The Sixth Form football team all but sealed the Tameside League with a thoroughly professional display against the league leaders, Curzon Ashton. It proved to be the feisty encounter that was anticipated before a ball was kicked. Before the game manager Coombs was presented with his manager of the month award.
After an uneventful opening to the game, Curzon created the first chance of the match when their striker was put through on goal; only to be denied by a superb last ditch challenge from Man of the Match Alex Allwood. However, Audenshaw upped their game and took the lead with a fantastic team goal. James Barnes broke from midfield and supplied Jake Slinger with an excellent cross which he converted in some style, a magnificent first touch was matched by the finish, at the keepers’ front post. Slinger then gave way through his lack of fitness, which led to a managerial change with Jake Coombs opting for a 4-5-1 formation.
HT Audenshaw 1 – 0 Curzon
A number of changes at half time didn’t seem to affect the teams’ performance as they carried on to dominate the game. After a number of half chances Audenshaw stretched their lead with a fine solo effort from the impressive Nathan Selby, a half time substitute. After beating the Curzon full back twice he weaved in and out before finding the net from what seemed an impossible angle. Curzon’s frustration showed as Jack McCormack was stamped on, with the referee only seeing it as a bookable offense. However, Jack retaliated needlessly by kicking out which meant he too was booked. After a number of bad challenges Curzon had 3 players in the book who were joined by the cynical Karl Higham who only seemed to make matters worse. The game was sealed with a 20 yard strike which somehow crept into the bottom corner.
The ever reliable defence of Gulla, Clayton, Allwood and McColl never looked threatened apart from at the start of the game. Joe Leggat showed his talent when brought on and impressing the Manchester City scout who was on the sidelines which can only compared with the likes of Messi. This all but sealed the league title with 5 wins out of 5 and sitting nicely in the quarter final of the Manchester cup. This extended the team’s unbeaten start to the season.
MOM: Alex Allwood
Jake Coombs