Match report: Ashton Athletic

Another win on the road for Thornton-Cleveleys as they outscored home opposition, Ashton Athletic 4-2.

Despite the Reds going a goal down in the game winger, Jacob Aspinall, managed to claw one back in the first half. He then gave the visitors the lead early on in the second half.

Archie Lang became the saviour after the opposition came back level by scoring a brace including a last minute penalty earned by Noah Sawkins.

The game started strong with both teams wanting to grab something early but it was Thornton-Cleveleys with the first clear cut chance.

Aspinall cut the ball back inside the box for Luke Noble who falsified a shot to allow Oliver Wilkinson the ball, however the captain couldn’t capitalise on the chance.

Not long after debutant, Harry Norris, chipped the ball cleverly towards Noble from the right wing but the striker couldn’t put away his header despite being just yards out from the goal.

Even though the Reds were on top in the game it only took 16 minutes for Ashton Athletic to open the scoring, the goal came from a corner and after a busy front post the ball somehow ended up in the net.

Paul Gregory’s side didn’t let the first goal get them down though as they won themselves two free kicks back to back in similar areas, both hit the defensive wall.

In the 41st minute Jacob Aspinall stayed alert as the opposition goal keeper held the ball at his feet for too long, the number 7 was quick to pounce and nicked the ball to slot it into the goal and equalled the playing field for the Reds.

Aspinall came out of the blocks hungry for more just 5 minutes into the second half, as the winger drove fiercely into the centre of the pitch and gave his team the lead.

Ashton Athletic didn’t shy away though as a flurry of missed placed headers inside the red box came to their aid and their striker managed to volley one into the back of the net to keep the match breathing in the 58th interval.

After the second equaliser the game really came alive and both teams were showing real character to attempt to grab something for their respected sides.

Archie Lang was the man that made the difference after eighty minutes played, the teenager rose above the rest in a battle for the ball during a corner, he nestled a header into the top left corner.

The Reds weren’t done there as substitute, Noah Sawkins, showed heart to reach a runaway ball and to beat his man, as he bolted into the box his pace it was too much for the defender and the American won a penalty in the dying seconds of the match.

Lang stepped up to take the penalty kick and already confident from scoring the winner, he provided the goods as he smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Thornton-Cleveleys have now picked up 6 points in their last 2 games and scoring isn’t a chore for them after they’ve put away 7 goals in those matches.