Ashton blank at Glossop

Saturday 20^th October 2008

Vodkat League Premier Division

Glossop North End 2, Ashton Athletic 1

Ashton were edged out of the points at Glossop by a Nick Allen thunderbolt 15 minutes from time that capped off a terrific second half fight back by the home side, after Ashton had taken a stoppage time lead in the final action of the first half.

There was very little goal mouth action in the first period as the defences stood firm and the keepers comfortably dealt with speculative crosses and through balls. However there was no lack of endeavour from both sides, attempting to wrestle the initiative. Ashton’s best play came through the efforts of Steve Bennett down the Ashton right but his crosses were well dealt with by the Glossop back four. For the home side the aerial ability of Martin Parker caused some discomfort for the Ashton backline but after a while that threat reduced.

As half time approached Ashton were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box as powerful shot struck from distance by Dave Sherlock the ball hit Glossop skipper Dave Young on an outstretched hand as he moved forward to block the effort. Referee Johnson had no hesitation to award the free kick despite the Glossop protests and Sherlock stepped up to drive the free kick into the net, giving the Glossop keeper Fielding no chance.

The second forty five was in stark contrast to the first half stalemate as both teams opened up playing some fast flowing football, with Glossop’s Rick Bailey becoming increasingly influential, making several runs towards goal. His shot in the 51^st minute was deflected wide for a corner, from which Kelvin Lugsden headed back across goal for Nick Allen to turn in from short range and make it 1-1.

Glossop were pressing again, and Rick Whelan had a shot from a tight angle pushed wide. Then on the hour a great cross from Simon Gallanders beat all the defenders and was just inches ahead of a despairing lunge by Dave Sherlock’s at the far post.

Glossop were creating some pressure but their efforts came from distance as first Kay shot over the bar, Hind at the keeper and Parker flicking a header just wide.

The winner came on 75 minutes, and it was a screamer. Allen picked the ball up 30 yards out, advanced 5 yards towards goal, and then unleashed an unstoppable left foot shot that flew into the side of the net, giving the Ashton goalkeeper Joe Brobbin no chance.

Glossop could have added a minute later when substitute Tom Bailey got behind the defence on the right, drew the goalkeeper and squared for Rick Bailey. With an open net gaping, North End’s leading scorer mis-kicked the ball and it was cleared.

As time ran out Ashton committed men forward searching for the equaliser and it almost came as 2 minutes into injury time Steve Bennett swivelled in the box and produced a shot over his shoulder that beat keeper Fielding but floated agonisingly wide of the angle of the goal. Glossop therefore took all 3 points, gaining revenge for their defeat at Ashton, just 3 weeks earlier.

Ashton move on quickly to a match on Monday night at Atherton Collieries 7.45pm KO.

Ashton’s Reserves were unlucky to go down 1-3 to high flying Bootle, as a Kev Kynaston had given them the lead, and had been well in the match at 1-1 early in the second half before a controversial refereeing decision saw Ashton reduced to 10 men as James Deane was given a completely unjustified red card.