34 YEARS IN THE HOT SEAT AND SUPREMO HAS NO BOUNDS TO HIS ENTHUSIASM

ASHOVER 1 CHAPEL TOWN 2
HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER @ MILKEN LANE
15 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 2PM
Arsene Wenger 22, Alex Ferguson 27, Donald Carline, 34 in a game of top trumps I would urge you to pick the latter for the numbers relate to their years in charge at Arsenal, Manchester United and Ashover and the added bonus is Carline is still going strong.  As an aside to the sleepy villages other attractions Carline must now be one of them as the longest serving current football manager in Europe and the world [?], unless of course you know differently.

ASHOVER FC MANAGER DON CARLINE 34 YEARS IN THE HOT SEAT

With a few former managers still to aim for as Ashover's supremo equals Bill Struth of Rangers he can aim for Willey Maley who completed 43 years in charge at Celtic and the amazing record of Guy Roux of Auxerre with an astonishing 44 years.
For Don its all about his enthusiasm for his own village side who after spells around a variety of leagues have in recent years moved from The Midland Regional Alliance to their current berth The Hope Valley League at around step 8 in the non league structure.  Having been asked by his dad, Roy, in 1985 while still playing to take on the managers role after his father suffered ill health there has been no looking back as his constant enthusiasm for 'the game' and his beloved Ashover.  Indeed 'Mr Ashover Fc' works tirelessly with a tiny band of helpers to keep the club in existence, as of course do so many non league sides.
Asked down to take a few team pictures then I would be there to pay homage to Don and watch the game of course to see what he had assembled in the playing stakes for the 2018/19 season.

ASHOVER FC 2018/19

The village I covered last season in the blog save to say for a brief recount its an attractive edge of the Peak District village with loads of history roundheads and cavaliers, former light railway, beauty spots, three pubs and a chocolate box collection of buildings making this an interesting visit for any visitor plus you get a game of football too.
The season is but a few weeks old but Ashover are unbeaten as are todays visitors Chapel Town, of the en-le-frith variety, and a competitive game was expected.

SLEEPY ASHOVER BUT ROUND THE CORNER THERE IS A TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

A quick bit of research shows the visitors ground smartly appointed for this level and one that has come onto the blogs radar for a future visit.  Fresh from a transfer from The Manchester League their anticipation must be high for a successful season and nothing today took that theory away.
With an early chance for Ashover you would have hoped for an open game and that is what we were to witness but after the miss Chapel Town scored more or less straight away with just 2 minutes on the clock when Matty Sherlock lashed home a 20 yard effort.

TIGHT SQUEEZE

Ashover were not deterred and live wire Perry Richards struck a post before the home side saw a lob going just over and then in the closing stages a back post header was held well by the visiting keeper.
During the proceedings it was interesting to meet up with Chesterfield legend Bob Newtons daughter, via her boyfriend appearing in the Ashover line up, who was this season appointed first aider by Carline and with a collection of locals passing through the grounds we had a steady crowd of around 20 watching the 'boss' walk and dance the touchline as he cajoled, encouraged and tried all methods to motivate his side back into the game.
Within nine minutes of the referee re commencing proceeding Ollie Rouse rose to power home a right wing corner and the scores were level, game on.

OLLIE ROUSE [PARTIALLY HIDDEN] TURNS TO CELEBRATE AFTER EQUALISING

Ashover now had the upper hand and powered forward with the importance of Richards recording high on the assessment sheet, the breakthrough though they could not find and as so often happens in this lovely game Chapel Town sensed it may be there day and so it was with just ten minutes remaining.  Ashover failed to clear their on lines and as the ball fell to Tyson Elwin he made time for himself before firing home past Will Mott in the home goal.

MORE ASHOVER PRESSURE

Chances taken sum up the team and Chapel Town secured the necessary goals to defeat Ashover in a cracking game that had the home side take theirs I believe they would have been well away.  A successful trip from Chapel En-Le-Frith who performed well today and from their touchline made a good representation of their town too.

PERRY RICHARDS A CONSTANT THREAT FOR ASHOVER

The three points return to the High Peak and Chapel wont be far off at the end of the season but if
Carline can find a Jamie Vardy don't back against Ashover joining them at the summit too.

ACTION FROM ASHOVER FC V CHAPEL TOWN FC