Atherton Charity Cup Final 2007

Ashton Town 0 - 1 Ashton Athletic

The final was contested between the two highest scoring teams in the competition with 33 goals between them. Surprising then, that Ashton Athletic won the Charity Cup this year in a keenly contested final at their local rival's own ground with a single own-goal!
In a match of very few clear cut chances, the goal came in the 79th minute from a defender's head when a lofted through ball by Simon Gallanders was contested by the competition's leading goalscorer Paul McVeigh. Defender Matt Gregory got his head to the ball, only to see it lob over the advancing keeper Heseldine, one bounce and into the back of the net.

Latic's skipper Rothwell lifts the Cup


Athletic, despite being reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute had the better of the play running up to the goal, and other opportunities with Steve Bennett striking the bar and Paul McVeigh coming close on several occassions, whilst long range efforts by Gallanders were off target. Town's best efforts came through Phil Howard and Chris Mcnally but the mainly long range efforts failed to trouble the assured Joe Brobbin in the Athletic goal.
It was a disappointing end to a spirited performance by Ashton Town, but a happy conclusion for the team with the best defensive record in the competition.
Man of the match performance went to Athletic's midfielder Simon Gallanders, whilst Town defender Chris Ward won his sides' accolade.

Man of the match Gallanders with his awards