After having impeccably observed a minutes silence in respect of victims of the plane crash involving Brazilian football club Chapecoense, the match kicked off at a dry and sunny Moss Farm. Ashville who have been having a few problems with player numbers were only able to field 10 players and in the early stages 1874 took the game to their opponents. As early as the 5th minute Whelan was felled in the area and a penalty was awarded but Whelan fluffed his lines with a weak kick which the keeper saved easily.
20 minutes in 10 men Ashville took the lead with a shot come cross which evaded everyone and dropped into the far corner. 10 minutes later it was 2-0 to the visitors after Whelan committed a foul in the box and the penalty was emphatically put away. 1874 upped their game and their persistence was rewarded when this time Lowe was felled in the box and Kennerley took over the penalty duties and calmly slotted the ball home 1-2.
Half time came and went but straight from the kick off Ashville restored their two goal lead. 2 minutes later following a robust tackle from Whelan the Ashville right back was unable to continue meaning Ashville were now down to 9 men. This invariably led to tiredness on Ashvilles part and a needless free kick was given away on the edge of the area which Kennerley stepped up to take and lifted the ball over the wall and into the net 2-3. There then followed a great spell of fine football from 1874 and some resolute defending from Ashville but following a great through ball from Slack, Hoare crossed for Lowe to firmly plant a header to level the scores at 3-3.
Dispite concerted pressure from 1874 they couldn’t find that winning goal and Ashville held out much to their credit.
Team Millington, Hoare, Slack, Whelan Moore, Whitlock, Lomas, Kennerley, Giddins, Lowe and Arrowsmith Subs Heap and Rogerson.
The draws leaves 1874 in seventh place in the league.
Next up is Malpas away on Sunday with an 11 am kick off.