Ashton Athletic

UNDER 10's

 

15th March 2009 Knock out cup round 1

 

Hawkley 0 - 2 Ashton Athletic

 

Anybody looking at the league table before this cup match started, could be forgiven for thinking it would be stroll in the park on a warm Sunday afternoon.  Not so, Hawkley defied the lowly league status.  With heroic defending and non stop running they limited Ashton to just one goal in each half.  That is not to say they were ever in danger of losing their 100% record, but complacency did appear to creep in to their play, especially in a mistake riddled first half.  After looking like strangers Brad and Hayden obviously earned their corn in a replica team talk resembling Moyes and Round V Middlesbrough as the second half saw a radical improvement in Ashton's approach.  Due in no short measure the introduction of "ROCKY" Regan who's all round display of non stop running, enthusiasm and non to little skill rightly earned him the Man of the Match award.  In a unforgettable first half, for all the wrong reasons Joe fastened onto a fine save from the goalkeeper from a Callum drive to slot home the first, despite attempts by Sam to make sure he got there first.  Not withstanding territorial advantage and 75% of the possession they failed to capitalise further on the chances they created.  The interval break saw a radical improvement although once again they only had one goal to show for it.  However once again it had Ashton written all over it when a glorious three man move between Joe, Callum and Lewis saw the latter hit a fine drive which the goalkeeper got a hand to but could not prevent it going in.  Ashton continued to remain strong at the back with Kieran and James as always steadfast and reliable and preventing very little getting through to Ben.  Jason imposed himself on the proceedings and continued to battle hard.  Ashton pressed to the end and Regan was unfortunate not to had his name to the score sheet and crown a excellent display, notably when a superb deep cross from Callum saw him inches short from connecting with what would have been one of the goals of the season.  On the whole the game centred very much on the right hand side and as a result the left seemed badly neglected despite there being acres of space.  This was indicative in that there was only 7 crosses and what few there were came from the left hand side.  Not one of the teams better performances, however this was probably highlighted more by there superlative displays before, in a very strong and competitive league.  All that matters is they are in the hat for the next round.  Having been compared by independent spectators was like watching Brazil, no doubt they will be back to their best in the coming weeks ahead.  The match will remain however in the memory not least of all for four headers by an individual who will remain nameless.  Is this a first for spot the ball