Chadderton 2 Ashton Athletic 0

Vodkat North West Counties Football League

Wednesday 20^th February 2008

Chadderton closed the gap on 3^rd placed Ashton with two second half strikes from Neyru McKenzie and Arren Sutcliffe on Chadderton’s skating rink of a pitch on Wednesday night.

The game rearranged from Monday due to a frozen pitch was still in doubt right up to kick off time as concerns over player safety on a thawing but still solid surface were assessed by referee Dalal.

The game was finally given the go ahead however the first half conditions dominated the game with both teams showing hesitation in the tackle, and some players finding it difficult to stay on their feet. Chances were few and far between with the set pieces at both ends seemingly the best chance of the deadlock being broken but the defences held firm. Ashton’s best effort came early in proceedings as Tom Potter unleashed a terrific volley that Chadderton keeper Swanson tipped away. For Chadderton Neyru McKenzie forced Andy Paxton into action, to make a smart save.

The second half produced more purposeful football with both sides on the face of it getting more accustomed to the gradually thawing conditions. It was Chadderton that drew first blood as a slick passing move opened up the Ashton defence and resulted in a Paul Ashton cross that was met with a crisp finish by the influential McKenzie in the 57^th minute.

With tails up Chadderton were dominating in midfield and McKenzie broke free again to unleash a powerful drive that keeper Andy Paxton could only parry into the path of the on rushing Arren Sutcliffe who finished with ease after 63 minutes.

Ashton finally regained a foothold in the match and a series of corners almost produced a goal for Danny Burrows, stealing in at the back post to head wide from a Dave Sherlock corner. Substitute Steve Bennett then got behind the diligent Nick Fraine and his cross was met on the six yard by Paul McVeigh but his effort was stopped by Swanson.

Chadderton were now playing on the break and Phil Edghill almost made Ashton pay for chasing the game but his shot was placed wide after getting through the Ashton back line.

Ashton’s efforts to get back into the match never waned and additional corners were forced and once again almost brought just reward as a superb in swinging corner from Tom Potter had Swanson at full stretch again plucking the ball out of the top corner of the goal. Then with 5 minutes remaining Chris Lawton headed wide from close range.

A disappointing result for Ashton that put pay to a solid three game unbeaten run however the team can now look forward to a first leg Vodkat Trophy semi final tie against Kirkham and Wesham this Saturday 23rd February at Brocstedes Park, Ashton 3pm KO.

END