Battling Numbers run leaders close

Ashton Prime 0-2 Capel Sports & Social

After a limp performance at home to Dowgate last week, Prime faced the daunting task of hosting title-favourites Capel at Hilbert Rec.

Prime knew that they needed a whole-hearted effort to try and frustrate the visitors, and they were boosted by the return of Mazurkiewicz at the back. With Walker missing in midfield, skipper Goldsmith slotted in alongside Abu, with Lower joining Excell up front.

Capel immediately started knocking the ball around well and Prime were having to work really hard to deny them space. But the visitors were missing top-scorer Rob Jenner and Mazurkiewicz and the much-improved Garside were managing to keep the stand-in strikers quiet.

But on the 20 minute mark a deep cross eluded their strikers and there seemed no danger as Leaver tried to clear, but the ball reared up off high thigh and hit his arm - and the stand-in ref gave a harsh but fair penalty.

Kerton was close to making another penalty save, but the ball was right in the corner, beating his dive.

Capel continued to knock the ball around and they added a second after Prime failed to clear their lines and a cross-shot to the far post was turned in from close range with Kerton stranded.

Prime needed to dig deep and frustration got the better of Kneebone as the winger was involved in a flashpoint with the Capel left midfielder following a fiesty challenge.

But with Abu showing immense energy, Goldsmith winning plenty of aerial challenges and Walters putting in plenty of work down the left, Prime stayed in the game and started to force Capel back.

Goldsmith linked up with his midfield partner Abu as his delicious chip found the onrushing workhorse, but his effort went over.

Lower was seeing little of the action, but he was keeping both centre-backs occupied, giving Excell space to weave his magic.

At half-time, Prime started well and forced a flurry of corners with Abu again firing over from one.

Goldsmith's long throws were also looking dangerous, but The Numbers were lacking an aerial threat and they couldn't force one of these in.

As Prime pushed forward, Capel looked dangerous on the break and both full-backs Barnham and Leaver had to be in top form to keep the back-door shut - and both performed excellently - winning several vital challenges.

Kerton did make an excellent save when their striker did get through after a rare Garside slip.

At the other end, Goldsmith fed the livewire Kneebone down the right but his effort was off target.

Moments later, Prime had a golden opportunity when Kneebone and Excell linked up superbly down the right and Excell rolled the ball across the box but Walters couldn't hit the target.

Sander replaced Lower up front and worked hard to keep Excell company and Ellis made his first appearance of the season, along with Postlethwaite who replaced the excellent Leaver late on.

Excell fashioned a late chance, but Prime couldn't quite set up a nervy finale.

Prime did not pick up any points from the game, but the performance and effort of everyone was a vast improvement, and they will look to continue the improvement at Dowgate in 2 weeks time.

Man of the Match: Leaver - Excellent performance, keeping his winger very quiet.