25 April 2012
Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League, Premier Division
Old Ashtonians 1 Old Trafford 1 (att 6)
After reading another hopper's account of a visit here last Wednesday my expectations weren't very high, especially given the foul weather and the state of the pitch, which at any earlier point in the season would surely have been declared waterlogged and unplayable.
But what followed was a really enjoyable 80 minutes - two 40 minute halves after a late start on a gloomy night - with the home side's direct approach, more effective given the awful surface, against old Trafford's slower passing game.
The visitors were ahead thanks to a good finish after six minutes, and stayed in front until 24 minutes into the second half, when Old Ashtonians deservedly levelled.
The home side thought they'd won the game in the final minute when converted a penalty rather harshly awarded for handball. But the referee ruled one their players had encroached into the box and ordered a retake, which was saved.
A draw was a fair result, and both sides deserve credit for an entertaining game in poor conditions. Old Ashtonians have been nomadic in recent seasons, but for now at least play at King George's Playing Fields in Audenshaw, Manchester. A basic venue with two very muddy pitches and a small brick building housing the changing rooms.
Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League, Premier Division
Old Ashtonians 1 Old Trafford 1 (att 6)
After reading another hopper's account of a visit here last Wednesday my expectations weren't very high, especially given the foul weather and the state of the pitch, which at any earlier point in the season would surely have been declared waterlogged and unplayable.
But what followed was a really enjoyable 80 minutes - two 40 minute halves after a late start on a gloomy night - with the home side's direct approach, more effective given the awful surface, against old Trafford's slower passing game.
The visitors were ahead thanks to a good finish after six minutes, and stayed in front until 24 minutes into the second half, when Old Ashtonians deservedly levelled.
The home side thought they'd won the game in the final minute when converted a penalty rather harshly awarded for handball. But the referee ruled one their players had encroached into the box and ordered a retake, which was saved.
A draw was a fair result, and both sides deserve credit for an entertaining game in poor conditions. Old Ashtonians have been nomadic in recent seasons, but for now at least play at King George's Playing Fields in Audenshaw, Manchester. A basic venue with two very muddy pitches and a small brick building housing the changing rooms.
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