HVL PREMIER AT MILKEN LANE
19 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM
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| THE OBLIGATORY BACKDROP PICTURE AT ASHOVER FC |
Defending champions Furness Vale came and conquered in North East Derbyshire against a depleted Ashover side they showed no mercy as they put the Milken Lane side to the sword in a dominant second half. Top of the table last season continues after two games this season and who would back against their pedigree for the campaign.
As ever the local stuff continues and the foot slogging this timetakes in a slight deviation in the walk from base to visit Eastwood Old Hall within the Ashover Parish but nearer to the hamlet of Littlemoor. An amazing hall that was put to ruin in the English civil war in the 1600's when the occupant the local minister showed no favour to either side and the Roundheads took issue with him and allegedly proceeded to make his base a ruin. In some quarters the minister did claim the house was hit by cannon balls from the nearby ridge but this appears to be untrue. Having sat in ruin for hundreds of years the building is now covered in ivy and foliage and previously sections of it climbed to five storeys high. To the side is the old cottage which is joined onto this now forest of a ruin, its a strange local landmark but as a listed building its going nowhere its just that we cant see where it is going.
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| EASTWOOD OLD HALL ITS IN THERE SOMEWHERE |
Re-tracing my steps to arrive via the more favourite Milken Lane and the furry ones who still aren't speaking but all three of the alpacas were seated in the late summer sun. Arriving at the parish grounds about ten minutes short of kick off was ample time with still no chasing of team sheets I'm grateful to Furness Vale for their scorers received the evening after the game.
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| ASHOVER FALLING OVER THEMSELVES |
Ashover's start to the season saw a narrow loss at Dove Holes whereas the visitors gained a narrow victory by the odd goal in seven against Baslow at Yeardsley Lane. Long term home manager Don Carline would have a fair collection of first choice players unavailable certainly a position you would not want to be in against the boys from up the A6.
The opening encounters were pretty evenly matched and it looked like Ashover may be able to compete although confidence drained after twenty minutes when they failed to clear a corner off the left and as the ball was reclaimed by the visitors it found its way to Ben Lomas who drove home to secure the advantage.
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| ASHOVER CLEAR THEIR LINES |
The early confidence in Ashover was renewed when the number 9 broke past the keeper and was brought down by him but the initial shot dribbled over the line and the visiting number one received a caution from referee Brown but importantly the home side were level within a minute. It was though the visitors who would apply the pressure eight minutes before the break when Lomas would this time turn provider setting up Tom Scorer who slotted past the keeper. In the closing minutes of the half Scorer nearly added to the total but the home keeper reached up to palm down a ball that looked to be dropping over him into the net.
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| FURNESS VALE IN CHARGE |
It all appeared set up for a close second half but what unfolded showed either the abilities of the champions or the weaknesses of the Ashover side on this specific afternoon, I guess somewhere in the middle would be a good call. But make no doubt about it the Milken Lane based outfit only got out of their half with any intent on a couple of occasions and had Furness Vale been more ruthless they could probably have ended up with more than five.
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| SOLITARY ACTION FOR THE VISITORS |
Goals three and four came courtesy of back post headers the first from Jimmy Wood who nodded the ball in as it dropped down at the back post on 65 minutes and then George Seddon also at the far post headed in from a floated free kick off the left. With three minutes later the icing was put on the cake with a sweet little move that ended with Scorer finding the back of the net for his second goal by this stage though Ashover were a well beaten side.
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| ASHOVER COME UNDER ATTACK WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE VILLAGE IN THE BACKGROUND |
From a neutral point of view the second period had been a disappointment with Ashover a well beaten side and the normally vociferous touchline encouragement of manager Carline muted completely. He is long serving enough to know that tomorrow is a another day and he continues to battle to not only keep football in Ashover but create a side that can compete in the top section of the league, this one would hurt for a man who loves the game.
For the visitors Furness Vale the defence of their league title could not have got off to a better start with two straight wins and their confidence grew throughout the game and although last weeks teams Tansley and Chapel Town looked strong and both secured wins the champions are the ones they will have to knock off their perch after this performance.
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| GEORGE SEDDON MAKES IT FOUR FOR FURNESS VALE |
A fast departure would see the day once again enhanced by a walk out of the village, that as previous readers will know is exquisite, via its very impressive high roads offering excellent views over the valley and surrounding area. Today departure would be via the former zoo accessing it by Moor Road and Chapel Hill there would be no former England cricketer to encounter but on the finest and clearest of day there was plenty of 'wow' views to be taken in. Passing behind The Fabric and Ashover Rock a drop back down again to Littlemoor for a scenic view of Ogston Resevoir with its sailing boats cutting up the water. Dropping back down to base forty five minutes later it had been another interesting day walking, taking in a Hope Valley game and a little bit of local history to add to the mix.
Eastwood Old Hall may be a ruin beyond repair but make no doubts Furness Vale may very well ruin a few sides goals against column this season in their chase for the retention of the title of league champions.
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| AFTER MATCH ENTERTAINMENT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS |
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