Ashton denied late winner.

Saturday 15^th November 2008

Vodkat League Premier Division

Ashton Athletic FC 2 Winsford 2

A controversial refereeing decision late in the game, by first awarding and then disallowing a stunning strike from Kev Kynaston somewhat soured a competitive and entertaining league match at Brocstedes Park. The incident also reduced the visitors to 10 men as Goalkeeper Jamie Mottershead was shown a red card during the melee immediately after the goal was initially awarded. However his aggressive protests along with those of a posse of other Winsford players, was enough to pressure the perplexed referee Hughes into a change of mind much to Ashton’s bewilderment.

From the off both teams clearly meant business as first Ashton had a sight at goal through Kev Kynaston and Steve Bennett both thwarted by Winsford keeper Mottershead. Then Winsford had their turn as a slack pass from Simon Gallanders gifted possession to the lively Steve Siddell who broke quickly and crossed for Phil Mason but his effort was placed wide.

In the 15^th minute Ashton broke the deadlock as a flowing move started by Kev Kynaston on the left playing in Mike Rhead who in turn released Steve Bennett, and one on one he coolly rounded the advancing keeper to pass the ball into the empty net

Three minutes later however Winsford were level as top scorer Phil Mason was given too much space in the box to volley home from a throw in flicked on by skipper Mischa Showers. After that both defences tightened up until just before the half time interval when a diagonal ball into the box reached wingman Ross Kennedy who toe poked the ball into the bottom corner to give Ashton keeper Joe Brobbin no chance HT 1-2

After the break influential Winsford skipper Mischa Showers almost increased Winsford’s lead with a long range effort skim the top of the cross bar. Midway through the second half Ashton increased the tempo and started to really trouble the visiting defence and forced a free kick 25 yards from goal. Chris Lawton drove the ball towards goal and a slight nick off the wall cased Mottershead to spill the ball and Kynaston was first to react to blast the ball in from close range to tie the scores.

Both sides probed for the winner and with 8 minutes on the clock Ashton thought they had scored. Kev Kynaston cut in from the right, rode a couple of overzealous challenges and with advantage played by referee Hughes, Kynaston smashed the ball with his left foot into the top corner from the edge of the box. The referee blew his whistle as the ball was on its way into the net and pointed towards the halfway line for the restart. This caused pandemonium in the Winsford ranks who claimed that he had blown for a free kick. Mottershead was red carded for his part in the protests , whilst the anger shown by several other players could have resulted in further dismissals had the referee been so inclined.

Referee Hughes then suddenly changed his mind and disallowed the goal, awarding Ashton a free kick on the edge of the box. The free kick was blocked by the wall and although Ashton had a numerical advantage for the remaining minutes Winsford upped their work rate and repelled Ashton’s further efforts at taking all three points. An unfortunate end to a good game of football and although Ashton should have come away with all three points the result is nevertheless a good point against 9^th place Winsford, and consolidates Ashton’s 15^th League position.

Ashton continue in league form this Tuesday night when Congleton Town are the visitors to Brocstedes Park for a 7.45pm KO

The reserves also drew on Saturday, away at Chadderton with a goal from Paul Townshend in his comeback game after a prolonged absence due to illness and injury. They also had a goal disallowed as Townshend was adjudged off side before firing the ball into the net..