AAFC 3 Congleton 2 - Carlsberg FA Vase 2nd Round Qualification replay

Two goals from Paul McVeigh, one in each half, and one from Richard Sharpe canceled out strikes from Congleton's Hadrell and Harris to secure a place for Ashton in the third stage of this year's FA Vase.
After receiving a scare in the original tie on Saturday, Congleton arrived at Brocstedes Park in more focused mood and set off at a cracking pace in the early exchanges exerting pressure on the home defence and two good efforts by Haddrell and Hurst created by Harris down the right threatened the lead.
Sherlock breaks clear and smashes a shot against the bar
to present McVeigh with his first goal of the night

However as Ashton started to get a foothold a superb cross ball by Burke found Dave Sherlock in behind his full back and unleashed a thunderbolt which crashed against the bar and fortunately for Ashton fell kindly for striker Paul Mc Veigh, who blasted home from 8 yards after 9 minutes. 1-0
This lifted the home side and both teams probed for openings but the defences kept the upper hand limiting sight on goal. Congleton had the edge and with a greater share of possession as the half wore on, had Ashton camped in their own half.
The pressure finally paid off as good play down the Congleton right was not adequately repelled and Haddrell found space just outside the box in the 37th minute to fire through a crowded box and find the corner of the net, giving keeper Hewit no chance. 1-1
Congleton were flying and any advances by Ashton were limited, and the home side were relieved to get in the changing rooms to re-group. HT 1-1
This they did, and Steve Bennett replaced Tom Potter who was unable to carry on following a bad tackle midway through the first half which also earned Congleton's Adam Vickers a yellow card.
The game looked more evenly balanced as Ashton looked after the ball better in the early exchanges of the second half. however somewhat ironically, having stemmed the tide a goalkeeping error allowed the influential "chopper" Harris to dispossess Hewitt, who had strayed out of this box attempting to intercept a speculative through ball, and slot home into an empty net on the hour mark. 1-2.
This again gave the visitors a lift and several half chances fell wide of the mark whilst Ashton's advances where snubbed out by a resolute Congleton back line, well Marshalled again by skipper Andy Alston.

McVeigh denied by a last ditch tackle by Alston

The introduction of Richard Sharpe in the 72nd minute, for the injured Dave Sherlock proved the turning point in the game as within 2 minutes he latched onto a right wing raid to fire home from within the 18 yard box to set up a grandstand finish. 2-2
As the game entered its final 10 minutes it was Ashton who looked the stronger and this late but short period of dominance brought its reward as right back Steve Wallace capped off a great all round display with a curling cross from the right flank that found McVeigh 10 yards out and his powerful header sailed into the net to put the home team ahead again.
McVeigh rises to head his side to victory in fine style
Congleton rallied in desperation to grab an equaliser but Ashton's outstanding defence held firm and secured a famous victory.

McVeigh celebrates after his second
and with it the game

The next round, the first round proper will see the visit of another Vodkat League Division One side Colne FC on Saturday 6th October 2007 3pm kick off.








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