Saturday 11th November 2006 Runcorn Linnets 4 Ashton Athletic 1

After a resounding 4-1 away win against 8^th placed Castleton Gabriels last week the Ashton Latics were on their travels again hoping for a repeat performance, and to inflict another defeat on promotion chasing Runcorn Linnets. The sides met earlier in the season at Brocstedes Park as Ashton put a halt to Runcorn’s unbeaten start to their league campaign, an issue that added more than a little spice to the fixture.

Runcorn, playing at their temporary and well appointed home at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park were clearly in a more focused mood but it was Ashton’s strike force that had the best of the early exchanges despite playing into the teeth of a gale force wind.

Pete Woodcock was cleverly released by Tom Potter and his attempted lob of the advancing keeper, Robbie Holcroft was slowed down by a finger tip save at full stretch just enough for a covering defender to prevent the ball crossing the line.

Long range efforts from Mike Watson and Tom Potter for Ashton went wide, and then after 15 minutes Runcorn finally made the most of the howling wind at their backs forcing Ashton onto the back foot. Andy Hewitt gathered well coming between players from a cross by James Swales and then made comfortable saves from long range efforts from Mike Young and Thomas Boden, and a flick header from Swales after good work down the right by Colin Quirk.

Ashton’s defence was now pegged back in the defensive third and this pressure finally paid off for Runcorn as they were awarded a free kick in the left wing area after what seemed like an innocuous challenge.

Runcorn’s Quirk took full advantage swinging in a vicious ball that gathered speed on the wind, deceived all the outfield players before burying itself in the bottom corner and giving the home side the lead after 34 minutes.

This gave Runcorn the momentum they had been looking for and another long range effort from Young fizzed wide. Yet another soft free kick was awarded by the referee after the lively Colin Flood was brought down on almost the same blade of grass as the free kick that produced the goal.

Having got his eye in Quirk grabbed the ball eagerly and lined up a similar delivery. This time the wind gusted even stronger and a wrong footed keeper Hewitt who misjudged the flight of the ball as it shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 after 38 minutes.

Ashton then bounced right back as Runcorn’s skipper Newell was caught in possession and Pete Woodcock broke through and produced a superb left foot finish giving Holcroft no chance and pulling one back for Ashton.

A 2-1 deficit looked a good half time score for Ashton knowing they would benefit for the weather conditions for the rest of the game. Runcorn had other ideas however as they pushed forward and forced a corner. Up stepped that man Quirk who once again whipped in the set piece towards the near post, and once again the wind severely deviated the path of the ball and swung it into the top corner with the Ashton team seemingly powerless to prevent it.

Once again however Ashton showed the growing character within the side and just before half time a Mike Winer through ball split the Runcorn defence and found Steve Wallace who just beat the advancing Holcroft to the ball, but the toe poke slid agonisingly past the post. HT 3-1

Just minutes after the restart Wallace was again put clear but this time the dependable Holcroft came to Runcorn’s rescue again with a great save.

Runcorn could see that Ashton were not going to lie down and lifted their work rate to keep them at bay and, as Ashton did for parts of the first half played some good passing football on the ground This created a couple of half chances for Flood and strikers Mike Young and Paul Scott that were well handled by the Ashton back line.

Then in the 60^th minute a momentary lapse in the Ashton defence allowed a throw in to bounce in the box and unchallenged Scott pounced to head the ball into the top corner to increase Runcorn’s lead.

Again Ashton would not give in as first Steve Bennett cut in from the right and the shot rattled the underside of the bar but the rebound ran off to safety. Then Adam White drove forward but his shot was too straight and was easily saved by Holcroft. Pete Woodcock was then put through by Simon Gallanders and thought he had reduced the deficit with a well taken finish, only to be denied by a late flag from the assistant referee.

Another spirited display from Ashton but the wind was the biggest winner, and of course Runcorn’s Quirk. Another MoM for Steve Rothwell, with another excellent defensive display whilst Runcorn’s accolade went to Colin Flood on his return to Runcorn, who was a great influence in the Runcorn midfield throughout the game.

Meanwhile the reserves were also hit for four, going out of the Reserve Division Cup at the hands of Padiham Reserves by 4-2, with Ashton’s goals both scored by Matt Mahoney on his debut for the Club.

Next Saturday, 18^th November Ashton entertain Darwen FC at Brocstedes Park – 3pm kick off; whilst the Reserves have a blank Saturday before playing host to FC United of Manchester Reserves in a league match on Saturday 25^th November.