MILLER SECURES END OF SEASON CRACKER

ASHOVER 4 DOVE HOLES 2

HOPE VALLEY PREMIER LEAGUE @ MILKEN LANE

22 MAY 2021 --- 2PM

DES MILLER SCORER OF THE FOURTH GOAL THAT SECURED VICTORY FOR ASHOVER

Select an end of season game carefully we all know they can be dour encounters well thankfully this one turned out to be a little star with both sides putting on an attacking show full of commitment which belied the 'nothing to play for' title.  Ashover from a runaway express train 3-0 to the good Dove Holes forced their way back into the game and at the break trailed by the odd goal.  Home manager Don Carline must thank Des Miller for his determination that led to the fourth goal to settle the nerves as the visitors had gained an upper hand in the second half possession stakes. 

EARLY ACTION WITH THE DOVE HOLES KEEPER GAINING THE ADVANTAGE

After the lengthy break, it was the first Sunday in November, since a 'live' game had been witnessed it was time to get out and about again and still try to fit in some of the free to air and pay per view action from the likes of The Welsh Premier League and The League of Ireland that had sustained the last few months.  Suitably attired the local Hulleys bus service would undertake for me the twenty minute meander through the beautiful rolling countryside around the picturesque village of Ashover.  The village has been covered a few times before so I will not venture their again save to say its worth a trip to just amble around something I had previously checked all was okay with Ashover manager Don Carline.

SERENITY AND CALMNESS PERSONIFY MR CARLINE TODAY

Having admired the surrounds around the ground situated on Milken Lane behind the village centre with its well noted slope was looking well manicured and with cricket on an away day the overlap to the red balls outfield probably assisted the look.  With the wicket covers removed to the extreme edges of the football pitch and the sight screens dropped it was very much football in the ascendancy but it would be for the last time this season with Ashover about to start their last home game.  Todays visitors Dove Holes a small village on the high lands above Buxton always used to be a dust bowl when I have been through it before mainly due to the limestone quarry which expands from the village edge.  But as ever the village has a well respected football club who have been strong and competitive opposition for Ashover in the past.

AIDAN ORDIDGE HOLDING OFF THE VISITORS CHALLENGE

With the summer months fast approaching the umbrella was lofted for kick off with a small amount of rain drops trying to deposit themselves on the camera lens but the encouraging side was the loud bird song and sheep giving the feeling of contentment in the village with the added chimes from the parish church punctuating the afternoon the game was started by referee Jason Glanville.  It would be Ashover that stormed to a convincing start that even had long serving manager Carline looking a picture of serenity for a change.

TRICKY WING PLAY FROM ASHOVER

Three goals to the good thanks to Kieran Ordidge, Sam Hewitt and an edge of the box effort from Aidan Ordidge sent the home side into a confusing relaxation mode because by half time they were only a goal to the good and their early efforts were now at risk from a Dove Holes side whose faith had been restored by their resilience to keep on playing.  The comeback was started by Adam Sircar and then Ben Higgins really put the visitors right back in the equation for and exciting second half.

FORMR CLAY CROSS TOWN PLAYER AIDAN ORDIDGE

After a brief break often the 'norm' at this level after all there is little need for the obligatory fifteen minutes plus at higher levels these lads just get on with it.  Get on with it was certainly Dove Holes mantra they sensed a remarkable comeback from the re-start they were at Ashover from the start of the second half and Ashover were now the side having to be resolute in the defending department.  The possession advantage couldn't be converted into goals and as so often happens the opposition will break away and score.

DES MILLER RECEIVES THE CONGRATULATIONS FOR HIS GOAL

It would be commanding striker Des Miller who would settle the game twenty minutes from the final whistle with a determined run into the left edge of the box rounding the defender and firing past the visitors number one.  The relief was palpable and Mr Carline could sense the relaxation descend over his managerial requirements again.  This was the goal Ashover needed to settle the game and for Dove Holes their second half efforts would not produce the goals they desired.

SECOND HALF ATTACK FOR ASHOVER LEAD BY DES MILLER

Both sides deserve the credit for supplying a superb afternoon of football it would surprisingly be the first team I had seen Ashover gain victory in a competitive match and would also prove the friendly nature of The Hope Valley League something that many 'hoppers' have started to discover over this re-started disjointed season.

The decision to tackle the one hour walk back to base something that had been regularly done in the last cricket season was question as I get half way up the steep and steeper Milken lane to climb out of the village and able to benefit from the superb views from at the summit.  I was soon to the top and at the half way stage joined by a selection of the local milk producers at their fence who were probably questioning this aged hoppers walking ability. 

MOOOOOOVE ON THERE IS NOTHING TO LOOK AT HERE FELLA