Ashovers fight back
Ashover went in to this match with high hopes despite their poor league for. An earlier meeting against Barlborough in the cup resulted in a 3-0 win to Ashover.
But things rarely work out that way, and so it proved as Barlborough went two goals up in the first seven minutes. Ashover were second best all half as Barlborough were first to every ball. It was no surprise when a third goal was added midway through the half. At half time the score line didn’t flatter the away team as Ashover played without any desire, in huge contrast to last weeks flowing football. A good talking to and throwing James Norman up front changed the game.
Kicking up hill second half, the boys had listened to the manager and played with desire, passion and a belief that they could get the three goals needed. It started well when James Norman burst down the left and slotted home. A second was added when a Knowles corner was headed in by Norman at the back post, although Knowles might have a case of it crossing the line first. Two minutes later another Knowles corner was forced in by Norman at the back post again. Although Ashover were dominating the game there was still the fear that they could give it all away, but that didn’t look likely as the defence looked solid.
Three goals were demanded but the team went one better when a Liam Sadler angled shot was handled on the line, Sadler deserved a goal for his good attacking play on the left, but with the game in the balance the penalty was taken and scored by Norman, the teams and his forth to complete a remarkable fight back. Ashover held on for the last 13 minutes, counter attacking Ashover look more likely to score again. The relief was obvious on the final whistle as Ashover got their first league win of the season.
A tough cup game next week but if Ashover play like this second half performance then we can progress in the cup.
