Ashton Athletic

Ashton put the disappointment of their cup ban firmly behind them as they beat a hard and big Leigh Genesis 2-1. Victory ensured they opened up a 8 point lead over their second place opponents who still have three games left to Ashton’s 2.

Both teams opened cagily in a game neither could afford to lose. Chances were at a premium in the first 10 minutes with the only one of note being a right foot drive from Callum Stirrup that the goalkeeper handled confidently. With both defences on top it was likely it would take a touch of brilliance or a mistake to break the deadlock. So it proved with a spattering of both. It was Callum Stirrup who again scored the vital opener. Taking a bouncing ball on the extreme left side he hit a dipping shot that went over the keepers head. Try as they may Leigh was unable to penetrate the Ashton defence for which Kieran Touhey and especially the unheralded James Grady were magnificent. Callum Stirrup playing much deeper made some vital interceptions, as did Joe Yates and when needed Ben Ascroft who was carrying an injury was sound. With Jason Knight and Regan Osborne running themselves to a standstill they went into the break 1 up.

The feeling was that one may not be sufficient and it would need a second to seal victory. Leigh kept rigidly to their game plan of man marking, long punts down field. Most of all their reliance on Rory Delap type long throws. Whilst they pushed Ashton deeper and deeper they still failed to fashion out any clear-cut chances. Finally with 12 minutes or so remaining Ashton got their second break with a disputed penalty decision for handball. Once again up stepped the ice cool Kieran and in the heat of battle steered his shot pass the despairing dive of the keeper. Ashton was in cruise control when an unfortunate deflection via James’s head set up a grandstand finish. With backs to the wall Jason Knight strong up front and holding the ball up to allow his midfield to come through and every Ashton coach and spectator kicking every ball the question was could they hold on? Hold on they did not with wayward kicks but by keeping possession due in short measurer to Jason and Sam with the former and man of the match showing he is much more than a goal poacher. The last word goes to Lewis birch who whilst not having his best game when brought on as substitute nevertheless never hid and stuck to his brief.

The performance at times was not pretty, however they never forgot their football principles and when possible played the game that has become their trademark. Their fighting spirit and willingness to work is second to none. This was evident at the final whistle as both teams knew Ashton had the championship in their first season in this league, firmly within their grasp and no team deserves it more.