Monday 16th April 2007 Atherton Cup Rnd 2 - AAFC 4 v Highfield FC 0

Ashton entertained Highfield in the second round of the Atherton Charity Cup and with several guest players amonst the Highfield ranks, and a good first round win over Leigh RMI Reserves behind them a hard game was on the cards.

Ashton started the more lively and maintained a high tempo that forced Highfield onto the back foot and created a number of half chances. Highfield were dangerous on the break with veteran striker Venazzaa and the lively Wright a constant threat with accurate direct balls played through from the midfield by Daniel Mahoney and Ben Kay.

It was Ashton's pressure however that broke the deadlock with Paul McVeigh timing his run to perfection, beating the offside and moving onto to Adam White's well judged pass to fire past keeper Jason Foulds in the 30th minute. 1-0

Paul McVeigh in the thick of it before his first goal

This forced Highfield into greater effort and several good openings were created but the last ditch tackle and good keeping by Danny Vickers kept the visitors at bay.

Ashton then increased the lead as Si Gallanders was up ended just inside the box and a penalty was awarded and dutifully dispatched by McVeigh after 43 minutes. HT 2-0.

McVeigh gets his second from the spot






The second half got underway in the worst possible manner for Ashton as a dubious penalty was awarded as Martin Rigby cleared from a corner, but Referee Graham Ogden adjudged that he had fouled Vernazza. Fortunately Vickers was on hand saving superbly from Wright to maintain Ashton's advantage.

Martin Rigby has a nice chat with Referee Ogden -

"No Martin he can't run without his legs ... and that will be 8 quid"

As the second half wore on Ashton's superior fitness levels came to the fore and from increasing pressure the game was made safe as Martin Rigby timed his run to perfection onto a Tom Potter corner to head home Ashton's third in the 60th minute. 3-0

Then a stunning strike from the edge of the box by Matt Mahoney into the top corner made it 4-0 and was a fitting end to a good performance from Ashton. Ashton's man of the match was awarded to Mike Watson whilst the hard working Westhead earned him Highfields accolade.

Ashton's Matt Mahoney having a disagreement with refree Graham Ogden.
"Its Ok mi dad'll pay the 8 quid sir - thats him o' there int red shirtt!"





A bit of a collectors item amongst the teams tonight as brothers Matt and Daniel Mahoney appeared on opposite sides, and even more so when their dad Malc came on as a late second half substitute for Highfield to join eldest son Danny - on the losing side much to Matts delight!

Ashton now move on the the quarter final of the competition and will play Bolton Lads Club, at Brocstedes Park next Wednesday 25th April 7.30pm Kick off. More info on the competition can be found by following the link below, including the full quarter final draw.

http://www.leighrefereessociety.co.uk/Members%20Area/atherton_charity_cup_2007.htm

Meanwhile Ashton are also quickly back into league action with a crucial game on Wednesday night at Daisy Hill 7.45pm KO.