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Hesketh Bank AFC Match Reports RESERVES Hesketh Bank 3-4 Milnthorpe Corinthians A game with this many goals is usually full of excitement and drama but to the Reserves neither was consolation on a less than satisfying day for the hopeful second string. Henry Heighton made his first appearance of the season as Marc Sergeant remains on the sideline with a wrist injury. Matthew Bowers returned to the side after a spell out with injury. The 90 minutes started with a goal gifted to Milnthorpe when defender Tony Sergeant lost the ball on the edge of the 18 yard area and the Milnthorpe striker went one on one with Heighton and made it 1-0. The early mishap was soon rectified when John Ascroft fizzed the ball past the Milnthorpe shot stopper to net his 200th goal for Hesketh Bank. John made his debut for the club in the year 2000 and despite two broken legs has endured to stay at the club for over 10 years. His goals are accumulated from appearances for both the reserve team and the 1st team. Despite this landmark Milnthorpe struck back when the offside trap was beaten and Henry Heighton could only watch the ball roll into an empty net. Before half time the 2nd team finally got a foot hold in the game. Matther Bowers controlled proceedings from midfield with a calm, collected and cultured display. John Ascroft scored his 201st goal from a spot kick and the impressive young summer signing Amir Toowarah showed his quality to give the home side the lead. At half time the reserves where ahead and looking good for all three points. Once again the curse of the second 45 hit the second string. Two sloppy goals conceded gave Milnthorpe an unexpected lead. After these defensive mishaps the strikeforce missed numerous chances to bring us back into the game. The reality was we were creating chances and Milnthorpe while not rampant on goal were taking advantage in lapses of concentration. At the full time whislte an air of angry disbelief discended on Station Road as once again a poor second 45 cost us 3 precious points. Today was not a reflection on the season so far. In spells we look solid, threatening and a very good side. Unfortunately the spells in which we get it wrong and make mistakes are costing us points. The hard work will continue and Evergreen will be the 1st to put his nose to the grindstone and graft us into a winning team. Its very similar to what is happening with the first team, good players, good spells in games and when it all comes together both sides will have the points to prove that they are good teams. Next week Burnley United visit Station Road in what will be a tough test. Tony Sergeant Photos by Darren McDonald See all 38 pictures from this game in FULL SIZE. Click here to download. Once downloaded open the folder by right clicking on it and selecting 'Extract all', follow the basic on screen instructions and the pictures will be saved to your computer.
2010/2011
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Captain Matthew Dawson alongside the referee and Milnthorpe skipper. |
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John Ascroft celebrates his 200th Hesketh Bank goal. |
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John Ascroft converts the penalty and his 2nd of the game. |
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Amir Toowarah celebrates his 2nd of the season! |
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John Ascroft - so close to a hat-trick! |
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