Ashville stunned higher ranked Marske United in the Isuzu FA Vase first round, coming back to win 2-1 at Ray Parker Stadium

Ashville’s big day started off in the worst way possible as they fell behind after just 3 minutes. A long ball over to the right hand side found James Sayer who finished past Jamie Owen to give the Ebac Northern League Side the early lead

Villa responded well and almost immediately went up the other end and nearly grabbed an equaliser. Unfortunately Tom Hewlett couldn’t keep his shot down but it was a warning shot for the visitors as to what Ashville are capable of.

Mark Madden also saw an opportunity narrowly miss the mark after 9 minutes when his header bounced just wide of the upright. 

The home side would have a leveller from the resulting goal kick. Ashville returning the poor kick as Lewis Moynes crossed for Lennox Allward to tap the ball home and restore parity.

The next ten minutes were a competitive battle but the game was still end to end. The next chance for either side falling to Ashville’s Joel Kelly who headed just over from a wide free kick.

It was from this point that Ashville really started to show their dominance that would rarely falter throughout the remainder of the game. Lewis Moynes drawing a stop from Cowey in the Marske goal after an angled drive from the right.

Marske did respond with a strike of their own, James Sayer once again making Owen work to keep the scores level but this time the Villa keeper had his number.

A free kick for the visitors presented a great opportunity to retake the lead but it was bent low and wide.

A series of set plays for Villa almost lead to the home side scoring a second right before half time. A near post corner fell at the feet of Joel Kelly who drove an effort goalwards that required an excellent stop by Cowey on the line. 

The second half started off more competitive than the first ended but Ashville were still on top. Mark Madden nearly taking advantage of the momentum in the 67th minute but his edge of the area effort was too central and saved by Cowey.

With 20 left on the clock it was the visitors with two more free kicks that almost spoiled the party. The first one was well held by Owen. The second, from an identical position, wa struck to the same bottom left corner as all the previous free kicks. Owen read it like a book but an awkward bounce at the last second forced the young keeper to parry it, the rebound was poked towards goal and cleared off the line. The clearance fell to a midfielder who saw a 20 yard effort whistle just over.

Into the final 15 and it was Ashville’s turn to be denied by some great goal keeping once again. Madden finding Allward with a cute through ball and Allward was denied by an excellent reflex save from the legs of Cowey.

With ten minutes to go and penalties looming large, Ashville won a free kick 25 yards out from goal. Mark Madden stepped up and placed it Beckham-esque pinpoint into the top left corner to finally complete the comeback and give the hosts a late lead.

Ashville weren’t content to sit on their laurels though. A brilliant last ditch tackle by Adam Sunners allowed him to release Joel Kelly inside his own half. The young midfielder then took the ball all the way downfield, beating several players before he took the ball too wide and could only salvage a tame effort which drifted wide.

The Villa defence stood firm and the Seasiders just didn’t have the key to unlock it. Deep into added time we went yet there was still time for one last chance for Ashville. Mark Madden skilfully turning his way between two Marske defenders by the corner flag before taking the ball across the box where he laid it off for Tom Hewlett who’s low drive was once again denied by the legs of Cowey.

The final whistle would be blown shortly after to cap off a memorable cupset victory for Ashville against a higher ranked opponent in Marske United. the north east club gave a good account of themselves but a sturdy performance from Ashville got them the win.

Ashville now turn their attention to Thursday night where they make the short trip to Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers in the Cheshire Senior Cup first round. The tie represents a first ever competitive fixture between the two sides and a Wirral Derby that is sure to live long in the memories of Ashville supporters. Tickets for that fixture are now available online at trfctickets.co.uk with cash payments only accepted on the turnstiles on the night.