Under 10's
29th March 2009 Knock out cup round 2
Ashton Athletic 2 - 0 Standish Panthers
A magnificent game of the highest quality saw Ashton Athletic revenge their only defeat of the season as they reached the semi-final of the cup and kept themselves on course to complete another memorable league and cup double. In an incident packed game which went from end to end for the first 15minutes, it too two outstanding moments to turn the game Ashton Athletics way. With Standish Panthers sharing the early part of the first half Ben Ascroft produced a world class save no matter the age or the level, to keep Ashton Athletic on level terms. From a thunderous shot for which he was unsighted until the last seconds his magnificent reflex save kept Ashton Athletic from going one down. This proved even more vital five minutes or so later, when Joe yates fastened onto a hopeful long ball and as the goalkeeper looked favourite to get there first bravely risked injury to hammer home a stupendous half volley from close range. From that moment on Ashton Athletic grew in stature and dominated proceedings to the final whistle. It came as no surprise when Kieran Touhey kept hi nerve to cooly slot the second home from the penalty spot for the handball offence. Standish Panthers with the wind at their backs in the second half gave their all however, Ashton Athletic always looked in control and at no time gave Standish Panthers a foothold in the game. With Man of the match Ben Ascroft urging Ashton Athletic forward and shouting encouragement the immaculate back line of Kieran Touhey and James Grady kept Standish Panthers at Bay, ably assissted by the ever consistent Callum Stirrup who covered every blade of grass especially when tracking back. In the heart of midfield Joe Yates gave a performance of the highest level and restled control from the excellent Standish Panthers engine room which was no mean feat. With Lewsi Birch having several penetrating runs on the right and Regan Osborne, Jason Knight and Sam Smith unselfish running and skill upfront against a top level Standish Panthers defence this proved to be a gem of a performance. As Standish Panthers tired both Regan and Sam were unfortunate not to add to the goal tally. The former when he hammered a free kick from outside the area to shudder the bar, the latter when a superb turn, run and shot deserved better than to grace the outside of the post.
The final words are left to the immaculate display by the referee who encouraged all the players and to Standish Panthers who's display would have perhaps beaten most teams. Unfortunately they met a fired up side who proved once and for all that whilst they are a excellent footballing side when the need arises can battle with the best