AFC hit back with good win after bad run
ASHBOURNE FC snapped a run of four successive heavy defeats - some deserved and others a little harsh with a 2-1 home win over Wolstanton United in the Staffs County Senior League Premier Division.
The result was just what AFC needed after their confidence had taken a battering in their previous four matches but they set out to prove that they are not a side to roll over and take a beating and manager Adam Lomas has delighted they did just that.
“We celebrated the win like it was a cup final,” he said,
“It’s such a good feeling to come off the pitch and see what it means to the lads. Our hard work, which has always been there, fully paid off and we deserved everything we got out of the game.
“We face Florence on Saturday away and I hope the lads bring the same attitude and grit. If they do, we will be a force to reckon with once again.”
AFC’S bad run began with a midweek trip to Tunstall Town, a good side who were much better on the night, with a 7-1 result a fair reflection of how the contest went.
They then faced Foley Meir at home and lost 6-2, the Foley strike force proving the difference, then the League Cup brought no relief as AFC were beaten 4-1 by Newcastle Town.
The worst was yet to come as AFC then played Silverdale Athletic at home and despite having the better of a first half which ended with the score 1-1, they fell apart after the interval and went down 8-1.
Within 13 minutes of the restart, they were 5-1 down and though changes were made to try and get back into the game, they left holes for Silverdale to exploit.
Wolstanton have been a strong side in the league for many years and Ashbourne got just the start they needed when a well-worked move down the right ended with Rob Austin breaking free and shoot in from 15 yards.
Liam Gibson, back in the side after a spell out, was the star player throughout as he and Sam Lee kept Wolstanton at bay. Sam Waring, playing only his second game, was also outstanding.
The scores were level when, from a corner, the ball travelled all the way through the box for a Wolstanton player to tap it into an empty net.
AFC responded positively and the midfield three of Craig Startin, Jordan Campbell and Sam Twigg worked tirelessly to wrestle the momentum back.
The winner followed a wonderful strike from skipper Twigg from 40 yards which struck the crossbar and Sean Millward followed up to head home and secure them the three points.
It was AFC’S third league win of the season and possibly their most valuable.
ASHBOURNE FC: Bennett, Waring, Gibson, Lee, Austin, Taylor, Cambell, Twigg, Startin, Millward, Bacon. Subs: Coates, Lanning, Parker.