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Reasons for optimism

Bryan Marshall
25/ 7/2007

Ashton United 2 Drolysden 2: BOTH sides gave their supporters reasons to be optimistic about the season ahead after an entertaining match at Hurst Cross.

When the game kicked off there was little to choose between the sides as both kept possession well in the early stages and created chances.

Chris Denham was the Bloods' liveliest attacker, using his pace to get to the by-line and produce some dangerous balls into the home penalty area.

Ashton's first attack of note came following some good play between Michael Oates and Will Ryder, but the latter's cross evaded everyone and was cleared.

Jody Banim began to get on the ball more, linking up well with his team-mates, and he laid the ball off to Droylsden's new signing, Jamie McGuire, who struck a shot just wide of the upright.

Ged Murphy then had a low shot well held by Jean Paul Ndjebayi, while the visitors' keeper, Phil Senior, gathered Oates' strike at the second attempt.

The opening goal came just before the half-hour mark when Ian Bennett's nicely flighted free-kick was headed into the corner of Senior's net by Gareth Richards.

Denham was off target with two efforts and Danny Forde did well to prevent Banim getting a shot on goal as the visitors looked to get back on level terms.

Dave Pace made several changes at the interval and former Ashton favourite Gareth Morris had an immediate impact in the middle of the field, letting fly with a 30-yard thunderbolt that had Damien Rooney at full stretch as he tipped the ball over for a corner.

Just before the hour mark, Denham made another surging run and this time his cross was converted by Terry Fearns at the near post.

Following an eight-minute delay because of illness to referee James Mainwaring, the visitors took the lead almost immediately as Fearns turned provider, crossing for Gavin Salmon to score.

In injury time a Bennett free-kick was handled in the area and the midfield man, who was the home side's outstanding player on the day, slotted home the spot-kick to give the home side a deserved draw.