Hewitt's Heroics Wins Cup Final

ATHERTON CHARITY CUP FINAL
SUNDAY 18th MAY 2008 @ ATHERTON COLLIERIES FC
ASHTON ATHLETIC 0 ATHERTON TOWN 0 a.e.t
Ashton won 3-2 on penalty kicks

Preparation for matches has been a cornerstone for Ashton's success this season, with dedication, attitude and commitment at the forefront. However when the Atherton Charity Cup final date was fixed at 4 days notice, and that date happened to be the morning after the Club's long time arranged day out, Club presentation and end of season night out Ashton were faced with a major dilemma.

All attempts to re arrange the end of season celebration failed, whilst pleas to put the final back a day fell on deaf ears despite that the competition had been ran on a midweek basis throughout the season. Determination to fully celebrate one of the best season's in Ashton's history was decided to be the order of the weekend however and the players were given free reign.

As a result Ashton lined up for the 11am Sunday morning kick off against Atherton Town in the final of the Atherton Cup somewhat depleted in number and certainly worse for wear but nevertheless produced a gutsy performance that belied the exertions of the previous day, and early hours of Sunday morning.

Unfortunately the first half would be more remembered for numerous inconsistent decision's from the officials rather than the good football played by both sides. This resulted in both sides becoming increasingly frustrated, not knowing how to judge the ever moving "boundaries".

The game produced only a few chances at either end with defences on top, and Atherton Town keeper Wood the busier of the two, making several saves at full stretch to deny Ashton. Meanwhile at the other end Ashton's Hewitt tidied up efficiently everything not dealt with by his dependable back four.

In the second half Ashton started to flag a little and also did not benefit from the loss of midfielder Simon Gallanders with an ankle injury. Only sharp work by Hewitt late in the game kept a clean sheet for his team whilst Wood at the other end did likewise as Ashton almost nicked it at the death.

The full time whistle was blown and after a much needed respite extra time commenced and the game burst into life with Ashton finding untapped energy from somewhere, and looked the more likely to score as some of the Atherton players started to feel the effects of the physical game.

However with only minutes left in the second period of extra time Atherton should have won it as first a terrific effort thumped against the cross bar, and then from a subsequent corner minutes later several players from both sides clashed in the box and despite there not being a single claim from either side for a foul referee Bennett pointed to the spot and awarded Town a penalty.

The decision infuriated the Ashton team who had put so much into the game but perhaps justice was done as the inspired Andy Hewitt drew strength from his team mates dejection and produced a great block from the penalty kick. The rebound fell kindly to the Town substitute but the volley was skied over the bar as Hewitt regained his feet quickly to limit his target and force the match to penalties.

Ashton Skipper Rothwell won the toss and elected to take the pens first.
The first pen for both sides sent the keepers the wrong way 1-1, with Paul McVeigh tucking away Ashton's opener.
Ashton's 2nd pen saw Rothwell's spot kick blocked by the Atherton keeper. 1-1
Atherton 2nd spot kick was saved by Hewitt 1-1
Richard Sharpe scored as did Town's third penalty taker.2-2
Adam Morris then converted his spot kick superbly to edge Ashton ahead 3-2
Hewitt saved again to give Ashton the upper hand 3-2
The normally dependable Steve Wallace stepped up and could have finished the job but his effort was once again saved by Town keeper giving Atherton an unexpected lifeline. 3-2
Atherton's final penalty had to find the back of the net to force a sudden death shoot out but with Hewitt standing tall the effort was blazed over the top to give Ashton the Cup for the second year running. 3-2.

Ashton received the trophy, and not surprisingly keeper Andy Hewitt was awarded his team's man of the match award for a faultless goalkeeping display throughout the whole match. A big pat on the back for all the players for the enormous effort of all the Ashton players to produce such an energetic performance in the circumstances none more so than 17 year old midfielder Jonny Bridge making his full first team debut after several cameo roles from the bench in late season, and covering every blade of grass in the 2 hours energy sapping football.

Sharpe shooter puts Athletic into the final

Wednesday 14th May 2008
Ashton Athletic 3 Ashton Town 1 @ Atherton Collieries
Atherton Charity Cup Semi Final

Having been knocked out of 4 cup competitions at the semi final stage during a hectic season Ashton Athletic took to the field in determined mood against local rivals Ashton Town. and a Richard Sharpe hat trick powered the 'Latics into the final.

As early as the 5th minute Sharpe made his mark with the easiest of finishes after Simon Gallanders sliced his way through the Town defence before drawing the keeper before passing to Sharpe for a tap in.

Town fought back and exerted pressure in the Ashton box resulting in a goal line clearance and several near misses before Athletic regained composure and regained control.

The second half was a tight affair with Town committing more men forward and Athletic playing on the break however both defences held firm, that is until Sharpe was supplied with another defence splitting pass and the coolest of finishes put the 'latics two up after 65 minutes.

Town again responded well and forced a hotly disputed corner from which the clearance was returned with some vengeance, as from a full 25 yards a terrific strike flew into the top corner to pull one back for Town.

Not to be undone Athletic upped a gear and it was Sharpe who was once again on the spot to kill off Town and grab his third goal in the 85th minute and with it secure the cup final spot for his side.

Ashton move on to play in the Final of the competition for the second year running with the aim of retaining the trophy against the winners of the second semi final between Atherton Town and Hindsford FC.

Atherton Cup Qtr Final AAFC 3 Stoneclough 0

Gallanders slides the ball past the keeper to give Ashton the lead
First half goals from Simon Gallanders, Richard Sharpe and Steve Wallace secured another semi final appearance for Ashton against a spirited Stoneclough side, who had already secured the First Division West Lancs League and Cup Double and also made it to the showcase final of the Bolton Hospital Cup, to be played this Friday at the Reebok stadium.


Sharpe puts Ashton 2 up
The win secures a plum Derby against neighbours Ashton Town who beat Bolton Lads Club 2-1 in their quarter final. The tie will be played at Atherton Collieries Ground on Wednesday 14th May 7.30pm KO.

Ashton seal third spot with win over nearest rivals.

Saturday 3^rd May 2008 - Vodkat North West Counties League

Ashton Athletic 3 Oldham Town 2

By a quirk of the fixture scheduling the last league game of the season pitted 3rd place Oldham Town against 4th place Ashton, with Ashton needing a win to leapfrog over their opponents and round off a terrific second season back in the North West Counties League

Five wins and a draw in Ashton Athletic’s last 6 league fixtures set up the day's prospect and the competition of seeing who could finish closest to big spending New Mills and Kirkham and Wesham.

Ashton started very brightly and took the lead in the 3^rd minute after a quick free kick by Steve Wallace released Steve Bennett down the right wing. An early delivery caught the Oldham back line on the hop and striker Richard Sharpe made no mistake with a crisp finish from just inside the six yard box for his 7^th goals in his last 7 games.

Sharpe with in "haka" mode celebrates
his 7th goal in 7 games

Bennett was then found by a searching cross field pass from skipper Steve Rothwell but his shot veered wide of the target. Sharpe was then denied by Oldham keeper Blair at the near post who turned the effort away for a corner.

Oldham were struggling to make inroads into the Ashton defence, that is until the 26^th minute as speculative cross from the right was called for by Ashton keeper Clayton but under severe pressure from the Oldham attacker he could not hold onto the ball and it fell kindly to Elstrom Die who stroked the ball into the empty net.

Oldham had a purple patch exerting increased pressure on the Ashton defence which held firm, with Clayton back to his assured self, despite severe provocation and late challenges by the Oldham players, and unprotected by referee Steve Foster.

Just before half time Steve Bennett almost regained the lead for Ashton with a fine jinking run and shot that skidded wide of the post HT 1-1

Ashton resumed in the second half in the ascendency and Sharpe had the ball in the net after 52 minutes but was adjudged to have handled in the process and received a yellow card for his trouble. Sharpe almost made amends latching on to a superb cross from Paul Bohannon but his header from the edge of the 6 yard line was too straight, and was gathered low down by keeper Blair.

With the game seemingly petering out to a draw, a result that would have allowed Oldham to hold onto 3^rd place in the League, Ashton introduced fresh legs allied to a tactical change and the bold move soon brought dividends.

Paul McVeigh put Ashton back in front

Top scorer Paul McVeigh was allowed too much space in the box after good build up play down the left and 12 yards out a great first touch and powerful strike flew into the top corner to give Ashton the lead in the 84^th minute, and clock up McVeigh’s 27^th goal of the season in all competitions.

Gallanders slides the ball in at the

near post for Ashton's 3rd

With the clock running down Simon Gallanders burst through from midfield but instead of heading for the corner to kill time he beat the last defender with a terrific turn of pace, drew the keeper and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner much to the delight of his teammates.

Much credit to Oldham though, who never gave up and piled men forward during injury time. From a corner they reduced the deficit as once again the referee failed to penalise the Oldham attackers from barging into Ashton keeper Clayton as he rose to collect the ball. Tom Matley got to the loose ball first and blasted the ball into the net. It was however too little too late as seconds after the restart the final whistle sounded, much to the relief of the Ashton followers.

Gallanders celebrates the decisive

Ashton 3rd with Sharpe and White

A great climax to the League season for Ashton whose 3^rd league position represents a tremendous improvement from the previous season and the can team now move on to cup football when next Tuesday, continuing with their efforts to retain the Atherton Charity Cup, with a home quarter final tie against Stoneclough FC, 7.30pm KO.

Photographs copyright tony taylor and paul Scott www.celebritypixuk.co.uk

Bennett blasts Cheadle.

Steve Bennett produced a superb first half display blitzing Cheadle with a hat trick, including 2 superb headed goals and was unfortunate not to have increased his tally even further.

As early as the third minute Bennet burst through and crashed a volley against the underside of the bar, but the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line and was cleared to safety.
Steve Bennett on top form with a first half hat trick

A great through ball by Dave Sherlock found Bennett free again after 8 minutes and this time he made no mistake tucking the ball away after rounding the keeper.

Bennett then turned provider with a deep cross that found Danny Burrows, whose shot was blocked but the rebound reached Paul McVeigh who finished clinically into the top corner.

Cheadle tried to get a foot hold in the game with committed work rate but could not get a sight on goal and only a long range effort by Adam Robberts forced Ashton keeper Andy Hewitt into action.

As half time approached Bennett struck again with Dave Sherlock once again the provider with two great crosses onto the head of the advancing Bennett that both ended up in the back of the net and gave Ashton a comfortable lead at the break.

Ashton stayed on the front foot early in the half and Sherlock almost got on the goal sheet with a powerful shot from 25 yards that skimmed past the post with Cheadle keeper stranded.

Substitute Richard Sharpe then burst through and unleashed a venomous shot from 25 yards that flew into the top corner, again giving keeper O'Keefe no chance in the 72nd minute.

Full credit to Cheadle who kept at it and denied any further clear cut chances and sub Adi James should have opened his teams account but shot wide from just inside the box in the 85th minute.

A resounding win for Ashton that sets up Saturday's 3rd place decider against Oldham Town, 3pm KO

Ashton Stonewalled

Ashton's rush towards the third league spot stalled on Tuesday night, up against an energetic young Stone Dominoes side that twice came back from behind to take a share of the spoils.

The early exchanges produced some quick quality football from both sides with Ashton's Simon Gallanders coming close, forcing keeper James Hall into a fine save after 5 minutes.

Gallanders then cut in from the left and found Steve Wallace in space on the opposite flank. Wallace reversed the play again with a jinking run beating two defenders and produced a stinging left foot shot that keeper Hall spilled and let through his hands for Ashton's opening goal in the 26th minute.

Stone responded well and soon pulled back on level terms as a superb cross from the right wing reached top scorer Dan Brown free from his marker 8 yards out and he nade no mistake with a bullet header that gave Ashton keeper Hewitt no chance.

As half time approached Richard Sharpe was dragged down as he bore down on goal although the offence went unspotted by referee Jones, his assistant Gardner was on hand to draw attention to the incident, and a penalty was awarded duly dispatched by Paul McVeigh despite the gallant effort of Hall.

Ashton shut up shop early in the second half and struggled to find any momentum to increase the lead whilst Stone probed for the equaliser. After 70 minutes a cross to the back post reached the lively James Curley who just held his run to avoid the offside trap and his finish was incisive hard and low beyond the reach of Hewitt.

Ashton then came out and played putting Stone's young team on the back foot, and should have been awarded two further penalties as first Stone keeper Hall shoved Ashton's Sherlock from the six yard line to the 18 yard line in a fit of anger, and rather strangley referee Jones awarded a free kick inches OUTSIDE the box. Shortly afterwards a blatant hand ball several metres inside the box and had Ashton calling for the decision. When the whistle blew to everyone's surprise the referee awarded another free kick inches out side the box again.

The decisions spurred on the home side into greater efforts but were denied 3 clear one on one's with the keeper by the assistant referees offside flag when it seemed that the runs from deep had been timed to perfection.

Then with seconds left Dave Sherlock cut in from the left and unleashed a great shot that Hall saved at full strecth to earn his side a point. FT 2-2

Ashton must push on to Thursday and secure ALL THREE points against Cheadle Town if the prospect of third spot is to be forced to a showdown with Oldham Town on Saturday.