A short drive, parked up and a chat with two friendly officials. A brew, a choccy bar and a sit in the shade - we were ready for a good game, and a snooze if the truth be told, where are the ruddy matchsticks when you need em'.
After the whistle had been blown on this clement, but slightly soporific afternoon, the first advancement of any import was made by the resident ranks with a kick from the corner resulting in a disappointingly limp effort. From here the travellers responded with immediate focus and a throw in saw the ball bumbled forth and No 8 (Joseph Drakeley) gather. From mid-distance the shank was swung and the globe struck with the sweetest and noiseless contact possible. The projected orb flew low across the emerald baize before nestling itself in the bottom corner of the meshing - a sweet strike and a shocker for the much fancied hosts.
Ashville were electrocuted into action with a quick movemnet leading to a ball into the perilous quarters, No 8 (Joel Kelly) receiving and having an initial look at the strike zone. The first thoughts at glory were passed by, a step over and then another chance was taken and the ball was duly buried. 1 - 1 - parity restored - this was looking like a classic in the making and when Shawbury were soon striding forth and winning a corner I was hoping the goals would keep on coming. Alas the delivery was as weak as Larry Grayson's handshake and the lofted shot by No 11 (Brendon Price) was about as accurate as one of Donald Trumps aims at the truth.
The game eventually settled, Ashville were next to foray forth with threat. The move was simple but effective and culminated in a dig by No 7 (Thomas Hewlett) who was only denied by an outstretched shank from the guest No 1 (Ashley Rawlins). Moments later the home No 10 (Mark Madden) had a pop of his own but the mittman was there again to collect with unflustered ease. Shawbury answered these dangers with a corner but Ashville defended as a strong unit and dulled any threat, the ruddy spoilsports.
As we paid for a go on the raffle and were confronted by a wannabe Bamber Gascoigne (who duly gave us three posers to contemplate during the rest of the game) I spied the hosts going forth and nearly sneaking a lead goal with the ball landing on top of the netting (I missed the player who had the punt, I was too busy having pot shots at the questions put my way). The game continued with good pace and endeavour with both teams always looking to play forward thinking football.
As my pen took a slight break from the paper molesting, the nib was soon exposed again and soon forced to ejaculate ink (ooh cripes, I must stop taking these hormone pills) and Ashville were breezing forth via their No 9 (Joseph Dulson). The flank flyer negotiated a marker, raced the wing, supplied Madden who had a fair strike at goal with the opposing mitted man doing mighty well to tip over for a corner. The hoof from the angle was shaky and bore no fruit.
As the half delved into its nether regions the away team looked to hold most promise. No 9 (Danar Saber) put in a shot that was easily gathered by the keeper, and a few other sorties seemed to hold potential but ended with no further strikes. When all was looking settled and both teams could ponder the break with a share of the spoils Shawbury's Rawlin's was guilty of holding on to the ball a little too long and when he released to his No 6 (Emmanuel Williams) a similar dilly-dally crime was committed. The ball was pilfered by No 11 (Peter Morgan). aA one on one situation arose which saw the striker win the day and put his side 2 - 1 up - this was a turn up for the tattered books and when the half ended the scoreline did seem a trifle unfair.
For the break we nattered with some nearby folk, rolled many probable answers to the aforementioned questions around our weary noggins and shared a choccy bar whilst considering shifting our arses to a different position. We decided to stay put - idle buggers we be.
The first opportunity of half two came for the hosts with Kelly having a chance to strike but leaving it for Madden to connect with. The shot went over the horizontal and from here we entered something of a quiet period. Ashville did add the odd spark with Dulson probing, finding Madden who laid off for Morgan. The shot that came was saved for a corner which was duly kicked straight into the side netting - ooh bugger. A few minutes later another corner came and this time the keeper punched with authority and then Ashville came once more with No 16 (Luka Gian-Salvatore) crossing to Kelly who nutted over the bar.
Madden for Ashville had a golden opportunity to add another goal when he was released and only had the keeper to beat. Full credit to the No 1 though, he stood firm and kept his onion bag unpenetrated. The pressure still rolled the same way albeit in little ripples rather than big crashing waves. Madden remained a major component in the mix, his assassins boots though were just lacking a little of that killer shine.
A break for an injury, No 3 (Jeffrey Agyeman) for Shawbury hobbled off which was a real shame as so far, he had been the Man of the Match for me. From here Ashville kept on pushing and squandering any chance off sealing the game. With time ticking away I turned to my good lady and said it looked as though there would be a sting in the tail for the home lads if they didn't put this one to bed mighty soon. Madden had another shot, a save was made, a follow up effort cleared off the line. A few more half chances came for the team with their tails up but with the shooting sights just off-line. Suddenly Shawbury summoned one last hoof, a long ball came, time stood still and the upright was trembled and the free ball was tucked home by No 10 (Jack Howse) - it was the 97th minute - it was a case of a side hanging in by the skin of their teeth and getting due reward for their efforts. The game ended soon after - was a draw a justifiable end result - on reflection I thought so. Man of the Match - a tough one to call but I am sticking with the aforementioned Shawbury United No 3 (Jeffrey Agyeman) - I think that he kept his side very much in this game with some stubborn and controlled defending that was done with head down composure and solid control. The fact that he had to leave early should not detract from a fine stint.
FINAL THOUGHTS - What a fine set-up it is at Ashville, a welcoming ground with a good feel to it and one we were long overdue visiting. The game was a strange affair and started with a great burst of activity which led to an absorbing first period of play with the second half being more one sided before being finalised with a surprise suckerpunch from a team who refused to curl up and take a kicking. Ashville are good value team and after underachieving last year now look to be on the right track. There is a caveat here though and if they fail to bury teams when they have the upper hand they will be punished over and over again and end up missing out on a play-off spot if not, something a little more attractive. This is a sticky, tricky league with each and every weekend throwing up many capricious results - be warned Ashville, get thy shooting boots sharpened. As for Shawbury United - a new team to the league and so, something of an unknown commodity. They are sitting just above the relegation zone but on today's evidence, for the first half at least, looked like a mid-table team. The second half perfomance was obviously lacking but they hung on in there and snaffled a point that was due reward for the resistance and graft. If they work as a unit, don't get on each other's cases and enjoy this new journey they will be OK - they must play for the full 90 minutes though and maintain the attacking style that was more obvious in the first half. Hopefully we can get down to their ground at some point and I shall do another report - digits crossed.
So, a good day done, we pootled off home well pleased. Oh - the answers to the questions eluded us but the quizmaster collared us before we left and enlightened our puzzled noggins - the answers were:- A - Jimmy Saville's Arse, B - Pubic Lice and C - Double Diamond Pale Ale - I really should have known that last one - bah.
