Saturday 30th September 2006 Padiham 1 Ashton Athletic 1
A battling performance secured the first away point of the season for Ashton and gave the team a great boost after disappointing results in the previous 3 games.
The squad rediscovered the determination levels evident in the Runcorn match, a quality that needs to be replicated in every game.
Padiham had the majority of possession but could not create many clear cut goalscoring opportunities and were frustrated by the resolute defending of the Ashton back line.
Padiham's best chances in the first half came from free kicks from around the box, most of which were somewhat needlessly conceded by the eager defenders, however this eagerness also ensured that the set pieces were repelled.
It was Ashton however that came closest to taking the lead as Pete Woodcock released Steve Bennett into space down the right wing, cutting in to shoot hard and low across the Padiham keeper Gavin King, who did well to glanced the ball onto the post and then out of play. Unfortunately for Ashton, and despite the Padiham defence setting up for a corner the referee awarded a goalkick.
Padiham continued to dominate but Ashton's compact defence held firm and with Padiham becoming more and more frustrated the visitors started to play some sharp passing moves through midfield, with Simon Gallanders particularly prominant.
This foothold gave the Ashton team renewed confidence and as half time approached a great ball from Steve Wallace found Striker Pete Woodcock down the right wing who beat the full back and broke down the flank. The recovering defender cut across to stop the run, but a superb delivery into the box by Woodcock landed in the path of the advancing Potter who smashed the ball into the top corner to give Ashton the lead after 42 minutes.
The second half started with Ashton pushing forward and another Steve Bennett run got behind the Padiham defence and a precise delivery to Pete Woodcock on the edge of the box was taken early by the striker whose shot went inches wide. Padiham then took control again continuing in a similar vein to the first having good possession but struggling to find a way through the stubborn Ashton defence.
An Ed O'Neill effort from the edge of the box was well blocked by Cameron in the Ashton goal, and then re-gathered at the feet of two advancing Padiham players. Cameron was again tested from a spectacular overhead kick in the box.
Ashton were finding it hard to clear their lines and a speculative lob into the box by the influential Paul Paynter found its way to Paul Fildes on the penalty spot unmarked who blasted the ball hard and low giving Cameron no chance, and make it 1-1 after 60 minutes.
Then game became more open with Ashton fighting back and the next 20 minutes became more end to end but neither side could create an open chance.
Fresh legs were introduced and a couple of half chances came and went for both sides. Perhaps the closest to grab all three points was a superb swerving shot from Ashton's Man of the Match, Simon Gallanders forced a finger tip save from Padiham keeper King in the 85th minute.
Ashton were clearly delighted with the point from a strong Padiham side that were well larshalled by their skipper, and MoM Paul Paynter.
Next week the team will entertain Holker OB from Barrow at Brocstedes Park, whilst the reserves will travel to Colne FC. Both are 3pm Kick offs. The first team also have a midweek away trip to Cheadle Town on the cards, 7.30pm kick off.
The squad rediscovered the determination levels evident in the Runcorn match, a quality that needs to be replicated in every game.
Padiham had the majority of possession but could not create many clear cut goalscoring opportunities and were frustrated by the resolute defending of the Ashton back line.
Padiham's best chances in the first half came from free kicks from around the box, most of which were somewhat needlessly conceded by the eager defenders, however this eagerness also ensured that the set pieces were repelled.
It was Ashton however that came closest to taking the lead as Pete Woodcock released Steve Bennett into space down the right wing, cutting in to shoot hard and low across the Padiham keeper Gavin King, who did well to glanced the ball onto the post and then out of play. Unfortunately for Ashton, and despite the Padiham defence setting up for a corner the referee awarded a goalkick.
Padiham continued to dominate but Ashton's compact defence held firm and with Padiham becoming more and more frustrated the visitors started to play some sharp passing moves through midfield, with Simon Gallanders particularly prominant.
This foothold gave the Ashton team renewed confidence and as half time approached a great ball from Steve Wallace found Striker Pete Woodcock down the right wing who beat the full back and broke down the flank. The recovering defender cut across to stop the run, but a superb delivery into the box by Woodcock landed in the path of the advancing Potter who smashed the ball into the top corner to give Ashton the lead after 42 minutes.
The second half started with Ashton pushing forward and another Steve Bennett run got behind the Padiham defence and a precise delivery to Pete Woodcock on the edge of the box was taken early by the striker whose shot went inches wide. Padiham then took control again continuing in a similar vein to the first having good possession but struggling to find a way through the stubborn Ashton defence.
An Ed O'Neill effort from the edge of the box was well blocked by Cameron in the Ashton goal, and then re-gathered at the feet of two advancing Padiham players. Cameron was again tested from a spectacular overhead kick in the box.
Ashton were finding it hard to clear their lines and a speculative lob into the box by the influential Paul Paynter found its way to Paul Fildes on the penalty spot unmarked who blasted the ball hard and low giving Cameron no chance, and make it 1-1 after 60 minutes.
Then game became more open with Ashton fighting back and the next 20 minutes became more end to end but neither side could create an open chance.
Fresh legs were introduced and a couple of half chances came and went for both sides. Perhaps the closest to grab all three points was a superb swerving shot from Ashton's Man of the Match, Simon Gallanders forced a finger tip save from Padiham keeper King in the 85th minute.
Ashton were clearly delighted with the point from a strong Padiham side that were well larshalled by their skipper, and MoM Paul Paynter.
Next week the team will entertain Holker OB from Barrow at Brocstedes Park, whilst the reserves will travel to Colne FC. Both are 3pm Kick offs. The first team also have a midweek away trip to Cheadle Town on the cards, 7.30pm kick off.
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DP at 6:59 AM
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