Our under 15s travelled to the LFA County Ground on Sunday to face Bamber Bridge in the Lancs County Cup Final. It was going to be another tough game for the Ashton team as Bamber Bridge were defending their title from last year. The Ashton lads were going into the game in confident mood, unbeaten in the league and having already knocked out previous finalists Ladybridge FC (Bolton) and BAC/EE (Preston) in the competition.

The pitch at the LFA ground was in immaculate condition, which suited both teams. As expected the game started at a fast and furious pace. Bamber Bridge started the game on top using their strength and aerial power. Ashton were sloppy in possession and gave the ball away too many times in their own half. Eager to get a foot hold in the game and regain possession Ashton conceded a number of free kicks. Bamber capitalised and put several free kicks into Ashton's penalty box testing Ashton's defence and Ashton's keeper James Bulloch. The defence held strong but on 12 minutes the deadlock was broken when Luke Nunnerley conceded a free kick 30 yards out. Free kick to Bamber and a yellow card for Nunnerley. The free kick was sent into the box and Bamber's centre half No 5 lost his marker and managed to get on the end of a it with a looping header, which wrong footed James Bulloch in goal. Bulloch managed to get a hand on it but it dropped over the line. A strong Ashton support were claiming the goal was clearly offside but the referee waved away the protests of the travelling fans and Ashton players. 1-0 Bamber Bridge, deserved lead.

Ashton's response was immediate, they quickly settled down and started to keep possession, controlling the game. A quick inter change of play by Jack Thorogood, Callum Stirrup and Matt Reid down the left opened Bamber's defence forcing a corner. From the corner Jamie Charnock climbed the highest to head towards goal for it to be cleared off the line. A goalmouth scrambled ensued but a resolute Bamber defence managed to get it clear. Ashton players were claiming for a penalty stating a player was pushed to the ground as Bamber tried to clear. Their claims were waved away again and the Ashton players didn't appear to be getting much joy from the referee. Ashton's midfield of Matt Reid and Harry Johnson continued to boss possession. Bamber were frustrated and started to go long when they retained possession. The long ball was certainly a threat for any defence as Bamber's No 9 was a constant threat with his pace. Scott Lawrence and Ryan Smith were outstanding partnership on the day nullifying the long ball. On 15 minutes another blow for Ashton, Luke Nunnerley limped off.

Jack Steele took his place in behind the striker for Ashton and quickly caused problems for Bamber with his attacking style of play. Ashton were pushing for an equaliser but were frustrated by a strong Bamber defence. Dion Johnston had a chance late on to equalise as he took the ball down on the right hand side of the 18 yard box from a Jamie Charnock cross, however he was unable to get his shot off due to some stiff defending from Bambers left back. Half time 0-1.

Despite finishing the 1st half strongly Ashton had come with a strong squad and made 3 changes. Despite strong performance's from Regan Osborne, Callum Stirrup and Dion Johnson they were replaced by Louis Pye at right back, Aaron Simpson into a holding midfielder and Jake Taylor down the right mid. Ashton continued as they'd finished and were quick to get on the ball. Bamber appeared rattled and made a few changes shortly after the break. A free kick went close from Matt Reid but clear cut chances were limited as a result of the strength and organisation of both teams. Scot Lawrence also went close with header, which had the keeper beaten but he couldn't direct it down and it just went over the bar. On the day Ashton looked more comfortable in possession and an equaliser was coming.

It came on 55 min's when another excellent passage of play with some great football from Ashton who worked the ball wide left to Harry Johnson. Johnson got to the byline and fired a great ball across the goal mouth towards the the back post where Jake Taylor was to smash home from the edge of the 6 yd box. Great goal! Ashton were back in it and Bamber Bridge were rattled. 1-1.
Both teams worked hard to retain possession and the midfield area was not for the faint hearted. The referee had some big calls to make and for a spell was responsible for a stop start game awarding needless free kicks for both teams. Jack Steele was in a determined mood for Ashton and continued to attack the Bamber back four who were starting to look tired. On 64 mins a turning point, Steele with another weaving run was brought down 10 yards outside the Bamber box, surely a free kick but no the referee deemed it a dive and decided to card Steele! A crazy decision, which both benches appeared to disagree on. Clearly frustrated Steele continued to work tirelessly alongside Charnock and only minutes after his caution Steele went in hard for a 50/50 challenge with Bamber No 6, the referee surprised everybody producing a second yellow and red card for Steele. Ashton down to 10 and clearly up against it. The Ashton manager started to reshuffle the team dropping J Charnock back into midfield, Matt Reid off after an impressive captains display in midfield, Nunnerley recovered after treatment and back on up front on his own. With 16 minutes left It appeared Ashton would have to hang on, and take it to penalties. The red card appeared to have the opposite affect and inspired the Ashton team to push for a winner, some great football and the Ashton team were now looking the fitter team. The Bamber side had started to fade due to the relentless pressure of the Ashton side. Bamber counter attacked but were thwarted time after time by the excellent Jack Thorogood, Lou Pye and Arron Simpson. Simpson also found himself in a good position on the edge of the box to shoot but unselfishly he tried to slot Jake Taylor in on the right, chance gone. 8 minutes to go, surely we were going to penalties as Ashton also tired. A last change for Ashton, penalty taker Dion Johnson on, and Lou Pye off. As the game continued to swing everybody was thinking penalties but the Ashton players had other ideas. Nunnerley fresh after his early knock was to much for the Bamber back four. Twisting and turning every time he got the ball, the crowd sensed there could be a winner. Ashton still trying to play from the back, Bulloch rolled the ball out to D Johnston who played a ball down the right wing, Charnock turned and passed it through to Nunnerly one on one, who in turn run the ball 20 yards and slotted the ball passed the on coming keeper, great finish, 2 -1 Ashton ! The main stand went wild with the drumming of the back boards of the stand. Great atmosphere! Bamber were shell shocked. 2 minutes to go and the fourth official raised the board with another 2 mins added time. Ashton weren't finished, Nunnerly, Johnson, Charnock and Taylor pouring forward, Nunnerley eventually twisting and turning in the box and could of made it 3 but desperate defending and a scrambling keeper kept it a 2. Full time Bamber Bridge 1- 2 Ashton Athletic. Both sets of players should be commended for an excellent spectacle between two great teams.

Ashton Ath team- J Bulloch, R Osborne, R Smith, S Lawrence, J Thorogood, D Johnston, M Reid (C), H Johnson, C Stirrup, L Nunnerley (78), J Charnock.
Subs: J Taylor (55) J Steele, L Pye, A Simpson, M Shorrocks.

Ashton Athletic U15s- Lancashire County Champions 2013/14

Future is bright for the club