Page 26 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Ilfracombe Town 181221

Nick’s Notes. The Resies

So just the one game to report on since my last piece it was our home
game v Portishead. Our previous encounter this season was a well fought
match between 2 evenly matched sides with us pinching a winner with
virtually the last kick of the game.
So after a disappointing result in our last game we were eager to put that
ghost to rest and bounce back with a much improved performance, and
that we did.
From the first whistle the boys were at it, quick passing, movement and
pressing hard all over the pitch. Despite us dominating the opening 20
minutes, against the run of play Portishead went ahead with a counter
attack down the left, the winger chanced his arm and dispatched a rocket
of a shot which moved in the air and left our keeper Red Clarke rooted
to his line unable to get anywhere near it . The Stags reacted well some
great inter play between TJ and Wilf led to a pass to the impressive Joel
Bayliss at the back post he smashed the ball into the net . Our second
goal TJ drew the keeper out and unselfishly squared the ball to the
industrious Paul Uppington to take the lead. It soon became 3 -1, a well
worked short corner routine ended with Jason Radnedge inside the area,
he drilled in a cross low and Wilf turned it in with a smart finish . Paul
nabbed his second and our fourth to give us a convincing victory against
a team who were 5 in the table.
th
Now with the wind in our sails every time we attacked we looked like
scoring our midfield was in control Will Solari and Joel conducting affairs
with the holding player ,Radders, picking passes at will , our change of
shape had paid off. Bond and Uppington in behind Smart and narrow
allowing our fullbacks Jack Stevens and Jordan Bishop to provide our
width , but all this begins with a solid foundation Calum Biggins and Joe
Meridith were sublime at centre half and with a very impressive Red
Clarke in goal who’s kicking was outstanding, a proper sweeper keeper .
Even better news Sonny Stiddard coming off the bench for TJ and back
into contention, and Ben Ogene coming on with his physicality and raw
pace for Radders. With our injured skipper, Lewis Smart, on the bench
and well ahead of schedule for a return in our next fixture home v Long
Ashton, 2pm K.O. Monday Dec. 27 .
th
wishing our first team all the best today Smarty uts.

UP THE STAGS

Regards Smarty