A spirited Stanton Ilkeston team gave Ashbourne a few scares and victory was not quite as convincing at it would appear. The Home team lie at the foot of the table and deserve credit for their hard work and commitment.
Ashbourne began the game quite well, but never played the passing football which would have really opened up the home team's defence.
Stanton Ilkeston took the lead against the run of play and although Ashbourne continued to press, the football was still not convincing. However, at half-time they led the game 3-1.
The second half performance was better, as Aztecs finally began to string a few passes together. They rattled in a few nice goals and secured a valuable 3 points.
Ashbourne Aztecs U13's are now up to fifth in the table.
Goalscorers: Charlie Wibberley (2), Nick Peach (2), Sam Goddard, Joe Harris, Jordy Wibberley, Jordan Hydes.
Man of the Match: Sam Forrest.
Ashbourne travelled to the suburbs of Ilkeston on a bright and sunny spring morning.
It was a successful away day, but certainly not without controversy and tribulation.
Aztecs were much the stronger team in the first half and created countless goal scoring opportunities. At half time they led 3-0.
After an extended half time, allowing Ilkeston to re-group, the second half began and Ashbourne found themselves on the back foot.
A successful 30 yard effort and a comical penalty decision, gave Ilkeston the encouragement they needed; but Ashbourne rallied strongly and showed great character to push on and win the game comfortably.
Aztecs played a nice passing game today and are beginning to look like a team to be reckoned with.
Goalscorers: Sam Goddard (3), James Handley (2) Louis Anthony.
Man of the Match: Sam Goddard (Hatrick Hero)
A cold and windy morning at Sinfim Moor Park is not everyone's idea of fun, but Aztecs had a relatively enjoyable couple of hours, taking a point off an improving Gad Khalsa team.
The home team made a strong start and scored quite early on, from a "goalmouth scramble".
Ashbourne gained momentum during the first half and were well on top when Nick Peach went on a run from the half way line, to score with a low drive into the bottom corner.
The second half continued much as the first, with Aztecs the stronger team.
Gad Khalsa had some possession, but only one clear chance on goal.
Ashbourne had opportunities to take all three points, but a winning goal was just not to be.
Sometimes a draw is a fair result, but not today. Ashbourne deserved the win.
Goalscorer: Nick Peach.
Man of the Match: (for some brave defending): Will Bates.
A large and expectant crowd, gathered on a blustery morning, to support the improving Aztecs team. It was always going to be difficult to play good football in the windy conditions, but after a woeful start Ashbourne really gave it a go.
They were always the stronger team and after the deadlock was broken on 20 minutes, the floodgates opened. At half-time it was 7-0.
The second half followed a similar pattern, but to their credit, Ilkeston never gave up and on a rare soiree into the Ashbourne half, they scored what was only their second goal of the season.
The game ended 8-1, with Ashbourne failing to build up a really big score. They had numerous attempts on goal and continued to play some nice football, but were denied in equal measure by some fine goalkeeping, the crossbar, the post and the offside flag.
Goalscorers: Sam Goddard, Louis Anthony, Jordan Hydes, Jack Ford, Jordy Wibberley (2), James Handley (2).
Man of the Match: Jack Ford.
Bright sunshine greeted the Aztecs team as they arrived for the game.
The early frost had thawed and conditions were almost perfect.
Ashbourne hit the ground running, against a supposedly stronger opposition and stunned the home team with an early goal.
Mackworth pushed on, but could not break down Ashbourne's midfield and defence. Ashbourne maintained their ascendancy and the goals just kept on coming.
At half-time, a wounded Mackworth trailed 7-1.
The second half was much closer, but the damage had been done and Aztecs came away the comfortable winners.
This was a strong squad performance, with 15 improving players on show.
Goalscorers: James Handley (3), Charlie Wibberley (3), Sam Goddard (2), Jack Ford (1), Jordy Wibberley (1).
Man of the Match: Luke Major (some great saves & very brave goalkeeping)
The imposing backdrop of the Willington Cooling towers, complimented a Littleover team, who will certainly not be the smallest team Ashbourne encounter this season !
Despite the strength of the opposition, Aztecs performed well and several players showed a real commitment and as we say in the trade, "got stuck in".
Littleover led 3-0 at half time, with a similar goal tally during the second half.
Ashbourne's goal came from a 20 yard strike from James Handley, following a fine pass from Jordy Wibberley.
Man of the Match: James Handley.
This game should really have been all over by the interval, but Ashbourne went in at half time with just a 1-0 lead, thanks to a nice goal from James Handley.
Ashbourne had created countless opportunities, been denied a penalty and when a shot from Louis Anthony appeared to have crossed the line after coming off the bar, it looked like it might not be Aztecs day. Castle Donnington began to get into the game during the early part of the second half and brought out some good saves from Goalkeeper, Luke Major. However, a cool penalty from Jordy Wibberley, after James Handley had been brought down, gave Ashbourne the cushion they needed. Dan Hodkinson and Simon Bott passed the ball well from midfield, linking well with Jack Ford and Sam Goddard. The defensive pairing of Joe Harris and Charlie Wibberley looked very solid and full-backs Dan Bunting and Sam Forrest gave little away. Aztecs played patient, passing football and victory was sealed with goals from Will Bates and Charlie Wibberley.
Man of the Match: Sam Forrest.