Tuesday 18th July - Fives Athletic 1 Ashton Athletic 3 Hindsford Cup Round 1

Ashton's first game in the round robin section of this years pre season Hindsford Cup competition ended in success with a solid 3-1 win against Manchester League side Fives Athletic of Walkden.

The Group B game got underway in extremely hot playing conditions, which were a great test for the fitness levels of both teams.

Some good passing moves through the midfield early in the first half opened up the home defence on several occasions but some last ditch Fives defending prevented Ashton from posting a score until the 30th minute. A move down the right saw Andy Dawber break forward and drive the ball into the top corner from a narrow angle. This one of many forrays made down the right by Dawber who was a constant threat throughout the first half.

Ashton started well again in the second half with Fives constantly forced on to the back foot, and within 10 minutes of the restart the result was put beyond doubt. The second goal came from the spot in the 49th minute as Peter Hitchen's fast feet tricked the defender and he was brought down in the box. Steve Wallace slotted the penalty home with considerable ease.

Then after 52 minutes a superb strike from the edge of the box by Paul McVeigh found the bottom corner and gave the keeper no chance.

Fives did get some reward from the evenings toil in the sun as a goal was pulled back in the 62nd minute from the penalty spot as their striker was adjudged to have been fouled whilst hurdling a combined challenge from Peter Hitchen and Keith Boulton.

Any attempts to narrow the margin were dealt with by the Ashton back line, with keeper Scott Waters growing in stature as the game went on in his first full game for the Ashton.

A satisfactory nights work from all involved especially as the game gave 6 more new players their full debuts for the Club. Dan Frost and Gareth Cook both worked well down the right side, and Jon Parkinson tirelessly down the left. Martin Hastings put himself about in midfield whilst Mike Rhead held the ball up well in attack and showed quality distribution and link play throughout the match.

Man of the match was defender Mike Davids who was a calming influence throughout the match, producing a steady display for the full 90 minutes and setting up numerous counter attacks through his accurate distribution.

Elsewhere in the competition on the same evening the other two teams in Group B, Monton Amateurs and Howe Bridge fought out a 1-1 draw whilst in Group A the results were Irlam MS 5 v Hindsford United 1 and Wigan Robin Park 7 v Bolton Wyresdale 2.

The next series of matches will take place this Saturday 22nd July, with Ashton taking on Monton Amateurs at Granary Lane, Worsley in a 2.30pm kick off.

END