SEMI FINAL STALEMATE FOR ASHTON

Vodkat League Two Trophy Semi-Final Fist-Leg

Ashton Athletic 0, Kirkham & Wesham 0 (HT: 0-0). Att: 60.

STRONG winds created far from ideal playing conditions at Brocstedes Park on Saturday, for this Semi-Final First Leg of the league Trophy. The clash turned out to be somewhat of an anti-climax from the two teams currently positioned 2^nd and 3^rd in the league.

Kirkham, with eyes fixed very much on next week’s lucrative FA Vase Sixth Round tie with Coventry Sphinx, seemed rather subdued which Ashton turned to their advantage gaining the upper hand in terms of possession and territory, and creating the better of the chances to have broken the deadlock at various stages of the game.

It was however Kirkham that had the first, and arguably the visiting sides best chance of the match as Mick Horsfall got free in the 2^nd minute but a good block from Ashton keeper Clayton denied him.
Mark Court had an early chance after 10 minutes after good wing play from Simon Gallanders allowed an opening for Danny Burrows to fire in a cross that was only partially cleared to Court who placed his shot wide from just inside the 18 yard box.

Adam White then threaded the ball through the Kirkham defence to the on rushing Dave Sherlock who beat keeper Pete Summerfield with his shot but unfortunately it was also pulled inched wide of the post.

Kirkham hotshot Mark Wane broke loose from the Ashton shackles in the 21^st minute but Ashton keeper Clayton stood tall to force him wide, and from a narrow angle the shot was easily played away to safety by recovering defender Paul Bohannan.

Ashton forced Kirkham onto the back foot forcing a series of rushed clearances and corners, from one such set play and with 10 minutes remaining in the first half Ashton almost took the lead. Paul Bohannan won the first ball and a half clearance only reached as far as Chris Lawton whose looping header from 10 yards was cleared off the line at full stretch by Kirkham defender Allan Jackson.
Pete Summerfield made a number of smart saves low down to thwart Ashton’s Sherlock, McVeigh and then Gallanders during the second half whilst Clayton in the Ashton goal had a relatively quiet time dealing efficiently with Kirkham’s advances.

Ashton continued to probe for a goal to give the home side a first leg advantage but long range efforts from Gallanders and Dave Sherlock in the last 10 minutes failed to trouble Summerfield.

When Ashton sub Paul TownsHend glanced a header wide on the whistle it was Ashton’s last chance to take a lead to Kellamergh Park in a fortnight’s time for the second-leg.

Ashton move on to a midweek tussle against run away league leaders New Mills on Tuesday Night, 7.45pm Kick off at Brocstedes Park. Meanwhile Kirkham start their preparations for the massive FA Vase tie at home next Saturday.