Page 11 - Ashton & Backwell v Shepton Mallet 121122

Match Report

CLINICAL 2nd HALF SECURES THE POINTS FOR
ASHTON & BACKWELL
Non-League Paper
Whatever manager, Tony Beecham said at half-time it most definitely worked. Following
an extremely lacklustre opening 45 minutes from the hosts, 2 goals from Jack Fillingham,
making his home debut, and Joe Banks put the game beyond the reach of an impressive
Millbrook side.
Ashton Backwell were fortunate that Keeper, Lewis Coombes was in top form and was
clearly the home side’s best player in the 1st half. He made 5 significant saves, 3 from
Millbrook number 9 Josh Johnson & was well served by a very busy back 4. Take nothing
from the visitors intricate close passing game but Ashton Backwell just did not compete.
Ashton & Backwell’s only significant attack was a 25 yard left foot curling shot from Miles
Hardidge that hit the crossbar. They were fortunate to go into the dressing room at half-
time 0-0.
In the opening minutes Coombes had to make another good save from the dangerous
Shaun Thompson. But that was Millbrook’s only attacking activity for the next 40 minutes.
Early in the half, Beecham made 3 changes, most significantly pushing Charlie Saunders
into an advance midfield role.
Meet the Player
It was Saunders who instigated the move to create their 1st goal. He found Shane
Mannings in space who played in Hardidge, his shot was well saved by Chris Wearing.
Quick thinking from Hardidge collected the rebound, chipped over a cross to find Joe
Banks, who scored from close range. 1-0.
2 minutes later the lead was doubled from a low James White corner, found Jack
Fillingham at the near post, his close range flick evaded Wearing, to find the back of the
net. Ashton Backwell continued to pour more pressure on the Millbrook goal and 10
minutes later Fillingham was rewarded with his 2nd, a firmly struck shot from 15 yards
took a deflection to make it 3-0.
With 5 minutes remaining, the visitors were rather generously thrown a lifeline as the
official deemed that a tackle from Joe Bishop that appeared to most, to take the ball
actually impeded Thompson. Thompson stepped up to take the spot kick, thumping it
straight down the middle, to give the diving Coombes no chance. This did lead to a flurry
of excitement including a Millbrook corner which led to a goalmouth scramble, which was
eventually cleared by the home defence followed by the final whistle.
Final score 3-1. Mom 1st half Coombes, 2nd Half Charlie Saunders.

This Saturday it’s a Somerset derby, Ashton & Backwell welcome 4 in the table Shepton
th
Mallet
Coombes, Ford ( Newman), Charlie Saunders, Press (Pearce), Anthony, Cattermole
(White), Connor Saunders (Bishop), Hardidge, Banks, Bennington -Mannings(Cummins),
Fillingham.