Ashton Athletic 1-1 Cheadle Town

The points were shared again between these two teams in a game that was marred - for most of the second half - by howling winds and horizontal rain.

Cheadle took a while to get going today; it wasn't until the 26th minute that they registered their first serious effort on goal - Deano's turn and shot easily saved by the Ashton Athletic 'keeper. It would be fair to say that up until then 'Athletic had the better of things, albeit without seriously threatening to score. One chance of note came after 6 minutes when one of their forwards (who looked offside) shot wide after being put clean through.

On 34 minutes the game got the goal it needed. McDonagh curling a lovely left-foot shot round the outstretched right-hand of the 'Athletic keeper. 1-0 to the Cheadle, who then built up a head of steam as the rest of the half was played out and looked the more likely to score. Half-Time, Ashton Ath 0-1 CTFC.

'Athletic came out of the traps in the second half and got the equaliser they deserved on 55 minutes, although Mellor won't be too happy in the way that the shot squirmed out of his grasp and into the net. He did, however, make two outstanding saves on 76 and 88 minutes to make sure that Cheadle walked away with a point.

As the vicious rain arrived in the second half, the game went as cold as the wind that accompanied it. The flags took a severe battering and are, as I type, enjoying a luxury pampering with Arial 'Colour Care' and a relaxing session in the tumble dryer. Before I finish, thanks also to Paul (part of Arron Riley's entourage) who fixed it for me to get a brew and a few sandwiches with 'Athletic's vice-chairman at half-time.

Photos: Look at the right-hand side of the website and you'll see a new 'Photographs' section; there should be a link to today's selection.

TEAM: Mellor, McDonagh, B Roberts, Cotterill, A Roberts, Smith, A Riley, Brocklehurst, Flanagan, D Martin (Lee), Stewart Subs: Lee, Wakefield, Brokenbrow