Aztecs turn tables to claim Uttoxeter scalp
ASHBOURNE Aztecs Under16s produced a superb second-half display to beat Uttoxeter Juniors 4-3.
There was little to choose between the sides in the opening exchanges of their BJFL Division One game before Uttoxeter took a 25th-minute lead with a header.
They doubled their advantage moments later but a neat Freddie Murphy finish just before half-time kept the Aztecs in the match.
After the break, though, the tables were turned as the Aztecs took control.
Murphy capitalised when the Uttoxeter keeper failed to hold a long ball and equalised for Ashbourne.
Logan Cuthbert must have thought he had given Aztecs the lead with a great strike from 25 yards out but he watched as the ball rebounded to safety off the crossbar.
Ashbourne took the lead thanks to a Will Gerrard free kick but, with 15 minutes remaining, Uttoxeter were awarded a penalty at the end of a rare attack.
Keeper Fraser Cooper man
aged to get a hand to the spot kick but could not keep the ball out and it looked as if the
points would be shared.
But the Aztecs were having none of that and Kyle Clowes produced a fine through ball for Murphy to chase before he lobbed his shot into the far corner to complete a hat-trick.
Uttoxeter almost had the last word deep into injury time but Cooper produced a good save to keep out a free kick.
The Aztecs celebrated a superb victory which continues their unbeaten start to the season.
Will Costabile was on target for Ashbourne U11s Lions in their latest game against Shelton Hippos.
He scored a couple of goals and is the team’s joint top scorer with Matthew Ackers.
Ashbourne Aztecs’ U7s Jaguars and Panthers have completed their first round of games in the Derby Junior Football League.
Both teams have made a great start to the season and are wearing new kits featuring a rainbow logo to mark the fantastic efforts made by Ashbourne people during the pandemic.
Fund-raising in the town paid for the kit, while Bowmer Bonds also made a generous contribution.