Adders secure their first win of the Mitch Thompson era

ATHERSTONE TOWN 2 STUDLEY 0

MFL Premier Division

ATHERSTONE Town picked up their first win under new manager Mitch Thompson with a 2-0 victory against Studley on Saturday afternoon.

Tom Smith gave the Adders the lead with a well taken first half goal, as the Adders enjoyed a positive first 45 minutes.

The visitors pushed hard for a second half equaliser, allowing Atherstone to counter attack and James Matthews to make it two and secure the points.

Next for the Adders is a run of away games, starting at Uttoxeter Town on Saturday.

Few would have expected Saturday’s game to go ahead with the freezing temperatures during the week, but as the pitch was deemed playable focus had to be turned on. Studley had been very impressive against Atherstone earlier in the campaign, coming from behind to win 3-1.

This was a different Atherstone side however, who had put in an excellent performance against a strong Villa side the week before. The grit and toughness on display that day shone through again in another good performance.

The Adders got at their visitors right out of the gate, and Studley were lucky to keep eleven men on the field after an early last man foul. Lewis Collins was a problem for defenders throughout, and nearly opened the scoring with a lobbed effort that was caught by the keeper.

It was mishandling by the Studley keeper which led to the opening goal, as a cross from the right hand side was dropped in a crowded penalty area. The ball arrived at Tom Smith’s feet, who swept home across goal into the bottom corner.

Atherstone deserved their lead, but Studley were definitely in the game and forced Carl O’neil into some smart saves. At the other end, Collins looked certain to make it two before half time but saw his one on one effort saved.

After a breather and quick defrost during half time, Studley came out in the second half and tested the resilience of their hosts. The Adders stood up to the onslaught, with Callum Rudd and Corey Alcock forming a good partnership and marshalling the back line well.

New addition Richard Blythe slotted into the side excellently, providing defensive support and allowing his fellow midfielders the freedom to get forward and support in attack. At the midway point of the half, Studley were just starting to edge the contest.

That was until the Adders struck a lightning counter attack, with Collins working an excellent ball out to James Matthews. Bearing down on goal, Matthews made no mistake and rifled home into the bottom corner.

The second goal took the wind out of the visitors sails, and the remainder of the game was seen out with a minimum of fuss to bring home an impressive three points.

The win was the first for Mitch Thompson and his management team, and will be crucial for confidence heading into a run of away fixtures.