Ashville’s Macron Cup campaign was ended in the first round by NWCFL First Division South leaders Stafford Town.

Ashville put in a fantastic disciplined first half performance which almost delivered a goal after just 7 minutes when Josh Maldon’s long range effort forced Jenkins into a good fingertip save. 

Ashville continued to apply the pressure and were well on top of their Midlands opponents when Peter Morgan was next to draw a save from Jenkins after some really tight build up play inside the area.

Joe Dulson’s volley would also draw a save from Jenkins after a smart flick on by Madden before the game had even reached the 20 minute mark.

Just before the half hour mark Ashville had their best chance yet. Mark Madden’s header was excellently saved once again by Jenkins but his parry fell to Joe Dulson at the back post and despite the young forwards agile reactions he could only watch in agony as his rebound attempt spun across goal and grazed past the post.

The game evened out after that and Stafford started to show some composure to play their way back into the game. The high flying hosts nearly snatched the lead just before half time with Matthew Hearsey curling his shot just wide of the upright.

It was the visitors who once again started the better side in the second period, Joe Dulson pinched the pocket of a defender and the ball ran for Lewis Moynes who’s low drive was saved by the veteran Jenkins.

Stafford would eventually take the lead in a tight, competitive game in the 64th minute. Patryk Mazurkiewicz crossing for Hearsey who directed his free header into the back of the net at the back post.

Ashville nearly levelled it up with 13 minutes to play when Connor Courtnell tried his luck from 25 yards. Sadly for the left back his strike fizzed inches over the bar.

With nine minutes left on the clock the hosts doubled their lead when Mazurkiewicz guided his header past Owen and all but wrapped the game up for Stafford.

The game became a little disjointed in the final few minutes despite the visitors best attempts to rescue the game. Jamie Owen was forced into an excellent save in injury time to prevent Stafford from making it 3-0 but the resulting corner was the straw that broke the camels back for Ashville. The corner wasn’t properly dealt with and the ball broke for the unmarked Charlie Swingwood at the back post who duly smashed it in.

Frustration at a game full of questionable officiating boiled over for Ashville as injury time drew to a close. Adam Sunners was sent off in the dying embers for his protests to cap off what was an unfortunate night for Ashville.

The away side put in one of their best performances of the season and can walk away feeling like the scoreline was a little harsh but their hosts were good value for the win in the end, Stafford took their chances and Ashville didn’t and that was really all that separated the two sides in what was a fantastic watch for the neutrals. 

Ashville now turn their attention to this Saturday’s league game at home to Eccleshall (3pm Kick Off at Ray Parker Stadium). The Villa will then face ‘Eccy’ at home again on Tuesday night in the Edward Case Cup 1st round in an 8pm kick off.