom corner and gave Hewitt little chance to save. 2-1 to Ramsbottom.
Another Hanlon free kick tested Hewitt again minutes later but this time the Ashton keeper came out on top.
Wallace penalty puts Ashton on equal terms
Ashton fought back and Mike Burke was disappointed to place his header over the bar from a Tom Potter corner before minutes later Ashton drew level as a diagonal ball into the bax from Steve Wallace found Paul Townshend who was haled to the ground by his marker preventing an attempt on goal, Penalty awarded which Steve Wallace duly dispatched in the 60th minute. 2-2
Then the most controvertial incident of the night as Ramsbottom attempted to make a substitution, the replacement Brendan O'Shaughnessy became involved with the assistant referee, and when the man in the middle was called over to everyone's amazement he was shown the red card - that refs report will make interesting reading!!
With Ramsbottom reduced to ten men Ashton found more space and created several oppoprtunities with Chris Almond heading over the top from a Steve Rothwell cross and then Almond was played in by Gallanders in the 67th minute with a threaded path and as Almond took a touch he was pulled back by the chasing defender when clean though in the box. So obvious was this a penalty and a probable second red card for the defender that all and sundry were totally amazed that the referee awarded a free kick outside the box and never spoke a word to the offender.
Then again in the 80th minute a driving run into the box by Steve Bennett took him beyond the defence and his legs were taken from under him as he bore down on goal. Again a stone wall penalty and perhaps a yellow card this time should have been the automatic response, but no the referee just played on. Steve Bennett was then played in by Townshend and a last ditch tackle saved a certain goal, and a minute later Burke had a header cleared off the line which guaranteed extra time. FT 2-2
With the ten men tiring Ashton maintained the upper hand as Chris Alomnd again came close with another powerful shot the Dryden could only parry back to Paul Mcveigh whose effort was cleared off the line.
Ashton got their noses in front in the 98th minute as a well flighted Ste Wallace free kick found Chris Lawton ghosting in at the far post to head home. 3-2
Lawton gets the all important
breakthrough in extra time
Hanlon kept Ashton and keeper Hewitt on their toes and forced another good save from Hewitt before the extra time turn around.
The result was put beyond doubt as Ashton's Man of the match Chris Almond pounced onto a loose ball in the box to give his team breathing space. 4-2
Daniel Hitchen then had a late effort saved by Dryden that could have extended the lead and then in last 5 minutes of the game frustrations came to the fore as several over the top challenges from Ramsbottom, clearly seeking retribution for perceived injustices. These poor challenges went unpunished by the officials which in turn infuriated the Ashton contingency, and in particular Adam White who responded in the wrong (and uncharacteristic) way by catching full back Matt Eckersley late in the tackle. This was an opportunity to even cards up, a chance that the referee took with both hands by dismissing White with dramatic effect.
An unfortunate end to the match which was not the blood bath that the cautions and sending off's might suggest but a good contest between two committed side. Full time 4-2

Two goal Almond also
earns the Man of Match

MoM for Ashton was two goal hero Chris Almond whilst Lee Cryer took the Ramsbottom award, a constant danger and showing great effort as a lone striker for almost an hour.
Ashton can now look forward to the quarter final draw, to be made on BBC Radio Lancashire on the non league hour on Friday 13th November, and the prospect of pitting their wits and skills against a Unibond or Conference North side.
Before that there is the subject of a Vodkat League Cup match at Brocstedes Park this Saturday against Bootle FC

Potter magic seals the win for Ashton

A second stunning strike in a week from Ashton's Tom Potter in the 85th minute sealed the points for Ashton after Simon Gallanders had given his team the lead on the hour mark.
It had not been all plain sailing for Ashton however as a lacklustre first half performance allowed Eccleshall three clear sights at goal, but fortunately for the visitors Matt Mills and strike partners Dwayne Spence and Rob Adlington all placed their efforts wide in the first half.
Ashton keeper Andy Paxton also got away with a slight lapse as a long range shot from Paul Brice was spilled and fortunately an on the toes Ashton defender cleared the danger before the Eccleshall strikers good get to the loose ball.
Ashton too had chances as Steve Bennett twice went close with keeper Barry Weston saving and then the second required a goal line clearance by Steve Brunt for Eccleshall. Overall however the usual movement and quality of play was lacking and there was some relief that the score remained at 0-0 at half time.

The second half was a much different affair as Ashton upped the intensity and took the game by the scruff of the neck, with midfielders Alomnd and White particularly impressive. The opening goal came from a route one punt by keeper Paxton who found the head of McVeigh and whose flick landed into the path of Simon Gallanders who volleyed the ball over keeper Weston and into the gaol 1-0.
Adam White shot inches over the bar, as did Eccleshall's Spencer Gunnell and then Gallanders forced Weston into a great save.
Further chances were limited for both sides and with Ashton's mean defence muscling up again the win seemed on the cards for Ashton. The result was put beyond doubt as Tom Potter unleashed a trademark swerving shot that deceived the Eccleshall keeper and flew into the top corner in the 85th minute capping off another terrific game for Potter and one which also earned him his team's Man of the match award for his continuous raids down the left flank for Ashton. 2-0
Eccleshall full back Jack Thorley picked up his teams award with a dogged defensive display to stem the tide of attacks, whilst setting up some decent attacking plays with incisive passing.

The next game for Ashton is the Coop Lancashire County Cup second round tie at Ramsbottom United on Tuesday 6th November - 7.45pm KO. The full draw for the second round is shown below and clearly the winners of this game can look forward to the prospect of a plum quarter final tie against higher league opponents later in the year.

Atherton Colleries FC v Southport FC
Burscough FC v Bamber Bridge FC
Bacup Borough FC v Barrow AFC
Rossendale United FC v Skelmersdale United FC
Leigh RMI FC v Clitheroe FC
Fleetwood Town FC v Radcliffe Borough FC
Ramsbottom United FC v Ashton Athletic FC
Kendal Town FC v Chorley FC

A share of the spoils for Ashton and Bootle as Black and White strike

It was all square at Brocstedes Park as Ashton's defence pitted its wits against Vodkat League 2 top scorers Bootle FC, who have returned 15 goals in their last three games.

In the end it was both defences that came out on top as goals Ashton's Adam White and Bootle's Kevin Black were able to breakthrough with long range efforts.

Ashton started brightly as Paul Townshend turned sharply on the edge of the box unleashed a powerful shot that was bound for the bottom corner before a last ditch block deflected the effort past the post.

Bootle looked dangerous on the break with Andy Fowler a constant threat, and Fowler beat his man and rattled a shot against the upright in the 6th minute and then a Jamie Hay long range effort took a deflection and had Ashton keeper Hewitt scrambling to save.
A mistimed clearance by Hewitt then presented Bootle with another opportunity but recovering defenders swatted out the chance.
On 9 minutes an Ashton set piece was repelled by Bootle but the clearance fell to Adam White who volleyed over the head of Bootle keeper Parkinson and into the top corner to give Ashton the lead. 1-0.
A midfield stalemate tightened up clear cut chances until a Mike Burke pass was cut out in midfield and Fowler was put through but Hewitt had his angles worked out and forced him to shoot wide.
In the 38th minute a super through ball by Steve Rothwell found Chris Almond whose first touch took him into the box and in across the front of defender Dale who took out Almond, and with both teams expecting a penalty to everyone's amazement the referee waved play on.
As half time approached Bootle pressed for the equaliser forcing a goal mouth scramble and a half clearance fell to Kevin Black on the edge of the Ashton box who drove the ball into the bottom corner through a crowded area, giving Ashton keeper Hewitt little chance of saving. 1-1. HT.

The second half took a similar pattern as the first with both teams having their fair share of possession and territory however Ashton proved to be a more potent threat on the opponents goal.
For Ashton a Paul Mcveigh header skimmed the crossbar from a Steve Bennett cross before a Mike Burke header from a corner flashed wide from close range.
Bootle's winger Paul Hopkins flashed across along the six yard box but the lone striker Fowler could not latch onto the cross and the ball went to safety.
A draw looked on the cards but Ashton had other ideas as first a tricky run by Simon Gallanders broke free in the Bootle box, bearing down on keeper Parkinson drove the ball towards the top corner but a reflex save diverted the ball away for a corner. A minute later a short corner allowed Steve Wallace to put in a pin point cross onto the header of top scorer Paul McVeigh 6 yards out and his powerful header was angled into the corner of the goal but again Parkinson pulled off a miraculous save to deny Ashton the lead, and all three points.
As the final whistle approached both team defences tightened up to stiffle the advances of the attacking players and perhaps reflected an appropriate reward from a hard fought contest.
Man of the match awards for Ashton's midfield dynamo Adam White, whilst Bootle's rock in defence, Carl Dale won his teams accolade.
On Saturday Ashton travel to Staffordshire for a 3pm kick off to play Eccleshall in a Vodkat league match before another away match on Tuesday night, taking on Vodkat League One team Ramsbottom United in the second round of the Coop Lancashire Cup on Tuesday night, 7.45pm kick off

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