Happy Trip To The Seaside for Ashton
Todays game seen me take a trip to sunny Blackpool to watch AFC Blackpool v Ashton Town in the North West Counties Div 1 North.
Both teams came into this one in great form with neither side loosing a game since the turn of the year. AFC Blackpool boasting two cup wins against Premier league teams along the way and some emphatic league wins to see them climb the table and charging towards the playoffs. Ashton also had eyes on the playoffs after picking up points this year.
On a bobbly pitch with a blustery wind both teams struggled to control the ball with early counter attacks in the first 5 minutes for both side, Gregory for AFC and Howard for Ashton both unable to capitalize on being played through. Two more chances came a piece for both sides, G. Lomax for Ashton unlucky with an audacious attempt from the halfway line nearly catching the keeper out. At the other end a smart strike from Carter seen Trenerry tip the ball round the post.
After a frantic first 15 minutes the goal mouth action stopped with both teams repelling attacks. AFCs center mid partnership of Robinson and Stirling kept them ticking over whilst Ashton's center backs pair of Kenny and Burke snuffing out any AFC attack.
The deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute by Ashton. Another counter attack from them seen Prescott race away down the right. A cross to the back post seen Howard keep the attack alive and fired the ball into the box where C. Lomax was on hand to bury home to give Ashton the lead at half time.
The second half was much of the same with both teams cancelling each other out and only have half chances each.
The last 20 minutes seen the game spark into life again. Ashton's sub Brown down well in closing the keeper down to be gifted the ball by him, but with two chances to score, Whittingham redeemed himself by keeping the ball out both times.
With 15 minutes left, the Lomax brothers worked the ball well between each other which seen George's effort saved. With 10 to go, a long ball up from AFC seen it flicked on to Gregory who cut inside but his shot was blazed over.
Ashton doubled their lead in the 85min from a freekick on the left. The ball played into the near post and it was bundled in by Brown to put the game beyond AFC. In stoppage time, a short back pass from AFC seen their keeper bring down Brown for a penalty after great closing down again, but Hamiliton's effort hit the bar to keep the 2-0. But that was the last kick of the game.
In what was a game lacking in clear cut chances, it made a good watch between two inform teams not giving an inch to each other and am sure both teams will continue to climb the table.
The win for Ashton sees them move up to 9th, 11 points off the playoffs. AFC stay 7th and now 6 away from the playoffs.
AFC Blackpool 0
Ashton Town 2
C. Lomax (42)
Brown (85)
ATT: 85
No comments:
Post a Comment