Ashton Athletic 5-0 Cheadle Town

A four-goal salvo in the first-half did the damage as Cheadle slumped to a 0-5 reversal at Brocstedes Park.

Ashton Athletic set their stall out early and reaped the benefit of a two-goal lead within the first quarter-of-an-hour of the match. The header that smashed off O'Keefe's crossbar after just 3 minutes didn't seem to matter once Ashton Athletic had taken their lead just six minutes later; Sam Hall lost possession in midfield, the ball was fed through to a (suspiciously offside) forward who rounded O'Keefe and slotted home.

On the 15 minute mark, the lead was doubled. Athletic kept the ball alive on the byline and crossed it from the right where it was seized upon on the edge of the box and slammed home.

For the next 27 minutes Cheadle started to very slowly but very surely get a foot on the ball and earn themselves a bit of much-needed possession. Granted this didn't create any effective clear-cut chances for us, but it did mean that the utter tonking that Athletic looked like giving us was being halted in its tracks....

...until a two-minute period just before half-time. On the 43rd minute a free-kick was whipped in from the left and freely nodded in from a couple of yards out, with an identical header ending up the same way just two minutes later thus giving Athletic an unassailable four-goal advantage.

With the game lost, Trevor told the players to "win the second half". They may not have done that where goals were concerned - Ashton Athletic got their fifth on the 75th minute - but they certainly would have won the percentage possession stats. Cheadle also crafted a couple of chances in this period and all: a nice move saw Scott Flanagan's resulting shot excellently palmed away by the 'keeper on the hour mark and perhaps our substitute should have done better than blasting over the bar when ten yards out.

If this match would have started at 8.30pm then I might have been reporting on a narrower defeat...or even a draw. Could have, would have, should have - that's football for you....

Pictures from the evening can be seen by clicking here

TEAM: O'Keefe, Clarke, B Roberts, Logan, A Roberts, Fellows (Gittens), Hall, Myers, Flanagan, Smith, Brokenbrow. Subs: Gittens

This Week's Matches

Fixture faffage and a cup final will result in me experiencing a first this week: three football matches on-the-bounce.

It's off to Butterworth Park tonight to see if Cheadle Town can pick up only their third league away win of the season - and some much-welcome points - away to Div 2 strugglers Castleton Gabriels. The home match at Park Road ended up in an exciting 3-3 draw and given how both sides are languishing at the wrong end of the table, another goal-fest could be on the cards. Another factor to consider is tonight's potential attendance; Cassy's average home attendance is poor to say the least, something that won't be helped by the Manchester United v Barcelona match....

Wednesday sees us acquainting ourselves with Bootle for the third time in a fortnight as they pit their wits against Div 1 Maine Road in the Vodkat League Cup Final. As well as looking forward to what promises to be another interesting contest, there's another new stadium to visit: The Tameside Stadium, home of Unibond 1's Curzon Ashton.

The tryptych of footballing action concludes on Thursday night at Brocstedes Park with Cheadle's away match at Ashton Athletic. If Cheadle have managed to win at Castleton then this will provide the ideal opportunity to kick-on with another three points, although this task will be that little bit more difficult as Ashton Athletic are gunning for a top-five finish in what has been a royal season for them.

Each match report will be on here the same night - albeit in the late hours - so there'll be plenty of bedtime reading to keep you all busy. Don't say I never treat you.

Come on Cheadle!

Tomorrow then Saturday's Opponents: Bootle and Ashton Athletic

For those people who support teams lucky enough to be participating in the UEFA Cup, there is no novelty in seeing football being played on a Thursday night. Cheadle are somewhat distant from European football at the moment so, if you don't mind, we'll make something of the Thursday thing.

I think this is the first time we've seen Cheadle play on a Thursday. There. Done it.

Bootle and Ashton Athletic were, up until very recently, two teams in with an outside chance of claiming the second promotion place in what was turning out to be an interesting battle. However, Kirkham and Wesham have "ruined" the intrigue somewhat by cutting loose: their 2-0 defeat of Padiham last night [Tuesday] means that they sit 6 points clear of 3rd-placed Oldham Town and still with two games-in-hand.

Bootle play us right in the middle of a hectic schedule. Their rare ol' season which has seen them reach the final of both "domestic" cup finals has meant a bit of a fixture pile-up: this will be Bootle's third fixture already this week! Perhaps their minds are on those cup finals - or the heavy schedule is kicking in - as we meet them on the back of two consecutive defeats, the most recent being a 1-4 drubbing at Darwen on Tuesday night.

Then it's back to Ashton-in-Makerfield on the Saturday for our away trip to Ashton Athletic. There's not much to say about that match now, to be honest, except to say that Cheadle will be looking to avenge the home fixture where, despite making a good fist of it, they ended up losing 1-3. After that there'll only be two games left - how time flies.

The Bootle match report will be on here very late Thursday night, and it'll be Sunday lunchtime before the Ashton Athletic one wends its way onto here.

Come on Cheadle!

Last season: Bootle 2-2 Cheadle Town, Ashton Athletic 1-1 Cheadle Town

Cheadle Town 1-3 Ashton Athletic

In the end it wasn't for the want of trying, but Cheadle Town were gunned down by three goals to one by top-five Ashton Athletic.

The pitch was sodden to the point of saturation and was surely only one five-minute downpour away from abandonment; such was Cheadle's thinly-spread luck in this match that the rain we have had all week suddenly failed to show up for 90 minutes, thus potentially sparing them from this defeat.

But Cheadle had their chances to win this, rain or no rain. It may have been a mere consolation but when Scott Flanagan was put through and rounded the 'keeper with one of the last kicks of the game to make the scoreline a more respectable 1-3, we felt as though it was the very least Cheadle deserved as, up to that point, a three-goal deficit seemed somewhat harsh.

It was a lively match all-in-all, and whilst both teams paddled around the goalscoring gravy for the first 45, they finally got to the meat for the second. Just five minutes in, Aspinall connected to a right-wing cross for Athletic's first. Mellor's excellent palming away of a fierce drive after 63 minutes was rendered pointless as the ball was eventually turned back into the box and met by Lawton's head for Ashton's second and their third is something that our custodian will want to forget in a hurry: his goal-kick was punted back in his direction onto a chasing Paul McVeigh, who beat Mellor to the ball to nod it over his head.

So, what of Cheadle's chances? Mike Myers got us going with the "ooohs" and "ahhhs" after just 7 minutes when he narrowly hooked over the crossbar from a corner. Four minutes later and Deano was unlucky not to beat the goalie to the ball after a neat move had put him through. On the half-hour he was unlucky again: he created himself some space with a piece of his classic neat footwork but curled his shot over the crossbar.

At the start of the second half Cheadle had their best chance to take the lead. Arron Riley's cross from the left was met by Deano who had his shot excellently blocked by the 'keeper; Lindon snatched up the rebound but could only put it wide. The Athletic 'keeper was also equal to one of Johnny Hussain's left-footed piledrivers on the hour mark and an Andy Lindon free-kick on 73 minutes. Mention must also go to Peter Mellor who produced a world class one-handed save when the score was still 0-1 to keep Cheadle in the match.

In the end it didn't matter as it just wasn't going to be Cheadle's day. You can see why Ashton Athletic are in the top five if they're this clinical with the goalscoring chances that they are given.

And if Ben Roberts is reading this, we hope your injured neck gets better!

Photos from the day can be seen by clicking here

TEAM: Mellor, Heath (Brokenbrow), B Roberts (Cotterill), Clarke, A Roberts, Brocklehurst, Riley, Hussain, Myers (Flanagan), Martin, Lindon. Subs: Cotterill, Brokenbrow, Flanagan

Saturday's Opponents: Ashton Athletic

"We'll do alright next season. We've got a young squad and if we can keep them all together we'll be there or thereabouts..."
Ashton Athletic manager to Trevor Howard, some point last season

He hasn't been proved wrong. Ashton Athletic - mere newcomers to the NWCFL Div 2 scene last season - are having a pretty good 2007-2008 thus far. Fifth position in the table, 34 points from 17 games and just three defeats to their name all season has earned them "surprise package" status this term. To emphasise the apparent size of Cheadle's task on Saturday, Ashton Athletic have got a defence that could be best described as tight as a camel's arse in a sandstorm: just 14 goals have beaten their 'keeper all season - only New Mills and Kirkham & Wesham can claim a better figure in their 'A' column.

This is a great chance for Cheadle to motor on and make that top-ten league finish that little bit more likely. A performance akin to that of last week when we beat Athletic's neighbours would do the trick.

Come on Cheadle!

Ashton Athletic v Cheadle Town - POSTPONED

Did somebody mention "wind and rain"?

Given the non-stop nature of the wet stuff over the past week it is with no surprise that today's match was called off. Whereas this gives Polardin an entire, mither-free day at home by himself and myself a bit of extra time to get some xmas shopping in, it gives Cheadle Town FC a minor dilemma: an addition to the list of matches that have to be re-arranged.

This will make it five: Bootle, Ashton Town, Oldham Town, Kirkham and Wesham and now Ashton Athletic - all away matches, by the way - will have to be squeezed in between now and the end of April.

Enjoy your weekend.

Saturday's Opponents: Ashton Athletic

"We'll do alright next season. We've got a young squad and if we can keep them all together we'll be there or thereabouts..."
Ashton Athletic manager to Trevor Howard, some point last season

He hasn't been proved wrong. Ashton Athletic - mere newcomers to the NWCFL Div 2 scene last season - are having one hell of a 2007-2008 thus far. Third position in the table, 28 points from 13 games and just one defeat to their name all season (at home to Chadderton) has earned them "surprise package" status this term. To emphasise the apparent size of Cheadle's task on Saturday, Ashton Athletic have got a defence that could be best described as tight as a camel's arse in a sandstorm: just 9 goals have beaten their 'keeper all season.

Ironically it was the equivalent Saturday in December last season that saw our visit to Brocstedes Park in an extremely wet and windy 1-1 draw. A result that seemed mildly disappointing last time around would be warmly welcomed this weekend!

Looking forward to this one. Cheadle tend to play better against the higher-ranked teams and Ashton Athletic are one of the more welcoming clubs you can travel to in Div 2. Just no repeat of the weather this time, we hope....

Cheadle's target will be to better their current record for this season of four matches unbeaten; they've never made it to a fifth!

Come on Cheadle!

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

Tomorrow's Opponents: Ashton Athletic

In a fit of frivolous pique, I'll say that I don't know why I'm bothering writing this article because the game will probably be bloody postponed again, don't know why I bother, all my hard work up the swanny etc. etc. However, to keep with the slightly-regimented consistency that I seem to have bestowed upon this blog, here's the usual pre-match preamble.

It only seems like five minutes ago since we were enjoying a thoroughly entertaining 1-1 draw at Park Road against Ash'Ath. Back then both teams were on a bit of a bad run and were in desperate need of a win, so perhaps the draw was the "right result". Fast-forward to now and you'll find that not much has changed between the two clubs. Both teams claimed their first win in ages last month and are neighbours in the league table; it's advantage Cheadle on goal difference alone. If you want to read the brief history behind 'Athletic, then you can get back to my post by clicking here.

We're looking forward to this one on a few fronts: one, I'm reliably informed by regular reader New Linnet that 'Athletic have got a "good set up at Brocstedes Park", and Polardin and I both like visiting "good set-ups" and two, if it's anything like the 1-1 draw then we're in for another good game to watch.

Come on Cheadle!

Cheadle Town 1-1 Ashton Athletic

The points were shared in this enthralling contest that was every bit "value for money" from the first kick until the last. Unbiased opinion aside, Cheadle Town's industry and graft - particularly in the second half - deserved more than the draw they ended up with.

The first half was busy and evenly-contested by both teams who were going at each other like the clappers. The first close effort on goal came from Cheadle talisman Deano who struck the bar on 26 mins after a turn and shot. Some six minutes later and Ashton were in the lead. Mellor was sold an underhit backpass which put him right in trouble, the ball breaking to an Ashton forward who accepted the gift of the virtually open net in front of him. Ashton's tails were right up as they then forced Mellor to punch away a well-taken free-kick just two minutes later.

Cheadle got the break they deserved just five minutes before half-time with Deano's turn-and-shot in the area. As that went in I saw the linesman flagging furiously and thought that this just wasn't going to be our night, but as it turns out he would have given a penalty anyhow. Half-Time, 1-1.

The vast majority of the second half was the 'Cheadle Town Show'. There was a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down on 76 minutes when Deano was bundled down in the area, but apart from that, Cheadle put in a second-half performance that was a joy to watch and harked back to the kind of stuff that they played when they got this season off to such a good start. Ashton Athletic only started to show again towards the end of the match and could have pinched it if a low shot hadn't gone the wrong side of the post with only minutes to spare.

The team performance was the biggest plus-point from the night. In addition, given Cheadle's run of results of late, we might have accepted a draw before this match tonight...so I suppose it's a good point to start back on the right path again. And so onto Holker this Saturday.

Team: Mellor, Heath, Flanagan, McDonagh, Roberts, Lindon, Brocklehurst, A Riley (Stewart), Wakefield, Martin, Hussain. Subs: Lea, Stewart, W Riley

Photos: I only took three tonight, so it might not be worth bothering as I find it very hard to get any decent action shots at night as I'm reluctant to use the flash whilst the players are on the pitch. Anyhow, if you're interested, they're here.....

Tomorrow's Opponents: Ashton Athletic

I must admit that the original tone of this post was to be saying something along the lines of Ashton Athletic being "another load of newcomers to the NWCFL, just like Norton United". After doing my research, I've realised how wrong that would have been. Theirs is quite a heartwarming story.

Formed in 1968, Ashton Athletic were actually one of the founder members of the NWCFL back in the early 1980s - as were Cheadle Town. At the end of the 1985-86 season they dropped out of the NWCFL as they couldn't keep pace with the league's ground grading requirements and were dumped into the First Division of the Manchester League (the "feeder" league for the NWCFL; effectively two divisions below where Cheadle are now). In 1999 a band of volunteers started to drag the club up from its heels and, to cut a long story short, their work has resulted in where Ashton Athletic are now: in a much healthier state, with a youth development scheme, a revamped ground and clubhouse and entry back into the NWCFL after a 20-year hiatus.

The two-division drop that they were forced to take back in 1986 was - in true "happy ending" fashion - reversed at the end of last season as their application to join the NWCFL2 straight from the Manchester League First Division was approved by the FA, treading on the toes of many objections on the way.

On a more trivial level, as well as being founder members of the NWCFL, another similarity that Ashton Athletic hold with Cheadle is that their kit is virtually a carbon-copy of Cheadle's yellow-and-blue away one! Worth knowing just in case it comes up in a pub quiz.

Oh, and whilst I'm in trivia mode, Ashton Athletic are from Ashton-in-Makerfield, "the Ashton that's near Wigan"...as are Ashton Town. Curzon Ashton and Ashton United are from Ashton-under-Lyne, "the Ashton that the 216 bus goes to". Just to get that clear, because I get them confused and all....

More seriously, this is an evenly-pitched contest as both teams are positional neighbours at the moment: Ashton lie one place - and one point - above Cheadle. A win for our boys would rocket them to 10th place; a defeat would prolong the mini-crisis and chip away at their confidence even further ahead of the trip to even-lower Holker on Saturday.

Bloody come on Cheadle!