Ashville's Double Game Week vs Alsager & Barnton

Photo Credit: Bob Shaw Photography

Ashville began their double game week with a trip to face Alsager Town on Tuesday 10th February. Ashville started brightly with the in-form Tom Davies creating the first chance of the game on 15 minutes. Rodrigo played the ball through to Davies who found his shot well saved by Alager’s goalkeeper. The bright start didn’t last and it was the home side who got on top. On 26 minutes the hosts took the lead through a corner swung in to the middle of the goal and it caught the head of Ashville’s Shaun Farrell and in to the net. The home side continued to dominate the first half without any clear chances created. A half time talk from Sam Vicker sent Ashville out with a better belief, and they were camped in Alsager’s half for most of the second half. They kept knocking on the door of Town’s goal and got their rewards on 86 minutes. Joel Kelly played a fine cross in to the box where it was met by the head of Jono Cahill who powered it past the keeper. The game finished with a deserved point each.

Ashville turned their attention to Saturday’s home tie with Barnton. With many games postponed in the league the game was deemed playable following fine work from Ashville volunteers. It didn’t take long for the action to start. Connor Courtnell was fouled inside the box after 1 minute of play and the referee awarded a penalty. Ben Greenop stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and give the home side a second minute lead. It was Courtnell again who found himself free six yards out in the 11th minute following great wok by Tom Davies, but the winger couldn’t convert the chance with his shot going over the bar. Ashville continued the pressure with chances in the 25th minute from Mason Duff and the 27th minute for Tom Davies as he was played in over the top by Joel Kelly only to see his shot go straight at Barnton’s keeper. Ashville were made to rue the missed chances as Barnton were awarded a penalty on 30 minutes following a foul from keeper George Huyton. Barnton’s Matty Coughlan stepped up to convert. With the sides level at half time it was Ashville who took the lead on 51 minutes. A long throw from Joe Haley found the head of Joel Kelly whose header found the back of the net. The game turned scrappy with yellow cards shown to each side. And it was Barnton who took advantage. On 81 minutes Barnton’s ball in the box from a corner was met by James Flight who headed past keeper Huyton. The home side were left to feel disappointed in what was a game that was there to be won.

Ashville face another double game week with a trip to Foley Meir on Tuesday 17th February 7:45pm kick off followed by a trip to face New Mills on Friday 20th February 7:45pm kick off.