Alsager Town secure point against Ashville with last gasp leveller

Alsager Town 1-1 Ashville

Alsager Town took on Ashville at Wood Park as they looked to get back in form after a 4-1 defeat against Abbey Hulton last week.

The Bullets had won only one of their past seven league fixtures, which was largely a result of them having to undergo yet another squad rebuild.

First half

Alsager got a shot on target early in the game through Dylan Woods, but this would go on to be one of only a couple of chances during the half for the home side.

Ashville were marginally on top for a while after and had a great chance to take the lead when a counter attack led to Lewis Moynes outpacing Alsager’s defenders and getting a shot on goal. But recent new signing, Dale Latham, made a good save.

The visitors created another good chance when one of their forwards muscled Ashton Brogan off the ball and fired it across the box, but no one was there to provide the finish.

*There was nothing to separate the two teams in the first half*

The Bullets had a chance of their own which would have been a fine goal. The ball was played to Woods whose initial touch was excellent, but as goalkeeper, Jamie Owen, ran at him to make an intervention, Woods took a shot, but it was wide of the right post.

Half time: Alsager Town 1-1 Ashville

Second half

Neither side looked prosperous for much of the second half, with no notable chances created until for much of the latter 45 minutes.

Alsager used the wings to launch counter attacks, but these moves failed to bear fruit, while there were plenty of poor crosses and misplaced passes.

*The Bullets struggled to cause problems for their opponents* *in a closely contested game*

It was Ashville who should have been ahead when their forward was one on one with Latham, but the goalkeeper made an important save.

Not long later, Ashville once again found themselves with no one to beat except Latham. Lewis Moynes took a shot which was saved and a rebound was also saved by the hosts’ standout player.

*Dale Latham (pictured with Matt Russell) was Alsager Town’s man of the match*

They eventually scored their opening goal when the ball was headed home from a corner by Connor Courtnell, in what looked to be the winner.

But Alsager snatched a stoppage time equaliser, which was also from a corner. Their final chance was fired close to the goalkeeper and headed in by Ryan Rogers.

*Alsager’s late goal secured Matt Russell’s first point at home as Alsager Town manager*

There was still time for Ashville to have one last attack and take a corner, but Alsager’s defence did the job and the points were shared.

Full time: Alsager Town 1-1 Ashville

*The Bullets received a warm reception from supporters after securing the draw*

With another point gained, Alsager are fifth in the First Division South. But Abbey Hulton have three games in hand and only need a win and two draws to knock the Bullets out of the play-offs.

Alsager will play their next match on January 4, when they take on Eccleshall away from home, as they look to take revenge after losing 3-2 to them in Matt Russell’s first game in charge.