GALLENDERS MAGIC GETS ASHTON'S SHOW ON THE ROAD

BOOTLE 2 AAFC 3 Tuesday 14th August 2007
Ashton bounced back magnificently to get the league points tally off the mark after the opening days narrow defeat to Chadderton, whilst Bootle failed to reach the standards achieved in their first league fixture of the season, a 7-0 drubbing of Holker Old Boys.

Gallanders breaks clear
The early exchanges suggested a close contest and that it was, with the result turning on some magic from Simon Gallanders and a determined hard working performance from all 14 players.

It was Gallanders who broke through the Bootle defence tricking his marker before digging out a cross from the dead ball line to find Paul Townshend who had ghosted off to the far post and headed home unchallenged in the 7th minute. 1- 0 to Ashton.


Ashton had chances increase the lead through Dave Sherlock, Adam White and Gallanders whilst Bootle's best effort came from striker Anthony Hickey.
The early part of the second half saw Ashton on top and Dave Sherlock again tested the Bootle keeper Mark Mawdesley. Ashton's second came from a great defence splitting pass by Dave Sherlock who found Simon Gallanders on a well timed run that put him clear of the Bootle back line, and with enough time to slot home. 2-0 to Ashton.

Dave Sherlock having well earned kip
during an all action display

Bootle fought back and a speculative punt from the half way line caught the wind and had Ashton keeper Andy Paxton back peddling and had to palm the ball over the bar at full stretch.
Introduction of substitute Paul Hopkins livened up the Bootle attack and from a dubious free kick awarded by the otherwise faultless referee he drove the ball hard and low into the corner of the goal to reduce the lead 2-1 to Ashton .


The game became very open as Bootle pushed forward for the equaliser. Then on 80 minutes magician Gallenders stepped forward picking the ball up 10 yards outside the Bootle box and then embarked on a session of keepie uppies at full sprint into the box evading all the defenders before cooly lofting the ball over the head of the mesmorized Bootle keeper, to open up a two goal lead for Ashton. 3-1 to Ashton.

Si Gallenders turns on the style

Bootle threw caution to the wind but some good backs to the wall defending by the Ashton back line seemed to be holding Bootle at bay until the Bootle striker was up ended in the box and with no doubt the excellent referee Mr Corns pointed to the spot. Jamie Hay stepped forward and tucked the spot kick away to give the home side some hope of a point. 3-2 to Ashton.

Despite a few late scares the Ashton defence held firm and posted the first three points of the season ahead of the next match an away match against Castleton Gabriels on Saturday 18th August, which will be played at Bacup Borough, 3pm kick off.

A man of the match performance from Gallenders, whilst Bootle defender Carl Dale earned his teams award with some resolute defending, whilst looking dangerous on set plays.

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