DREAM START NOT ENOUGH AS LEIGH HIT 5
ASHTON PRIME 1-5 LEIGH
Saturday 9th September, Hilbert Rec
It took Ashton Prime just 2 minutes to announce themselves in the Tonbridge & District League, when good work by Matt Leaver sent Dave Whiting through on goal. He still had a lot to do as he outstripped the Leigh backline and smashed an unstoppable right-footed strike into the top corner, leaving the keeper motionless.
Leigh seemed stunned by this, but they hit back within 10 minutes after good work down the left hand side.
A further blow was dealt to Prime when returning skipper Andy Skovborg-Hansen had to come off with a strained hamstring, sustained while challenging their keeper. It meant Mike Walter was hurried on for his debut after only 15 minutes.
In an end-to-end first half, Prime had good chances through Leaver and Whiting again, while acting skipper Walsh tested the keeper from outside the box. However a defensive mistake from Bendall allowed Leigh's strikeforce a clear run on goal and Tony Leigh was beaten comprehensively.
Prime then had a golden opportunity following a corner which found its way to Walter who might have done better from 6 yards out.
In the second half it was Leigh's turn to get out of the blocks quickly and they soon made it 3-1.
Phill Allcorn had been battling a back injury and he also had to come off, handing Carlton his debut - with the impressive Cheeseman switching to right-back.
This made for hilarious viewing as Carlton was immediately nut-megged and then gave away 2 successive fouls - not the greatest start to his Prime career! The second foul resulted in the 4th goal with the Leigh striker again finishing comprehensively.
Prime were visibly tiring in the last quarter, despite Tayler's intoduction and it was no surprise when the scoring was completed as Leigh was beaten at his near post.
Prime Man of the Match: Mark Cheeseman - marshalled the defence superbly.
LINEUP
GK: Leigh
RB: Allcorn
LB: Sturmey
CB: Cheeseman
CB: Bendall
RM: Skovborg-Hansen (c)
CM: Matthews
CM: Walsh
LM: Leaver
CF: Jagniaszek
CF: Whiting
SUBS (all used): Carlton, Tayler, J, Walter
Quote of the Day: "Come on ref - he's all over him like a Marks & Spencer suit!" - Jack "JT" Tayler
