With three key players missing, two of them defenders, Ashovers top scorer James Norman moved into centre half to make sure we were strong at the back. It seemed only James and Charlie Knowles had turned up, and together kept Ashover in the game in what was a very tired and flat first half from Ashover. Wirksworth dominated the first half without getting many shots on goal, their task was made easier thanks to Ashover giving the ball away and not challenging in key areas. Ashover had a few attacks but failed to test the keeper. They had some bad luck on the stroke of half time when Charlie Knowles tried to prevent a corner, as he cleared the ball he slid off the pitch but the ball hit the corner flag and stayed in play. The resulting cross should have been cleared but it was tapped in at the back post to give Wirksworth a deserved lead.
With strong words ringing in their ears from the manager, the lads started the second half a different team. Ryan Dutch recovered from a knock and returned to the action five minutes in to the half and with Ben Roach hasesling the defence Ashover got more and more into the game. After a short rest Jack Madin returned to the game a different player, scoring the equalizer when he lifted a Harvey through ball over the advancing keeper. With the confidence of the goal Ashover now dominated, half chances came and went without any clear efforts. It looked like it was going to be a draw until Josh Buckley strode forward, with no one challenging him he hit a 25 yard shot into the net via the underside of the bar. A defensive lapse let a Wirksworth striker through but thankfully he shot straight at Vince Marshall. In the last ten minutes Ashover could have extended their lead, Dutch had a goal disallowed, Roach looked certain to score but lost his footing, from the weak clearance the keeper made a great save from Jack Madin. A fierce Knowles free kick was glanced over before the relief of the final whistle.
With both Norman and Knowles outstanding it was difficult to choose between them for man of the match, but with Ashover finishing the stronger Knowles was involved through out the match. Norman’s skill and calm head kept Wirksworth at bay in such a poor first half which was crucial to Ashovers victory. Ashover showed great character to turn this game around, well played (second half)
