Villa Shoot Down The Bullets
Ashville got back to winning ways in a well contested game against Alsager Town.
It was yet another very competitive game between Villa and The Bullets with the home side flipping the script on their visitors, who did the double over Villa last season thanks to late goals in both games. Both of those games also ironically finishing with a 2-1 scoreline.
Alsager had the better start, the visitors taking the lead just 3 minutes into the game with a ball across the 6 yard box tapped home at the back post by Jack Woolley.
It didn't take Ashville long to get level however as just two minutes later Ben Greenop levelled for the hosts, the in form striker heading home from a corner whilst moving away from goal. He sent his powerful header back across goal into the corner, containing his red hot scoring streak this season.
It was a game of few chances after that but a riveting game nonetheless as both sides looked to gain control of the midfield. The only incident of note coming just after the half hour mark when Peter Morgan felled the Alsager keeper, Brown, just inside the area as the shot stopper narrowly beat Morgan to a 50-50 long ball.
The first chance of the second half came the way of Ashville, a Max Williams free kick almost met by Shaun Parrington but the keeper rose above him to claim the ball.
The blustery weather saw both teams reluctant to try the long game and with the game threatening to become a stalemate affair the visitors started to push up the field, leaving spaces down the flanks that Villa were keen to exploit.
Exploit they did in the 68th minute as Nathan Haynes found Joe Dulson down the right, the young winger making his first start of the season, Dulson them beat his man and fizzed a ball into the box. The cross was partially blocked by Barnes but The Bullets didn't react fast enough and Louis White was on hand to smash the ball home for Villa from 8 yards out.
Ashville went into game management mode, attempting to stop the visitors nicking another late goal at the hosts expense. Alsager found a hole in the Ashville defence on 74 minutes down the left hand side, the cross taking several deflections before being struck narrowly wide. A wake up call for the hosts.
Despite the late onslaught though, Ashville held on to make a statement after Tuesday's heavy defeat against Market Drayton Town.
Speaking to the media after the game Gary Jones said "As a collective we're learning from our mistakes". The gaffer continued "We had to come from behind which will give us some confidence. We had to battle well in difficult conditions and I'm absolutely made up". The full interview can be found on the clubs YouTube channel.
Ashville are next in action on Monday night when they travel to Maine Road. Villa are next at home on Saturday 19th August against Barnton, tickets for this fixture can be bought online in advance at ashvillefc.com/tickets
NWCFL First Division South
Ray Parker Stadium
Attendance: 65
