ROVERS WIN AGAIN

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division One

ASHLAND ROVERS 3 SOUTHWELL CITY RESERVES 2

A funny sort of day, as my plan was to head to Attenborough but with t being called off due to a frozen pitch, it was a matter of ringing round and I got a definate yes its on from Ashland Rovers Secretary John Dawn, so that made up my mind where I was going, though Im there again on the 30th when they host Stapleford Town.

I saw this fixture last season and it was a close fought affair with Rovers winning 2-1, so I expected the same again today, though I have seen Ashland four times this season and they have won all 4, whilst over 3 seasons, I have seen Southwell 4 times and they have lost 3, so maybe a good luck charm for Ashland but not so for Southwell.

Before the game, the referee Craig Fisk asked for a little bit just outside one of the areas to be folked and there would be no problem, John  Dawn duly did this and kick off was soon on its way.

Both sides like to attack and chances were of plenty and after 14 minutes, it was the visitors who took the lead, when ROB BROWN struck home from just inside the area.

Thee scores were soon level as four minutes later, KURTIS DUDLEY hit a volley from 30 yards out leaving the visiting keeper with no chance of keeping it out.

Southwell then had the better of the chances in the First Half but they all went begging and if gone in they could well have been three goals clear.

The Second Half though belonged to Rovers, straight away on the front foot and on 49 minutes, LEE TOWNSEND hit possibly the goal of the game to put his side in to a 2-1 lead.

Southwell tried to push forward, but Ashland played on the counter attack mainly with Bircumshaw holding the ball up front and begining the attacks, so it came as no surprise on 57 minutes, whe n DANIEL BIRCUMSHAW turned his defender and smashed Rovers in to a two goal cushion.

Southwell pushed forward and the Rovers defence stood tight, whilst they had chances of their own at the other end.

In the 89th minute, City did reduce the arrears when TOM TYLER broke down the left wing and cut in and beat the Rovers keeper at his near post.

Must say and I heard comments after the match, that Referee CRAIG FISK was one of the best that they had seen this season and he did have a very good match

I must thank John Dawn and Ashland Rovers FC for the kind £20 donation towards this Blogs Charity which is MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital, where the running total now stands at a stunning £1,227.25p

The photos from the match can be seen on this LINK