Town went into this game high on confidence after 3 straight victories but knew it would be a tough test against 3rd placed Asfordby who were unbeaten at home and knocked title favourites Houghton Rangers out of the County Cup the previous week. Town were rocked again with injuries ruling out Ross Proud and Sean Ramkissoon. Captain Tom Silk and Piero Cossu were also missing and John Mcdade was only fit enough for a place on the bench.
Town started brightly on a pristine surface in pouring rain. It was Asfordby though who had the first effort well wide of the upright. The pace of Jelly, Aubrey and D.Smith was causing the opposition all sorts of problems and the high tempo game of Hardy, Pullen and debutant Frost was dictating the game. A neat move on 15 minutes almost broke the deadlock when the ball was slipped through to Aubrey whose effort rebounded off the post to safety. Frost then had an effort over the bar followed by Aubrey again narrowly missing the target. It was all Town and on 22 minutes they deservedly took the lead when a flick on from Pullen fell to Rich Parry to crash home his first goal for the club. Town continued to create chances and Jelly was next as his curling free kick was parried to safety by the Asfordby keeper. Town’s defence stood firm and took the team into the break a goal up.
Hardy had to be withdrawn at half time with an injury with Mcdade taking his place. Asfordby had much more of the ball in the second half but without really troubling Smith in goal which was testament to the solid back 4. Town were looking increasingly dangerous on the break and should have had a penalty when Jelly got to the ball before the keeper who bundled him over but nothing was given. Jelly was again caught by the keeper as he went through but he stayed on his feet and put his effort narrowly wide. Neat play again put Jelly through on the right but his deflected effort thundered into the side netting. It was only a matter of time and the second came on the hour mark when Mcdade put Jelly through who neatly cut back inside the defender and slotted past the onrushing keeper. Town knew the hard work was done and then put 11 men behind the ball. Asfordby threw on 3 forwards but they couldn’t break through the back 4 and the impressive defensive midfield of Pullen and Frost. Asfordby did have a late flurry but Town saw the game out comfortably and came away with all 3 points in by far the performance of the season so far! Town will now turn their attention to Senior League new boys Anstey Town at Dunley Way next Saturday
