Ashton scrape through with Sherlock strike

Saturday 22^nd November 2008

Vodkat League Premier Division

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0 ASHTON ATHLETIC 1

Ashton Athletic moved up to 12^th place in the league with this tough away win at Ramsbottom, as a second half strike by Dave Sherlock proved the difference between the two sides.

The first half though, was all Ramsbottom and had it not been for some good last gasp defending and saves from keeper Joe Brobbin, and some half hearted finishing by the home side Ashton could easily have gone in at half time in arrears. Throughout the first period Ashton could not get into their rhythm with possession squandered unnecessarily on many occasions allowing Ramsbottom to dominate.

The second half show from Ashton was much more positive and goal scoring opportunities suddenly started to appear, with Kev Kynaston, and Nic Bozonnet both coming close in the opening exchanges. Then on 75 minutes a superb through ball from Joe Evans found Dave Sherlock on a well timed run that earned him freedom behind the Ramsbottom back line. One on one with the keeper Sherlock coolly slotted the ball home to give Ashton the lead in the 75^th minute.

The Ashton defence continued in ruthless mood to repel Ramsbottom’s efforts in clinical fashion with substitutes Dale Sealey Tom Potter and Mike Rhead all making good impact good and on the break Ashton might have increased the lead with Sherlock and Potter looking dangerous at every attack.

An excellent 3 points away from home, which makes it 4 games unbeaten and just one defeat in six for the Ashton side. The next game will be on Tuesday 25^th November when Flixton FC are the visitors to Brocstedes Park for a 7.45pm KO.

Ashton’s reserves continued the impressive form shown of late with a comfortable 3-0 win against Atherton Laburnum Rovers Reserves. The three points were secured with goals from Paul Hynes, Ben Cartwright and on his return after a 4 week injury lay off, Adam White.