Sherlock brace knocks the spots off Stone

Vodkat NWCFL Division 2

Stone Dominoes 1 Ashton Athletic 2

Saturday 16th February 2008

Dave Sherlock continued his fine form with two poachers goals in a tight match to secure the three points that maintained Ashton’s position in third place of the Vodkat league.

In a match with few clear chances Ashton started brightly with some good possession football, visibly buoyed by the extra time quarter final cup victory at Oldham in midweek. An early effort by Simon Gallanders was parried by keeper James Hall and Paul McVeigh picked up the loose ball and fired a shot on the turn that defender Alex Baird did well to block. Stone’s Michael Meszaros broke free down the Stone right wing forcing Ashton keeper Paxton into a good stop. Despite Ashton’s early territorial advantage Stone were looking dangerous on the break and a one such counter attack forced a free kick just outside the box. The in swinging delivery by Andrew Matthews was glanced by James Curley past Paxton into the top corner to give the home side the lead after 11 minutes.

Ashton’s response was immediate as debutant Gareth Peet crossed from the left and under pressure from Paul McVeigh the defensive header was only half cleared and fell to Dave Sherlock who volleyed the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards in the 13^th minutes.

It was not until the 40^th minute that the subsequent stalemate was broken as first Paul Townshend, followed by Paul McVeigh and Simon Gallanders finally broke away from their markers to unleash shots in quick succession that all flew agonisingly over the cross bar. Just before the break Stone also had a chance to regain the lead as Mike Meszaros and then James Curley were denied by a double save from Andy Paxton. HT 1-1

The second half was also a tight affair with both defence keeping the upper hand, however as Ashton persevered with more patient build up play the pressure on the Stone back line started to mount. A slick passing move down the right involving Steve Bennett got Paul McVeigh in behind the defence and his left foot shot was well smothered by keeper Hall. Then a driving run down the left by substitute Potter ended with a powerful shot that Hall tipped away to safety.

Just as the game seemed to be meandering towards a draw Sherlock was once again in the right place at the right time as a lofted ball into the box was only half cleared by Stone and Sherlock pounced to score from 10 yards in the 79^th minute.

Stone committed men forward in the final minutes but Ashton’s resolute defence held firm to secure maximum points. The man of the match awards went to Ashton’s Simon Gallanders and Liam McKinney for Stone. FT 2-1

Ashton move quickly on to a Monday night Vodkat league fixture away at Chadderton 7.45pm KO before entertaining FA Vase quarter finalists Kirkham & Wesham in the League Trophy semi final first leg at Brocstedes Park, Ashton on Saturday 23^rd February 3pm KO.