McVeigh is pure Gold for Ashton

Ashton powered through to the Bolton Wanderers sponsored Goldline Trophy semi finals on Tuesday night, claiming their second higher league scalp in a week with a resounding 4-0 victory over Atherton LR from Division One of the Vodkat NWCFL.
It was not all plain sailing however as LR had the balance of possession in a competitive first half but found it difficult to break through a resolute Ashton defence which kept out any clear cut efforts on goal.
Ashton had started brightly as Tom Potter found space down Ashton's left flank on more than one occasion and from one such foray in the 5th minute pulled out a terrific cross field pass that was perfectly weighted to clear the last defender onto the foot of the advancing Paul McVeigh, whose spectacular volley fizzed inches wide.
Potter was then in the action again, this time finding space inside the box after a long throw was only half cleared, but his header looped over the bar in the 12th minute.

McVeigh gets a shot away under
pressure from David Derefeka

LR had their best period of the game midway through the half as McAllister turned sharply on the edge of the box forcing Ashton keeper Hewitt into a good save, and then skipper Rob Hope burst into the box to meet a cross but fortunately for Ashton, Si Gallanders tracked the run and a moments hesitation by Hope allowed Gallenders to nip in to clear the danger.
LR were now dominating the game forcing a series of set pieces and throwing crosses into the box at every opportunity However a combination of assured handling by keeper Hewitt, and excellent defending held the visitors at bay.
In the 27th minute a surging run from deep carried Ashton's Adam White beyond the LR defence however the recovering defenders just did enough to prevent White from getting his shot away.
For LR, Chris Bermingham had a shot that was deflected over the top before Ashton finally started to force their way back into the game as half time approached.
Then the breakthrough, as a Chris Lawton throw 10 yards from the corner flag reached Mike Burke on the edge of the 6 yard box and his deft flick header found captain Paul McVeigh moving in for the kill. McVeigh pounced and a first time strike found the net to give Ashton the lead in the 41st minute, it has to be said against the run of play in the half. 1-0
LR responded quickly and a good move down left saw Ian Berry break clear and pick out a far post cross that seemed destined for two unmarked players before Pat Aspinall appeared from nowhere to clear the ball and send Ashton in 1-0 up at half time.

The second half was a stark contrast to the first as possession swung towards the home side, and half time substitute Richard Sharpe made his presence felt on several occasions before turning his man just outside the box in the 66th minute. He dummied to shoot but instead laid off the ball to strike partner McVeigh who made no mistake and grabbed his second goal of the game after 66 minutes. 2-0
Ashton introduce Daniel Hitchen and further chances were created to increase the lead and had it not been for a string of top notch saves at full stretch by LR keeper Craig Clare, Gallanders, Mcveigh, Hitchen and Sharpe would have all been added to the score sheet.

Richard Sharpe starts
another shton attack

LR keeper Clare saves from a Gallenders effort

LR were finding it difficult to get any momentum going to threaten the Ashton goal whilst the LR defence were finding it increasingly defficult to prevent Ashton sight on goal.
The pressure finally told as late substitute Paul Townshend played a well weighted pass for Steve Bennett to get past his full back and cross hard and low into the box, to be met by Simon Gallanders with a sweet first time shot that found the bottom corner and gave keeper Clare no chance. 3-0
Steve Bennett skips past his man
to put in the cross for Ashton's 3rd

The final icing on the cake for Ashton came in the 88th minute as a fine cross field pass by Steve Wallace reached Dan Hitchen who controlled well, dummied to shoot before beating his man and smashing the ball low and hard into the bottom corner. FT4-0

There were many fine performances throughout the match for Ashton, especially going forward in the second half but for yet another faultless display throughout the whole match, that gave Ashton the platform to win the game the MoM was awarded to Mike Burke.
For LR, skipper Rob Hope worked tirelessly throughout the game however the second half heroics of keeper Craig Clare earned him the accolade.

Ashton now move on in the competition and will play either Ashton Town, Charnock Richard or the winner of the outstanding quarter final, Atherton Collieries or Euxton. The semi final draw will take place at the next Bolton Wanderers match and will be played on a neutral grounds, before the winners from those games lock horns in the final at the Reebok Stadium in the New Year.

Of more urgent concern for Ashton is a date with Colne FC, another Division One side from the Vodkat NWCFL, this Saturday 6th October 2007 3pm KO in the Carlsberg FA Vase 1st Round proper.
With Man United and Wigan Athletic kicking off early on SKY SPORTS it is hoped that a bumper crowd will turn up to support Ashton's effort to progress in this national competition.

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