YOUTH NEWS - UNDER 17'S

Ashton Athletic U17’s continue to make steady progress this season with a great 7-1 win over Aspull Juniors last Sunday. After a mixed opening 10 minutes, Ashton started to dominate the game with some good movement and interchange play. Midway through the 1^st half after some good work on the right wing between Daniel Ferguson and Tom Starr, the ball was played inside to Adam Brown who was lurking on the edge of the box, with a good first touch he then sent a shot which looped over the goalkeeper into the the roof of the net.1-0.

With Daniel Barton, Adam Brown and Jake Leyland bossing the midfield, Ashton then created another couple of chances which should have been converted but the striker didn’t have his scoring boots on!! 5 minutes before half time from a defensive mistake, Ashton gave away a needless corner, the Aspull player put in a great ball which the Ashton defence failed to deal with, and the Aspull striker put the ball in the back of the net.1-1. After some strong words from the Ashton manager about switching off from defensive duties Ashton regained the upper hand and started to play football again.

Back on the attack, Connor Callinan collected the ball on the right wing, he waltzed past a couple of defenders and produced a quality cross which was headed in at the near post by the on rushing Tom Starr.2-1.H/T. A very frustrating half for Ashton because the game should have been dead & buried but at 2 – 1, Aspull were still very much in the game. A quick start in the second half was essential & was clearly hammered home to the Ashton players at half time.

Straight out of the blocks in the 2^nd half Ashton scored the 3^rd goal when Tom Starr on the left wing crossed for Adam Brown to score a fine looping header for his second of the game 3-1. Ashton introduced their substitutes and with his first touch of the ball one of the subs, Tom Haywood coolly slotted the ball past the advancing Aspull goalkeeper into the corner of the net 4-1.

After another 10 minutes of good football and passing moves Josh Taffe broke into the Aspull box, under pressure from the Aspull defence he showed good strength and speed to make it 5-1.

Aspull were now playing for pride and to their credit they didn’t give up, they had a couple of half chances but struggled to breakdown the Ashton defence of Shaun Davies and Martin (Pazza)Latham. Back on the attack Ashton then made another break through when Adam Brown played a great ball over the Aspull defence to Tom Starr who passed it into the net 6-1.

Aspull once again refused to give in and after a good run and cross from their winger, Ashton's right back Mike Hinnigan somehow managed to handle the ball in the penalty box, the referee who was having a good game had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. With Ashton goalkeeper Anthony Burns waving his hands, jumping up and down he did enough to unsettle the Aspull penalty taker who blasted the ball over the bar. Once again a defensive lapse or a bad decision made could have cost Ashton a goal, and these incidents need to be eradicated along with the crime of giving away cheap free kicks. With only a few minutes left Adam Brown who has had a great start to the season completed his hat trick when he got on the end of another good move 7-1F/T.

The Ashton players now seem to be taking on board what is being asked of them and are playing some good football. The hard work & a more settled formation in which all players know their roles is now paying dividends with game on game improvements & evidence that the lads are bonding well as a team!!

SS

SS