Peep, peep!
Off we go, and a lightning attack by the away team saw a flank onslaught lead to a throw in that then saw the ball whipped in and a close in header test the keeper who, with much alertness, saved very well indeed. A corner came, the keeper rose again to punch away but a shot was flung back and luckily for the home side the ball flew over the bar. A hectic start it was with the Hey brigade responding to the advancing tide with some determined toil and a couple of shots that both warmed the opposite net mans midriff. Ashton had an eye-catching willingness to play wide whereas Hey seemed prone to operate more centrally and this was one of the clashes that would take a true footballing connoisseur to predict the outcome of. Which method would pay off and who would be the first team to change tactics if success was not immediate?
Ashton started to up the ante and apply a consistent pressure and after a brace of decent crosses a head connected and nutted homeward with the goal gaping only for Hey's No 3 to make a miraculous goal line clearance and maintain the overall balance. More corners came, Ashton continued to break with pace, Abbey Hey dug firm and put up stout resistance and the match developed into a hard midfield melee with the former side having the greater territorial possession but failing to find any gaps in the oppositions defence. Athletic's No 10 made a fine run and threaded his carcass through but the final attempt was off target. 2 more shots flew forth from the feet of the Ashton attackers and even though joy was not to be found a goal seemed more than a trifle imminent. Still Ashton surged with gusto, with several players busting an absolute gut but, as the half came to a close, it was Abbey Hey who had a good chance to poke their heads in front when a corner was taken and a header was just cleared off the line much to the relief of the side who had seemingly dominated from the off. This one was still there for the taking.
Half time - tea and a wee and out for another 45.
The second half began rather quietly with a bit of back and forth soccer not creating anything to rave about. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the first goal was had after Ashton once again counter attacked with speed, created a crossing opportunity that resulted in Adam Gilchrist rising and nodding home from close range. The game, at last, was now on! Ashton applied themselves with greater force, won more corners and half chances and sought to seal this game before Abbey Hey could regroup. The home team called upon their reserves and when No 7 led a breakaway a key point arose that seemed indicative of the difference between these two sides. When Ashton broke they did so as a pack and support and options were plentiful, however when Abbey Hey broke the back up was slow to arrive and therefore the opportunity to create merry hell usually went begging. Worth pondering further methinks! Next, and Ashton were whizzing away again, that pesky No 10 produced some stunning work, crossed and when No 11 connected with the crust it was with disbelief that the sphere flew just wide. Ashton were now imposing their will but Hey were far from finished and if a couple of chances would have been confidently cracked first time who knows what may have happened. Confidence is a funny thing and can really cost a side at the most crucial moments.
We were getting to the final stretch now, Hey's No 11 broke with vigor and determination, a free kick was won, thumped forward but was low and wide of the net. Ashton responded and had their own free-kick, this time the ball was hammered through and the keeper saw it late. An excellent save was made, the ball was loose, the defence stood still and up stepped Adam Gilchrist again to almost put this game out of reach. 2 - 0 - not a scoreline I would have called beforehand. Back and forth matters went, breaks came at both ends and with only a couple of minutes left on the clock, George Noon of Abbey Hey found himself free at the front with only on defender to beat. This he did, before cutting in, picking his spot and sliding the ball home with seasoned professionalism to raise a slight glint of hope for his industrious team. Expectations of a razzle dazzle finish were unfounded though as no further highlights arose and the game was soon called to a halt by a referee who had had a good game and let things move along quite nicely. My choice of Man of the Match goes to Ashton Athletics No 10 (Daniel Regan), a veritable soccerised Scarlet Pimpernel who, no matter were he was sought, was always popping up here, there and everywhere least expected. A nomadic player who worked the flanks well, had an admirable engine and created some quite magical moves that could have ended in so much more - a real asset to any side.
FINAL THOUGHT - The difference in the two sides today was that Ashton were much the sharper and seemed to have a greater desire whereas Abbey Hey looked slightly out of sorts and a bit under the weather. The visitors moved with direction and paced passion right from the off and always had the upper hand and at the end of the 90 minutes I feel the result was the right one. This was one of those mid-season, mid-table gritty affairs played out under quintessential murky grey British skies and watched by genuine footballing nuts who appreciate the game for what it is. Both of these teams will be close together come May and will consolidate their positions without too much stress and no doubt, the ones in attendance today will still be there, supporting their clubs with the true spirit required regardless of fame, fortune and the weather - what a mad breed, you can't fault em'.
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