Celebrations on the Rec to end the season for Aztecs
... and Under-12s win to lift Mighty trophy
AROUND 300 Ashbourne Aztecs junior players gathered on the Rec for the club’s end of season awards.
But there was also a big occasion for the Under-12 Lions team to deal with – the final of the Derby Junior League Lewis Mighty Memorial Cup.
The Lions finished the season in style with a 3-1 win over Derby side Shelton Hippos on neutral territory at Mickleover Royal British Legion’s ground.
Spurred on by a large and vocal travelling support, the team had to endure sustained pressure from the Hippos at the start of the game, with goalkeeper Archie Critchlow making some fine saves to keep them level.
The Lions eventually grew into the game and with Jack Jennings, Charlie Wallace and Will Plant providing a solid platform at the back, they started to play some good passing football.
Noah Wood, Tom Weston and Shia Grocott all went close before Will Costibile pounced on a loose ball and rounded the keeper to put Aztecs in front.
Lytton Pegg doubled the lead when he tucked away the rebound from a Grocott shot which the keeper could not hold.
Chasing a 2-0 deficit, Shelton put Ashbourne under pressure again at the start of the second half and they worked a lovely move to pull one back.
Now the Lions had to show their character and Critchlow made a crucial save to deny an equaliser.
Gradually, they regained control of midfield and started to threaten again.
With 10 minutes left, a loose ball in the area after sustained pressure resulted in Weston making it 3-1.
Will Harper, Pegg and Grocott all went close as the boys finished the game on top and skipper Wood lifted the cup.
UNDER-12 LIONS: Archie Critchlow, Will Plant, Charlie Wallace, Jack Jennings, Ben North, Fergus Patterson, Tom Weston, Shia Grocott, Will Harper, Noah Wood, Will Costible, Lytton Pegg.
AT the Rec, apart from the presentation of awards, the club’s outgoing under-16s played the Andy King memorial game against a Coaches Xl.
This finished 3-3 and the coaches showed their experience to nick the win on penalties.
Club chairman Steve Walwyn, a stalwart of the local sports scene, who also captains Clifton cricket club’s third team and plays golf at Ashbourne GC, will be stepping down at the AGM in July and he was presented with a gift of thanks at the end of the day by secretary Neil Brown .
“Three years is plenty, especially with the Covid years to contend with,” said Walwyn.
If anyone is interested in joining the club, head to ashbourneaztecsjfc.com for details.