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.

Saturday 26th April 2008 - NORTON UNITED 0 ASHTON ATHLETIC 4

NORTON UNITED 0 ASHTON ATHLETIC 4

Vodkat Legaue Division Two

Saturday 26^th April 2008

Ashton travelled to the Potteries on Saturday buoyed by the 5-0 midweek win at Daisy Hill and ran out worthy winners again to strengthen the hold on 5^th place in the Vodkat North West Counties League with a dominant performance against Norton United currently occupying 8^th spot.

Before taking control there was an early wake up call for the Ashton defence as a speculative long ball reached Steven Allen but luckily skipper Mike Burke just got back in time to exert pressure on the striker who lost his balance and tumbled to the ground appealing for a penalty, which was rightly waived away by referee Gary Clewes.

Ashton almost took the lead in the 7^th minute as Richard Sharpe picked up a ball McVeigh flick header 10 yards out but his shot on the turn was gathered by Norton keeper Goodwin. Then 3 minutes later came the breakthrough for Ashton as a corner was only half cleared by Norton and as Danny Burrows shot for goal a Norton defender leaned into the ball with his arm and without any hesitation the referee pointed to the spot. The resultant penalty was duly converted by Paul McVeigh, for his 23^rd goal of the season in all competitions.

Burrows was once again pushing forward and forced Goodwin into a fine reflex save minutes after the goal and then another great passage of play down the Ashton left allowed Burrows to deliver a deep cross that reached Adam white unmarked and his powerful header was turned away by Goodwin at full stretch. White pounced onto the loose ball and crossed the ball only to have his delivery blocked blatantly by the outstretched hand of a Norton defender, however this time the referee failed to react and dismissed the appeals.

Norton were pegged back as Ashton piled on the pressure with McVeigh denied twice by Goodwin with fine saves, whilst a straight forward tap in was cut short as referee Clewes awarded a free kick to Norton after the home keeper had been fouled by his own defender.

Norton only threat to the Ashton goal came from sporadic breaks and set pieces which were all dealt with efficiently by the Ashton back line HT 1-0

Ashton took immediate control again in the second half and a slick move down the left ended with Simon Gallanders finding the feet of Richard Sharpe on the edge of the box and a perfectly set ball to Adam White gave time for him to set his sights and drove the ball into the bottom corner to increase Ashton’s lead in the 51^st minute.

A great through ball by Adam White 6 minutes later broke down the Norton offside trap and Richard Sharpe raced through, rounded the keeper and ran the ball into the empty net for his 6^th goal in his last 6 games, and put the result beyond doubt.

Paul McVeigh then spurned two great chances to increase the score before finally grabbing his second and his team’s fourth goal after 82 minutes, firing home from close range after another good passing moved opened up the Norton defence.

McVeigh, scorer of Ashton's 1st and fourth goals

Norton rarely got past the assured Ashton defence and goalkeeper and even a superb long range effort on the stroke of the final whistle failed to catch out Goalkeeper Hewitt who produced a flying save to ensure a clean sheet.

Ashton move on to 3 games in 5 games to conclude the League programme with home matches on Tuesday against Stone Dominoes, 7.45 KO; Thursday against Cheadle Town7.45 KO and finally sign off against Oldham Town on Saturday 3^rd May 3pm KO

Meanwhile the Ashton Reserve team maintained good form with a comfortable 3-1 win against Cheadle Town reserves, as goals from Pete Tarpey and two from Adam Morris secured the points that moved them up to 9^th spot.

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Wednesday 23rd April 2008 - DAISY HILL 0 ASHTON ATHLETIC 5

DAISY HILL 0 ASHTON ATHLETIC 5

Vodkat Legaue Division Two

Ashton bounced back in great style after the disappointing semi final exit in the Wigan Cup against Garswood United on Monday, with a demolition of basement Club Daisy Hill.

A 5^th minute headed goal by Danny Burrows from a deep cross from Paul Bohannon set the visitors on their way but despite dominating possession the Daisy Hill back line held firm to restrict further sights at goal to a double strike from Mark Court, the first blocked and the second well saved by Daisy keeper Scott Moore. HT 1-0

Danny Burrows opened Ashton's account with a fine header

In the second half Ashton visibly upped the tempo and as early as the 48^th minute were denied
by a brave block on the line as a Chris Lawton volley struck full back Nick Irwin full in the face and away to safety.

Within 5 minutes Ashton had increased the lead as direct play by Mike Burke and James
Lawless released Steve Wallace who finished coolly, 2-0 . Ashton hit a purple patch and two minutes later a Simon Gallanders threaded pass found James Lawless who drew the keeper and fired home to make it 3-0.

Lawless makes it three but suffers
knee injury shortly afterwards

Gallanders was involved again as his cross from the left reached Lawless beyond the back post whose early return ball found Adam White breaking into the box to tuck away his 6^th goal of the season. 4-0

Daisy Hill finally managed to break through the resolute Ashton defence in the 68^th minute but a superb reaction save by Hewitt denied Darrell Gavin any consolation for his side.

In the 82^nd minute substitute Phil Williams then fed Richard Sharpe who had his first shot blocked by keeper Moore but his second effort found the back of the net for his 5^th goal in as many games. 5-0

The solid debuts of two 17 year olds, Phil Williams and Jonathon Bridge, introduced midway through the second half was a major plus on top of the excellent all round team performance and the only negative from the evening’s work for Ashton was the unfortunately loss of lively wingman James Lawless in the 68^th minute with a knee injury which will probably bring a premature end to his season.

END

Cup final defeat for Youth team

Ashton's youth team went down to a last minute winner by Bolton County in the Furness Building Society LFA under 18 final last Monday night at LFA Headquarters in Leyland

Without playing any where near the team's potential Ashton took the lead with a Wayne Smith penalty before Bolton fought back with the equaliser and then the last gasp winner to deny Ashton.

The team must now focus quickly on the North West Youth Alliance League as they are still in prime position to take the title if the fixture back log does not get in the way.

Wigan Cup Semi Final defeat for Ashton

Garswood United 2 Ashton Athletic 1

Wigan Cup Semi Final

Monday 21^st April 2008

Ashton Athletic produced a disappointing performance in the Wigan Cup semi final against Garswood United, played at Ashton Town’s Edge Green Street.

All credit to their mid Cheshire League opponents who were supplemented by a smattering of higher league guest players and produced a determined performance against an Ashton side failing to get up for the challenge.

Garswood looked the hungrier from the start putting pressure on the Ashton defence without creating any chances. Against the run of play an all but fleeting glimpse of quality was shown for Ashton as Simon Gallanders superbly controlled the ball with his chest before volleying the ball into the goal off the inside of the goal post to give Ashton an undeserved lead.1-0

Gallenders with Ashtons opener

Veteran Brian Hatton then got behind the Ashton defence only to be denied by a great save from Andy Hewitt. Hewitt was again forced into action as a Mike Scully toe poke headed goalward.

As half time approached a disputed corner was awarded to Garswood and from the set piece centre half Dougie Pitts stole in unopposed with a powerful header to level the scores. HT 1-1

The defences on both sides then muscled up and the game seemed to be heading for extra time before Ashton squandered possession in their own half and an incisive cross field ball found Mike Scully in the clear too late for the Ashton defence to recover and he cut inside to fire past Andy Hewitt, giving him no chance to save. 1-2

Ashton piled forward in the last 5 minutes but some great last ditch defending stopped any chance of an equaliser and late on a couple of counter attacks almost presented an opportunity for Garswood to increase the lead, but Ashton’s recovering kept the result in doubt until the final whistle

Garswood will now play the winners of the other semi final Standish St Wilfrids v Pemberton to be played on Monday 28^th April 2008 at Garswood’s Simms Road End ground. Ashton must now rely on a run in the Atherton cup and the Hindsford Trophy to have any chance of delivering Silverware this season, and concentrate on racking up the League Points to achieve the best League position possible.

Big Cup night for Ashton teams

Monday 21st April 2008 will see Ashton's under 18's take to the field in the Furness Building Society L.F.A. Under 18 Youth Cup Final against Bolton County FC at the Lancs FA Headquarters in Leyland, 7pm KO. The team will be determined to go one better than 2 years ago when they lost 3-1 to Lytham St Annes YMCA in the under 16 final.

Meanwhile Ashton's senior team take on Garswood United in the semi final of the Wigan Cup at Ashton Town's Edge Green Street Ground, 6.15pm kick off. In the other semi final, to be played on Monday 28th April at Garswood's ground, will see Pemberton FC play Standish St Wilfrids.

Good Luck to both teams!

Saturday 19th April 2008 Ashton Athletic 2 Castleton Gabriels 0

Saturday 19^th April 2008

Ashton Athletic 2 Castleton Gabriels 0

Vodkat League Division 2

Ashton returned to league action on Saturday after the previous weekend’s wash out, when heavy overnight rain in the early hours of Saturday morning flooded the pitch and prevented a ball being kicked in the scheduled clash with Cheadle Town. The absence of league action has seen Ashton drop to fifth place but with 6 games remaining there is still all to play for.

Subsequent Midweek local cup successes against Newburgh United in the Wigan Cup quarter final, and a 4-2 win against Daisy Hill in the second round of the Atherton Cup set things up nicely for Saturday’s league encounter at home against Castleton Gabriels.

The positive mood paid early dividends as Ashton set off at lightening pace pinning back their opponents with some slick passing football. In the third minute a good move down the right set Steve Bennett free and his cross found Simon Gallanders who laid the ball for Mike Johnson to fire low and hard, only to be foiled by a great reaction save by Mark Canning in the Castleton goal.

Richard Sharpe

The early pressure soon paid off though as Richard Sharpe latched onto a great through ball and slid the ball past Canning and into the bottom corner to give Ashton the deserved lead in the 7^th minute. Within 2 minutes the home side doubled the lead as a great cross from skipper Steve Rothwell reached Chris Lawton who hooked the ball into the net from 6 yards out.

Castleton finally responded as Matt Russell picked up a cross field pass and drove the ball inches over the bar and then a similar result from Castleton’s only other worthwhile effort in the first half as Warren Russell fired over from long distance.

Chris Lawton scorer of Ashton's second

The second half saw Castleton muscle up in defence to prevent Ashton from playing freely but should have been reduced to 10 men when after 55 minutes Steve McCann cynically pulled down Steve Bennett from behind inches outside the box, as Bennett was clean though on goal. Referee Mike Bonage gave McCann the benefit of the doubt and brandished a yellow much to the puzzlement of most onlookers; and the resultant free kick came to nothing.

As the second half wore on Ashton thoroughly dominated possession and territory and only the occasional counter attack threatened the Ashton goal, dealt with easily by the Ashton back line. Meanwhile the Castleton defence was creaking as a Richard Sharpe header was blocked on the line, as was a Mike Johnson placed shot in the 82^nd minute. Castleton keeper Canning once again showed his value to his team by saving superbly from a Steve Bennett effort but then was beaten by a cross come shot from Steve Wallace however the effort struck the cross bar and ran away to safety. Several offside decisions all went against Ashton as forward runs were adjudged offside by the assistant referee despite claims to the contrary by the home side and from spectators alike.

A comfortable victory for Ashton and the three points allowed ground to be made up on their fellow promotion hopefuls Oldham Town and Chadderton who both lost.

Ashton’s reserves picked up an away draw at neighbours Ashton Town as a David Senigla strike earned his side a share of the spoils.

Midweek sees Ashton in action again as they face Garswood United in the semi final of the Wigan Cup at Ashton Town’s Edge Green Street ground on Monday 21^st April 6.15pm KO and then on Wednesday a trip to Daisy Hill FC for another crucial League match, 7.45pm KO.

Sharpe double secures Wigan Cup semi final date for Ashton

Monday 7th April 2008 - Wigan Cup Quarter final

AAFC 3 Newburgh United 0

Two strikes either side of halftime from Richard Sharpe followed by a smart finish from Simon Gallanders put Ashton through to the semi final of the Wigan Cup and a date with near neighbours Garswood who saw off Digmoor FC in their quarter final.

A spirited and talented Newburgh team pushed the home side to the limit and the Ashton back line had to be on their toes to repel some smart attacking plays on the break particularly through the lively Gary Thomas.
Adam White volleys narrowly wide
Ashton dominated possession throughout the first half hour and a superb Adam White volley fizzed across the face of goal and narrowly wide from 25 yards out. The newburgh defence were working over time to repel the waves of ashton attacks and crosses into the box with centre half Andy Birks outstanding for the visitors, and experienced keeper Eric Tyler a steadying influence.

Newburgh were restricted to the odd break away which the Ashton defence coped with comfortably. The Ashton pressure finally brought its reward when a corner was half cleared to Mike Johnson whho returned the ball into the box and a flick from Paul Mcveigh found Sharpe 3 yards out who finished clinically.

Sharpe in the thick of it throughout

Newburgh doubled their efforts and some slack ashton passing out of defence presented the visiotrs with two great chances to draw level as first Barry Burchall was put through by skipper Ash Charnock but he could only steer hi shot wide. Then the speedy Gary Thomas for once out paced the Ashton defence and one on one with keeper Andy Hewitt his effort was well blocked. HT 1-0

Ashton stared the second half on the front foot forcing an early corner and an almost identical incident as the first goal produced Ashton's second. A Sherlock coner could only be half cleared to Mike Johnson who lobbed the ball back inot the danger area and again Paul McVeigh was on hand to help on the ball to the unmarked Richard Sharpe who turned the ball into the goal.

To their credit Newburgh kept at it but the Ashton defence was in mean mood and denied the underdogs any clear sight of goal.


Meanwhile going forward the introduction of substitutes, Mark Court, Joe Evans and Simon Gallanders pepped up the Ashton attack and a number of good chances to increasee the lead where squandered before Evans combined with Gallanders to set him free down the left and as the keeper advanced Gallanders slid the ball into the net to make the match safe for Ashton, and guarantee a semi final to be played in the next few weeks.



Gallanders skips past the last defender and grabs Ashton's 3rd

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Saturday 5th April 2008 Ashton Athletic 0, Kirkham & Wesham 2

Ashton Athletic 0, Kirkham & Wesham 2 (HT: 0-2)

Kirkham & Wesham scorers: Clark 13, Paterson 35.
Att: 65

After two tight games in the Division two trophy two legged semi final’s over the last few weeks Ashton were hopeful of a producing a shock against this season’s FA Vase finalists.

These hopes were dashed with two first half strikes by Kirkham as a deflected free kick effort from Mike Clarke and a tap in by Sean Patterson secured the points for the visitors that put clear daylight between Kirkham in 2^nd place and the rest of the chasing pack, including Ashton.

The loss with a back injury of recently signed experienced keeper Alan Fitzpatrick in the first ten minutes was a blow to the home side but fortunately for Ashton regular keeper Joe Clayton was hand to take over from the bench.

Kirkham started the match the brighter and before his injury Fitzpatrick had to be sharp to take 2 long range efforts. Ashton’s Richard Sharpe then found space behind the Kirkham defence but shot wide.

Then a dubious free kick award against Ashton on the edge of the box was taken by Mike Clarke whose low drive took a deflection off the Ashton wall and nestled into the bottom corner of the goal, with keeper Clayton wrong footed.

Impressive debut from Joe Evans

In a period of the game when defences dominated debutant Joe Evans came closest for Ashton but his 26th minute shot cleared the bar. Then an uncharacteristic loss of possession on the edge of the Ashton box gifted the visitors possession and the very dangerous Ritchie Allen drove to the by line beating two players and rounding keeper Clayton before lofting the ball to the back post for leading scorer Sean Paterson to nod in his 27th goal of the season at the far post after 36 minutes. HT 0-2

Steve Bennett and Rick Allen battle for possession

The second half saw Ashton dominate possession as Kirkham seemed content to sit deep and absorb the pressure whilst hitting Ashton on the break. Despite the pressure the resilient Kirkham defence, superbly marshalled by Phil Thompson held firm. Ashton were restricted to a few wayward long range efforts and several goalmouth scrambles after some dangerous set pieces however there always seemed to be a Kirkham player first to the loose ball to clear to safety.

Adam White holds off a Kirkham attack

Despite Ashton’s domination the clearest chances actually fell to Kirkham’s teenage substitute Matt Walwyn, a half time replacement for the injured Sean Paterson. Breaking down the right Walwyn cut inside and shot from an acute angle but his effort glance off the bar and away to safety and then in the final minute was denied again when he was through one on one with the Ashton substitute ‘keeper Clayton, who smothered his effort.

Clayton receives his Goalkeeper of the month award
Despite the defeat, and after another solid performance Ashton’s teenage keeper Joe Clayton had his effort in previous matches recognised by league official Geoff Wilkinson who presented him with the Vodkat Division Two goalkeeper of the Month award from February.

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Derby defeat dents Athletic's promotion challenge

The Easter Monday derby defeat against Ashton Town severely damaged Athletic's prospects for promotion and despite a second half bombardment of the Town goal a failure to convert numerous chances cost the home side dearly.

A stop start first half caused by referee Pope's insistence to prevent any physical contact whatsoever by Athletic's players, and yet let go several identical challenges and off the ball incidents by Town players, had the home side perplexed.

The number of free kicks awarded to Town in the first half numbered 25 plus - one every 2 minutes - and this allowed the visitors to take maximum advantage of the strong following wind combined with driving snow and hail showers by launching balls continually at the Athletic defence.

Paul McVeigh up against the elements

This inconsistency was clearly evident when Athletic lost the services of striker Paul Townshend for a 5 minute spell as the medical staff endeavored to stem the blood from a burst lip caused by a stray elbow that never even attracted a free kick award. Whilst Townshend was off the field the visitors took maximum advantage of the extra man as a flick on from a long throw was met by Alex Dunne who forced the ball in from close range in the 26th minute.
Townshend before his enforced break beaten to the ball by Heseltine

On the limited occasions that Athletic got the ball down and were unimpeded they were able to get behind the visitors defence with some ease, however half chances for Townshend, Paul McVeigh, and James Lawless came to nothing.

With the assistance of the elements Town continued to pile on the pressure and after a series of set pieces theyincreased the lead as a corner by Matt Gregory was whipped into the far post and amongst a crowd of players Chris McNally got a touch on the ball to put the ball into the goal. The game could have got worse for Athletic as a superb strike from Danny Smith beat keeper Clayton and crashed against the bar just before the half time whistle.
HT 0-2

The second half was a case of attack v defence as Athletic bombarded the Town back line. James Lawless shot wide 3 minutes after the restart, played in by Paul Bohannon and then a quick free kick by Steve Rothwell set free Lawless who crossed early and after a scramble in the box Richard Sharpe pounced to reduce the deficit.
Athletic's goal scorer
Richard Sharpe back in first team action

Two efforts on goal by centre half Chris Lawton and a long range effort from Mike Burke skidded wide and then in the space of a minute two great crosses reached the normally deadly Paul McVeigh on the six yard line but his header and later shot were placed wide of the target.

Town keeper Heseltine in the thick of it
assisted by MOM Simon Howard

In the 70th minute Steve Bennett hit the upright with Town keeper Heseltine beaten and then Heseltine pulled off two excellent blocks from close range efforts as the Town defence failed to clear long throws into the box.
The cross bar then came to Town's rescue as a Richard Sharpe drive again failed to find the back of the net and the rebound was cleared after yet another goalmouth scramble.

With time running out Steve Bennett had his heel clipped as he lined up a shot from the edge of the box and the challenge from behind resulted in a skewed effort With everyone waiting for the refs whistle to award a foul Town broke away for one of their few forays out of their own half. An almost identical incident at the other end of the park had referee Pope blowing for a free kick despite the fact that Athletic's Adam White came away with the ball.
A sublime 90th minute free kick from Town's Danny Smith was curled into to the top corner to put the cap on a gutsy second half by Town and a frustrating one for the home side. FT 1-3

Town's MoM was Centre back Simon Howard whilst Mike Burke grabbed the home side's accolade in a close run thing with Richard Sharpe, back in the starting line up after a lengthy lay off.

All is not lost for Athletic's promotion challenge as all the top sides still need to play each other however the defeat in this game means there is little or no room for any more lapses or loss of points.

Furthermore the back log of games for promotion rivals Bootle Kirkham and Chadderton must start to bite soon as these teams will also need to drop points against the mid/low table teams to get Athletic back on par.

The next game will be at Brocstedes Park on Saturday when Stone Dominoes are the visitors in a 3pm KO.

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Saturday 22nd March 2008 Oldham Town 1 Ashton Athletic 1

After the energy sapping extra time defeat in last Tuesday’s semi final 2^nd leg at Kirkham Ashton travelled to Oldham hoping to put some momentum into the promotion challenge in this top of the table clash at Oldham Town’s Whitebank Stadium. A gale force wind and an extremely uneven playing surface made things difficult for both sides, with defences well on top throughout.

Long range efforts early in the first half by Oldham’s Leon Melia and Stuart McGill were off target before a shot from distance by Chris Lawton forced a save from Oldham’s keeper, Matty Blair.

Then in the 25^th minute Ashton finally got the ball down and a good passing move down the left flank found Paul McVeigh who threaded the ball through the Oldham defence into the path of Dave Sherlock who slotted the ball past the advancing keeper Blair to give the visitors the lead.

Sherlock gives Ashton the lead

Oldham responded and earned a free kick in a wide position just outside the box. The delivery was superb and although Ashton’s Lawton got his head to the ball first at full stretch his attempted clearance headed towards the top corner for what looked likely to be an own goal until the reflexes of keeper Clayton came to the rescue with an instinctive save touching the ball away to safety.

Ashton almost increased the lead as Tom Potter had a shot well saved by Blair after good build up play down the right, with Dave Sherlock starting to cause Oldham major problems.

With half time approaching and Ashton on top an uncharacteristic squandering of possession in the opponents half allowed Oldham to break forward and a long clearance caught Ashton on the back foot and poor communication resulted in an unnecessary corner.

The set piece was delivered to the back post and a Damien Schofield header hit the post and after a goal mouth scramble and two goal line stops from keeper Clayton Oldham’s Tim Buxton finally forced the ball over the line to even the score. Before Ashton could restart referee Mark Green blew up for half time.

The second half was much the same as the first with both teams struggling to find any rhythm, and defences well on top. A Tom Potter right foot effort had Blair scurrying to gather the shot whilst Ashton’s Clayton dealt with several crosses and long range efforts with ease.

At the other end Oldham’s Blair was also commanding his box as crosses from the left and right wings were gathered without incident as were a couple of shots from distance.

As the clock ran down neither side looked like snatching maximum points and even the introduction of attacking substitutes failed to unlock the determined defences. A point each a fair outcome for both sides, as both failed to live up to the expectations from this 2^nd v 3^rd clash.

It’s the Easter Monday derby next for Ashton as neighbours Ashton Town visit Brocstedes Park for a 3pm KO, and then next Saturday another home game as Stone Dominoes are the visitors.