On Thursday 22nd March 2018, Stretton Handley faced Ashover, in what proved to be a close game and an incredible fight back by Ashover at the end.
Stretton Handley started the game quickly with LM firing in a good shot into the bottom corner to put Stretton 1 nil up. Some excellent defending from LH and RL kept Stretton in the lead and allowed LR and MH to create a lovely passing move to free LM for his second goal, 2-0 Stretton.
As the half time whistle approached, an excellent tackle and pass by LH saw LM take control of the ball and fire a long pass over the Ashover defence which MH ran onto and scored a fantastic volley into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.
Seconds before half time, Ashover pulled a goal back with a powerful shot that beat TH. 3-1.
The second half started and Ashover came out strong and again scored a powerful shot to make it 3-2. Stretton fought back however and with a well worked corner, MH scored a bullet header at the front post to give Stretton a 4-2 lead.
Ashover started to dominate possession and were firing shots at TH and the Stretton defence. However, on a counter attack, a good pass by RJ saw LM dribble free and slot the ball passed the keeper to make it 5-2.
With only 7 minutes remaining Ashover again piled on the pressure and a couple of mistakes in the Stretton defence saw Ashover score 2 quick fire goals to make it 5-4.
Finally,with only 1 minute left, Ashover completed their come back with a good strike into the roof of the net to complete the scoring. The game finished 5-5 in what felt like a defeat for the Stretton Handley players after being 5-2 up!
Again, a very entertaining game with plenty of goals and positive football played by both teams throughout.