MELLORS HEADS ROVERS TO THE POINTS

Notts Senior League

Division One

STAPLEFORD TOWN 2 ASHLAND ROVERS 3

A visit to Hickling Lane has been on the cards for a while now, as last time I visited this venue was around 1989. On arrival I was greeted by the home committee and made very welcome, then told that the pitch normally used hadnt been cut by the local council due to the rain and they were using a different pitch that I must admit looked very good,, with Respect banners and dug outs at side of the pitch and also the pitch was fully roped. After a couple of cuppas and the team line ups got, it was out to start taking the photos.

The game kicked off and it was Town who attacked in the opening minutes, but after only 6 minutes, Rovers main man and striker went down and had to be replaced due to a groin problem. Ashland re shuffled and still looked well balanced.

After 20 minutes, the visitors took the lead when a cross found out ALEX ENGLAND who placed the ball home. This seemed to awaken the homesters who went on the attack but couldnt beat a stubborn defence but a poor clearance found MARK MIDDLETON some 30 yards out, who drilled in a low shot that found the corner of the net to even the game up at 1-1.

Stapleford then seemed to have their tails up and pushed forward and had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be found to be disallowed as the ball seemed to go out of play, the next attack, saw them make the breakthrough when the ball was played across from the left wing for BEN SMEDLEY to take the loose ball past the keeper and place his side in to the lead.

In the Second Half, I strolled over to the far side of the pitch and joined local hopping brothers Michael and Andy Hartsthorne. Ashland seemed to step up their game, but both sides were knocking the ball around well, but on the hour, Rovers were awarded a free kick some 35 yards out on the left hand side, which was whipped in and ADAM MELLORS was first to respond when heading home the equaliser.

On  66 minutes, Rovers found themselves down to 10 men whilst Tom Ellis was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after showing dissent, this didnt seem to affect his side as they pushed forward and on 71 minutes, a free kick this time from the right hand side saw ADAM MELLORS rise for the ball to hit the back of his head and ended up in the net.

Staoleford at this stage pressed everyone forward to try and get back in to the game, whilst Ashland played on the break but no more goals were to be seen and Mellors double saw them return to Kirkby In Ashfield with the points.

On the Full Time whistle, Michael Hartsthorne kindly donated 50p per goal seen at the match from him and his brother so a £2.50 donation was kindly made. After the match, another donation this from Stapleford Town FC of £20.00 was kindly donated , so with all donations in for the Charity blog for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital, it takes the running total to a amazing £1.104.50p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK