Ashland Rovers are based in Ravenshead. Notts were keen to build upon the good win over United and put some daylight between league rivals. Ashland are middle of the table so it was difficult to know what to expect. Their pitch was small so possession was key to winning the game. Notts played some very good football when they had the ball, spreading the ball wide to Groves and Denton. As well as this they tackled well and closed the midfield when they didn’t have the ball. Johnson in particular making some impressing challenges. As a result Ashland were reduced to through balls, swept up well by Randle and Errington.
Notts took the advantage when Greensmith netted from a very tight angle. 0-1 was well deserved.
The second half saw Notts lose their lead through a lack of concentration. A bumbling crossed ball was volleyed past the helpless keeper. Frustrating after all Notts’ hard work.
Notts however took the lead through Marcus Denton who headed and looped the ball over the Rovers keeper. Much to Denton’s joy! Denton scored again to extend Notts’ lead and then shortly after missed his easiest chance (of the lot!) to grab a hat-trick! Denton dropped to his knees in dismay as the rest of the team let out a collective groan.
Rover’s second goal came when their forward dropped his shoulder beat Errington and ran with the ball to slot past the keeper for a well taken goal.
Apart from a few lapses in concentration Notts defended well, including Shakespeare and Randle clashing heads. We can safely say that Randle has the hardest head as Shakespeare groggily arose with a lump the size of a golf ball on his head! He tells us he had a headache for a week!
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