Ten men Under 17's go down to Spring View

Sunday 2nd November 2008

Wigan Youth League

Spring View U/17s 3 Ashton Athletic U/17s 0

The score line suggests a good hiding, but the fact is that Ashton played well for 80 minutes and most of which with only 10 men due to a controversial refereeing decision. Take nothing away from Spring View, who look to be the team to beat in this leagueand are a tough team to beat.

With 3 players missing due to holidays Ashton brought in 2 lads from the under 16/s team and both Ben Lawless and Ryan Connolly played very well and did not look out of place.

After Daniel (Rory) Ferguson got his early marching orders for swearing (under his breath) we re-grouped and started to play some good football.

Spring View took the lead but Ashton still created a couple of chances to get level but full credit to Spring View they don’t give much away and defended stoutly. H/T1-0

Into the 2^nd half and Ashton still kept plugging away, playing neat & tidy football and making the visitors work hard for the ball. Both sides had chances to score but goalkeepers and defenders were on top.

After 65mins a great save from the Spring View keeper stopped us getting back on level terms, and a minute later we paid the price for missing chances when the Spring View striker banged one into the top corner.2-0

Ashton changed a couple of positions and tried to keep the score respectable, but another good move by Spring View led to a shot from 20 yards flying into the bottom corner.3-0

The game as a contest was now over and full credit to the Ashton lads digging in with tired legs and kept the score line respectable.

In the end the Ashton lads must learn from mistakes and in particular do not back chat to the referee. Ashton played some good football and with a bit more may have got something out of the game, but with ten men, against a top side it was always going to be an up hill struggle.

Thanks again to Ben and Ryan for stepping up an age group and playing so well.