On Monday 21st October Stretton Handley welcomed league leaders Ashover for their final football match before the winter break.
Stretton were again without co captain and leading scorer MH but that didn’t stop their enthusiasm and effort. With GT in goal Stretton started well and he made 2 excellent saves in the opening 5 minutes. LH, BP and FT were solid in defence and frustrated the Ashover attackers. TB continued her impressive start in the team with an excellent block to prevent another attack. Unfortunately TB had to come off injured which left Stretton with no subs, just the 7 players on the field.
FH and SB kept making runs to try and create space to receive the ball and CG had a fantastic dribble down the wing which resulted in FH making a good cross only for the Ashover keeper to gather the ball. Ashover managed to eventually find the net and in doing so created a few nerves in the Stretton defence. Half time 4-0.
LH went in goal for the second half and he carried on where GT left off by making some tremendous saves. GT had a few excellent dribbles and made some good shots at goal but Ashover are top of the league and undefeated for a reason and didn’t let GT score. BP continued to make some outstanding defensive blocks and tackles to help LH out in goal but again Ashover managed to score.
Stretton started to tire towards the end of the game and with no substitutes available they had to continue to play the best they could. Ashover managed a few late goals and it finished 7-0.
Player of the match BP.