Ashbourne United Reserves vs Gresley Rovers
Ashbourne Utd Res 0 - 4 Gresley Rovers
Scorers: Morton, Shorthouse, Hanslow, Grice
Team: Chris Smith, Joe Tomlin, Dave Hatfield (c), Rich Foster, Danny Gee, Jack Moylan, Josh Gregory, Luke Taylor, Sam Worth, Paul Morton, Mark Shorthouse
Subs: Rich Hanslow, Matt Grice, Craig Harrison, Andy Lyons, Ian Parker
Today we travelled away to Ashbourne, after a fine win on our opening game, we were looking to build on it. However our plans were somewhat hampered by the fact that our keepers were all unavailable through either injury or work
commitments. Some frantic phone calls on Friday night was to no avail, so I needed to have another "plan" in a search for a keeper, so I asked Chris Smith if he would go in goal. Anyone who knows Chris will tell you that he has the character and also the attitude as to not let you down, so he readily agreed.
I was looking for our defence to be as they were last week and stifle most of the attacks, of which on last weeks performance, I knew they would do. The pitch was quite narrow and wasn't the best of surfaces, so again we needed to be aware of this, but still be looking to play the ball around.
We started the brightest team by a long way, and for long periods were "camped in their half", however we created a lot of chances we never converted any early on. We'd spoke about this before the game, stating that we needed to be patient, and stick to our game plan. Morton and Shorthouse were running circles around their defence, with good backing from Moylan and Worth. Our first goal came from Morton, who scored on the second attempt, after their
keeper made a great block on his first effort. So with 25 minutes gone our pressure had paid off and we were leading, and we still searched to extend our lead. Our second goal came from some slick one touch passing down the left, Worth crossed to Shorthouse who made no mistake in converting it into a goal.
Second half started, and as we said that the next goal would be crucial, but being honest, Tomlin, Hatfield and Foster never really looked troubled. However, they hit a good strike, but fortunately for us Smith got down quick to turn it around for a corner. With 20 minutes gone we made our first change, bringing on Grice for Moylan, (Grice has been recovering from injury) so we wanted to give him a run out to see how his ankle felt. With 10 minutes to go we replaced Morton for Hanslow (as Morton was suffering a stomach ache) and he'd only been on about 2 minutes when his trickery in the box gave us a 3-0 lead. We then made our final substitution replacing Shorthouse
(who'd worked his socks off) for Harrison. With 5 minutes remaining Grice hit a great strike beating their keeper from an acute angle to make it 4-0.
Today we've shown again that the improvements we've all made are beginning to pay off. Our defence looks a lot more organised than last season, and they work as a unit, so (as the clean sheet shows) we're looking very solid at the back. Midfield wise, Gregory and Taylor show great ability and today these two shone along with Worth who is improving week on week. Up front Shorthouse won every flick on going, and his work rate along with Morton's work rate and pace is going to trouble most defences. As we've shown over the seasons, as a team, our commitment and attitude is a joy to be part of (this shows with Smith offering to go in goal) so thanks to him. I still feel though that we can improve further, and we still need to work hard and as a team and I'm sure the results will show this (as they have recently). Today was a good game played in the right spirit (from both teams) so credit to Ashbourne because I honestly can't remember a bad challenge or even any arguing from either side.
Although recent results have gave us some much needed confidence, we cannot and will not get complacent because this will be our downfall!! So lets keep to our beliefs and I'm sure that we'll give most teams a "run for their
money" well done to all the squad.
MoM. Rich Foster, been a great signing and his defensive ability (linked with his overall skill and power) is showing a very tough task for our opponents to beat. Well Done Rich.
