Under 12's. Home v Ashton United
League Cup Semi Final

  Result - Reddish North End 2 Ashton United 1

A case of getting there in the end for the team today, and on reflection – now I’m sitting in the warm with a hot drink! – I think this was a creditable and gutsy performance from Reddish. Being a cup match I decided to experiment with some of the players in different positions, the result being we never had a full-strength XI on the field at any time. As we kicked into a chilly and at times very stiff wind in the first half we had the elements to contend with as well, and to start with we were not great. The shape got pulled (blown) all over the place, we were panic-kicking rather than looking for passes and there wasn’t much of a spark about the side. 

Ashton had a few breaks on goal although nothing really clear-cut came of it, but they were passing the ball well and creating chances. It was no surprise when they eventually went in front after a scramble. However, this seemed to galvanise the boys and with Daniel and Sam on the pitch, some determination was evident, and after some better possession Chris played in a nice pass which was worked across to Sam who did what he has done several times already this season, firing in from the edge of the box.
To get to half-time at 1-1, all things considered, was very pleasing. I talked to the boys about reproducing the last 10 minutes of the first half, and how even though we hadn’t played well we were very much in the game. In the second half, with the wind in our favour, we started to dominate and played more of the match in the Ashton half. There were several through balls which could have led to something but the Ashton goalie was in good form and came out well to clear numerous times.

The winning goal resulted from Mark winning the ball well in midfield. Despite claims that he caught the Aston player afterwards, there was nothing wrong with the tackle, and the ref – well placed - waved play on despite howls of protest from the Ashton parents. The ball carried on forward and Sam was again in the right place to put us in front. At this, several of their parents were on the pitch shouting and swearing at the referee in front of all the players – totally inexcusable in my view and Ashton will be very fortunate if the ref doesn’t report this behaviour.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of any decision you simply cannot come onto the pitch, nor shout obscenities at an official.
The bottom line is that Ashton were guilty of not playing to the whistle (as we were once or twice) and paid the price. 

Despite a couple of late counter attacks our defence coped really well, Callum was very solid in goal and I felt the boys were very good value for the win. Josh was nominated man of the match for a solid performance, although Alex and Jake at the back and Callum in midfield all had excellent games. But well done to the whole side who kept going on an increasingly cold and windy morning.
Today’s win means we face Clayton Villa in the League Cup Final, which I assume will be played before Christmas.
Next week we are back in league action with another trip to North Manchester Boys.

Scorers : Sam (2)

Man of the match : Josh