Blackham & Ashurst 5-0 Ashton Prime

It was a familiar story at Goldsmith's with Prime conceding an early goal and going on to lose 5-0, despite battling hard and matching their opponents for long periods of the game.

With Leigh and Smith-Foreman ruled out with injury, the last thing Prime needed was for vice-captain Walsh to arrive too late to start the game. This, combined with French's dental problems meant that Barr and Goldsmith were forced into the starting line-up.

Ashton again got off to the worst possible start when a flowing move from Blackham resulted in a 2nd minute goal.

Things nearly got a lot worse after Cheeseman's handball gave away a penalty, but after a re-take was ordered by the ref, Allcorn brilliantly saved low to his right and blocked the rebound out for a corner.

This visibly lifted Prime who proceeded to dominate for 20 minutes. Their best chance came when debutant Lee Taylor curled in a left-footed free kick and Goldsmith's glancing header flashed just wide.

A second Blackham goal capped a slick passing move, against the run of play. Prime heads dropped and in a shambolic 5 minute spell just before the break, Blackham stretched their lead to 4-0.

Some harsh words during the interval resulted in a much improved second half display.

The fifth and final goal was scored midway through the half, despite some fine saves from the inspired Allcorn.

Jack Tayler replaced Barr who had battled hard on the left hand side and a sheepish Walsh came on for Whiting, with Goldsmith moved up front.

Goldsmith and Walsh linked up neatly soon after and the ball eventually broke to Bendall who shot straight at the keeper.

Tayler also narrowly failed to get on the end of a Goldsmith cross in the dying moments.

Prime Man of the Match: Phill Allcorn - Impreccable performance despite chronic back problems.