Ashton United v Matlock Town

... as I'd declared myself "unavailable" for the Mossley game @ Bamber Bridge tonight and no ju-jitsu for small boy, it was a choice of the two Ashtons last night - and it was to Hurst Cross that I went (no thanks to the bloody 408 bus - ten minutes late going up and non-existent going back !), eschewing the "top of the table" clash between Curzon and Lancaster (can't beat a good "eschew" now and again !).

An even first half - and it was going pretty much the same way in the second 45. Just when we were all looking at a 0-0 stalemate, up pops Ross Hannah with a marvellous free kick to put the Gladiators in front. The turning point was the goal-line clearance at the other end, closely followed by a killer second goal on 89 minutes that did flatter the visitors to be honest.

Pictures at

Ashton United 0 Matlock Town 2

Can't complain at the effort put in by Ashton - they did hit the woodwork as well (which I contrived to miss !). While play-off hopes may be fading, Danny Johnson has assembled a good nucleus of players - wonder how long Moyo-Modise will be there - a very useful acquisition if I may say so - and once Marlin Piana gets back to 100%, who knows ? The creativity IS there - maybe the addition of a target man would be the final piece in the jigsaw.

That's real football over for the midweek though - fingers crossed for Mossley tonight though ... back to "work hunt" now - 'tis "sign on" day as well (sulk) ...

Nearly forgot - a Matlock game would not be the same without "Rico" phoning through his report - so I present ... "Rico @ Work" - courtesy babycam


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