10 man Ashton progress in Lancs Cup

Tuesday 11^th November 2008

Cooperative Lancashire Cup 1^st Round

Ashton Athletic FC 2 AFC Blackpool 1

Ashton progressed to the next round of this year’s County Cup competition in dreadful weather conditions, despite being reduced to ten men midway through the first half.

Playing into a gale force wind in the first half Ashton took an early lead as Mike Rhead split the visiting defence with a through ball to Nic Bozonnet who drew the keeper before driving the ball into the corner of the net in the 2^nd minute.

Ashton pressed for a second but Blackpool were looking dangerous on the break as Lee Novak was forced into 2 excellent reflex saves. With the lion’s share of possession Ashton also had chances to increase the lead but the Blackpool defence held firm.

Then two yellow cards in quick succession for Ashton midfielder Dale Sealey resulted in a red card for Sealey and Ashton were down to 10 men after just 24 minutes. Despite the numerically unequal sides Ashton continued to have decent possession and from a gaol mouth scramble Mike Rhead set up Joe Evans, unmarked at the back post, for the easiest of finishes to increase Ashton’s lead in the 38^th minute.

Keeper Novak was quick off his line to clear twice when forwards were bearing down on goal and picked up a nasty gashed shin in the process, and then at the other end Rhead again set up Bozonnet whose snap shot clipped the outside of the post.

Then minutes before the half time break a wind assisted long range effort from Blackpool skipper Mark Ashall flew into the top corner to reduce the deficit. HT 2-1

Novak’s injury forced a half time substitution and regular 1^st team keeper Joe Brobbin came into the fray, as did Mike Winer as a tactical replacement for Centre half Lee Edmunds. With the wind at their backs Ashton were able to keep Blackpool on the back foot with Steve Bennett, Mike Rhead and Nic Bozonnet all coming close to increasing the lead but were denied by the crossbar and post respectively.

Blackpool did have their chances to draw level but secure goalkeeping and a couple of wayward efforts late on meant that Ashton held on to the lead and progress to the next round.

Photos of the match can be viewed on;

http://www.celebritypixuk.co.uk/slideshow44425.html