Spencer, Bailey on target as fine run continues

ASHBOURNE FC continued their decent run of form with a 2-0 win away to Lichfield City Casuals.

It was an even start to the game with both sides going for it at a fast pace.

However, there were very few chances in the first 20 minutes, with AFC’S Ross Keeling and Paul Spencer having the only shots, which were comfortable for the Lichfield keeper.

The breakthrough came after half an hour when Lichfield played a ball through which went out for an Ashbourne goal kick.

Keeper James Bennett took it quickly, straight down the middle, evading the Lichfield defense and finding Spencer, who brought it down well and went through one-on-one to slot the ball past the keeper.

AFC came under a bit of pressure after that but defended well to keep the score at 1-0 up to half-time.

The second half began with Ashbourne controlling possession with Owen Bailey and Keeling prominent in the middle and wing-backs Ricky Wright and George Taylor controlling play down each side.

The second goal came after 65 minutes from another long kick from Bennett to find Spencer.

He did well to get the ball under control and hold it up against the Lichfield centrebacks, then found Owen Bailey just outside the box and he fired hard and low into the bottom-left corner.

The last 25 minutes saw Lichfield dominating possession but Ashbourne’s back line held firm.

The best chance, with 10 minutes left, was kept out by a smart reaction save from Bennett to his left.

The result sees AFC sitting a healthy seventh in the Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division table.

Mayfield, in the Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division, drew 4-4 away to unbeaten Sunnyhill to stay third in the table.