Aztecs made to fight to stay top
TWO early goals put Ashbourne Aztecs Under-16s on top away to Mickleover RBL Under-16s but they had to dig deep in defence to hold on to a 2-0 victory to keep them top of their division in the Derby City League.
In a very tight match between two experienced teams, Alex Cheetham put Ashbourne ahead and Tyler Jackson added a second but it was backs to the wall for much of the time after that.
Goalkeepers Jack Banks, in the first half, and Jack Thomas, in the second, came under plenty of pressure as Mickleover pushed forward at every opportunity. In front of them, Tom Wain and Jayden Clamp won plenty of defensive headers, while Jack Green, Regan Ford and Adam Leigh were also on hand to clear up threatening situations.
Credit must also go to midfielders Owen Bailey and James Donlan, who picked up any loose balls, retained possession and tried to keep their side moving forward as much as possible.
TEAM: Jacob Wibberley-howe, Leo Cooper, Regan Ford, Jayden Clamp, Adam Leigh, Jack Green, Tom Wain, Tyler Jackson, Alex Cheetham, Thomas Barke, Jack Thomas, Jack Banks, Harry Vinall, Owen Bailey, James Donlan, Tyler Burton.
A Hard-fought 3-2 victory for Ashbourne Aztecs Under-13s over Spondon Rovers Sapphires lifted them to third place, even though their defence suffered the disruption of losing captain Charlie Taylor and Alfred Scott with knee injuries.
It was a mixed bag for Ashbourne but they did enough in an open game.
Spondon went ahead with a few minutes to go to half-time but Kieran Clarke pulled his side level moments before the whistle.
A volley from Josh Wright early in the second half put Aztecs 2-1 up and Clarke got his second to make it 3-1 but Spondon did narrow the gap and player of the match Oliver Colebourne made a string of good saves to keep Ashbourne ahead.
TEAM: Louis De’sousa, Theo Allen, Kieran Clarke, Mackenzie James, Alfred Scott, Henry Morton, Fred Garrett, Josh Wright, Charlie Taylor, Fergus Wilson, Thomas Mason, Oscar Robinson, Harry Wallis, Oliver Colebourne, James Lawton.
A SCRAPPY game was effectively over at half-time as Ashbourne Aztecs Under-12 Cougars took a threegoal lead through Lucas Shirtcliffe and two goals from Dejvid Sidders against Stanton Ilkeston Under-12 Rangers.
They went on to make it 5-0, with Sidders completing his hat-trick.
It was a dominant performance from Ashbourne, with the back line of Declan Walwyn, Oliver Love, Luca Baird and Matty Gillis holding firm against the Stanton forwards and Jamie Longyear excellent in goal.
The second half was more of a physical challenge but Mason Hoult, Josh Menaj and Alex Garcia-quintero were warriors in the middle.
Joe Stelfox made it 4-0 from a penalty after he was fouled in the area, player of the match Max Atkinson and Otto Wigley were both unlucky not to add to the score but Sidders did strike from a tight angle to complete the scoring.
ASHBOURNE Aztecs Pumas Under10s had their hands full against Duffield Vipers and goalkeeper Luca Montgomery had to be in top form, making some excellent saves to keep the scoring down.
Aidan Brown played further forward to link the defence and the forwards and he made some great runs. Harry Lovatt defended solidly and Joseph Reeks played out from the back, making crucial tackles, solid runs and good passes.
Jack Tinker was up front and almost found the net from a cross. Ben Stubbs’ athletic runs opened up play and Rylee Hayes was back up front and took his goal well.
Finley Wood ran tirelessly and also scored, from a Stubbs corner, but it was a tough game for Ashbourne. TEAM: Luca Montgomery, Aidan Brown, Harry Lovatt, Ben Stubbs, Jack Tinker, Finley Wood, Joseph Reeks, Rylee Hayes.