With Chris Smales, Sam Cooper, Matty Hood and Gary Punchard all missing, Sam Thackray moved into the back four and Alan Goforth went to left back for the promotion 6 pointer. Amotherby were ahead on 6 minutes as they started the game brightly a lovely through ball by Simon Wall put Steve Clay through who showed his confidence in front of goal to slot the ball past the advancing Bridge keeper from a tight angle. Stamford Bridge failed to work Slaughter in the first half, with the inform keeper making just one decent save which saw him have a nasty clash with the goalpost. Mikey Brown had a couple of long range efforts which tested the keeper however on the half hour mark he had a great chance but when through on goal a bad touch gave the keeper a chance to dive at Brown's feet to take the ball when Amotherby's top scorer should have taken his chance earlier. Amotherby were soon two at the start of the second half when Clay's corner has pace and bend found an unmarked Moorcroft who bulleted his header far into the top corner. Amotherby slowly began to stop playing and gave Bridge a chance back into the game on but Slaughter pulled off an amazing save to scoop the ball away from goal when it looked like Nick Rank was going to tap the ball in for an easy finish. Bridge got their goal on 65 minutes when Dunning didn't do enough to stop the cross which was eventully met in the area by a lovely volley giving Slaughter no chance. And on 73 minutes it was all level when Kev Smiths cross was toe poked in by Adam Gray for an unfortunate own goal. Amotherby rarely threatened with their lead and confidence shattered it was the home side that looked most likely to score however for the second week running Amotherby grabbed a stoppage time winner when Moorcrofts lovely ping from right to left found left back Goforth on a surging run, he showed his fellow team mates how to finish with the coolest of finishes under such pressure cushining the ball down before placing the ball high and wide of the keeper to send the Amotherby touchine into raptures for the second week running. Well done Steve Clay who not only was man of the match but also scored his first of the season while Tom Moorcroft kept up his creating form scoring one and setting up another goal. Next week is a free week however Amotherby will preparing for the massive game against Wilberfoss in two weeks time as it's another must win game.

Amotherby bounced back from defeats in their last two outings but it took till the 93rd minute to grab the last gasp winner in what was a poor performance. Amotherby started well and it took just 8 minutes to take the lead with the impressive Moorcroft hammering in from just inside the box, this goal unsettled the home side and failed to dominate the first half like everyone expected, but the away side were just as bad and the first half easily became a forgettable first half with boths teams under preforming. Amotherby slightly improved in the second half however Bishopthorpe were the side that got back into the game and scored the equaliser on 60 minutes when the the right winner cut in a laid the ball across to the veteran striker who was the player in the six yard box however the referee failed to see the blatent offside and gifted Bishopthorpe the equaliser. Bishopthorpe then created the better of the chances to take the lead however Slaugther was hand to pull off a cracking double save. Bishopthorpe though were soon in the lead when Adam Gray was outpaced in the box and the resulting shot was poorly dealt with by Slaughter giving the away side the lead. Amotherby then rolled their sleaves up and dominated the last 20 minutes and on 75 minutes they were level when Moorcrofts lovely cross found Mikey Brown at the back post to head in from close range, Amotherby pressed and pressed for the winner the introduction of Dunning on 78 minutes was the turning point and his was instrumental in Amotherby's fightback causing problems down the right side and it was the super sub who laid the ball off to Mikey Brown who cut in from the right and bent a beauty into the far bottom corner with the last kick of the game to spark massive celebrations at the final whistle as these extra two point gained could prove so vital in Amotherby's promotion hopes. Richard Webster and Andy Slaughter shared man of the match with Tom Moorcroft also impressing and getting back to his best. Next week sees a promotion 6 pointer as A&S travel to the Stamford Bridge.

Team- Slaughter, Webster, Goforth, Gray, Cooper (Clay 70mins), Punchard (Smales 60mins) Drew, Wall (Dunning 80mins), Thackray, Moorcroft, Brown.

Amotherby conceded two of the most unluckiset goals all season to slip to another defeat against a Poppleton side who admitted themselves they were fortunate to come out of the game with all the points, Amotherby dominated from the start and was an excellent reponse from last weeks dismal performance, The Poppy keeper kept the home side in the game with two outstanding games from Browns and Moorcrofts efforts. However on 38 minutes he could do nothing about Sam Thackrays 30 yard screamer which thundered past him to give A&S a deserved lead on the break. Amotherby pressed for the 2nd however Poppleton always looked dangerous on the counter and just before the hour they were level when an average long effort by Theaker was sailing towards Slaughter however Coopers bum cheeks got in the way to deflect the ball into the corner leaving Slaughter stranded. Poppleton then looked likely to grab another but Amotherby countered with the Brown to left his powerful run brought him into the area, Brown cooly squared the ball across for fellow stirker Moorcroft to tap home. Amotherby's defending was then to blame for Poppleton's equaliser when from a corner the Poppy centre back was quickest to react to flick the ball in after Amotherby failed to clear. On 82 minutes Poppy grabbed the winner with the most fortunate goal they will score all season, Steve Clays strong tackle on the half line somehow manage to put Theaker through on goal and slotted home to give the home side all three points Well done Sam Thackray who came straight back into the side and claimed man of the match his all round work ethic is someting the team has missed in recent weeks, That win sees Amotherby & Poppleton level on points and also brings Stamford Bridge, Riccall and Pocklington right back into the promotion race . Amotherby'a home game against Bishopthorpe is a must win game to get Amotherby promotion race back on the road.

Team- Slaughter, Webster, Cooper (Smales 70mins), Gray (Thornton 85mins), Goforth, Clay, Wall, Thackray, Drew, Moorcroft, Brown

Amotherby crashed to a poor defeat against a Pocklington side they should have easily beaten. With the wind behind them Amotherby started poorly and it was Pocklington who threatened early on and looked most likely to score, Amotherby hung on in the first ten minutes and had two great oppertunites to open the scoring, Simon Wall's lofted free-kicked was missed by everyone and the ball agonisngly hit the post and then cleared off the line, Moorcroft then crossed for Brown who couldn't keep his header on target as he darted to the back post. Then from nothing Pocklington were ahead Alan Goforth over dribbled the ball even though having numerous chances to clear it, Al ended up being tackled, The forward then crossed to the Pock Number 7 who was unmarked and cooly slotted the ball past an unhappy Slaughter, On the half hour Amotherby went two down when  a lovely cross was met by an umarked Sullivan who glanced his header into the top corner, Amotherby then woke up and were unfortunate not to get back into the game before the break when Clay's in swinging corner hit the far post and prompted a goal scramble which Pocklington eventually cleared, Drew, Moorcroft and Brown all blew decent chances in the box which they should have done better with, The 2nd half saw a change in players and formation as Hood came on for the injured Punchard. Against the wind Amotherby took control as they looked to get something out the game, and it finally took 72 minutes when a neat lay off from Wall to Hood saw the latters shot blocked in the six yard box however Drew was on hand to blast in the rebound for his 3rd goal in as many games. Amotherby huffed and puffed but couldn't find an equaliser, Mikey Brown had a great chance as he went one on one with the keeper however his fluffed effort was cleared off the line. Pockllington hung on and were dangerous late on as Amotherby pushed forward and the away side were unlucky to make it 3-1 when a lovely effort from 25 yards thundered against Slaughter's Cross- Bar. Sam Cooper just claimed man of the match and was best of a bad bunch. A&S now need to buckle down for the away trip to Poppleton in which is by far the biggest game of the season.

Team- Slaughter, Webster (Smales 75 mins) , Foxton (Thornton 70 mins), Goforth, Cooper, Wall, Punchard (Hood 45mins), Drew, Moorcroft, Brown, Clay,  

Amotherby battled their way to a comfortable victory in the rain and mudd as they notched up their 8th consecutive victory. With Sam Thackray out Nicky Drew came into the side for his full debut and a late injury to Sam Cooper gave Chris Smales a start. Amotherby pressed early on had much of the ball but the final pass was costing A&S the chance to carve out a decent opportunity and on 15 minutes they were stunned when Osbaldwick in their first attack took the lead, With the Osbaldwick striker not being closed down outside the box his took his shot early and fired the ball into the bottom corner giving Slaughter no chance. Amotherby responded superbly and were soon level on 23 minutes when Nicky Drew broke from midfield his neat one-two with Mikey Brown found him through on goal and he cooly slid the ball past the advancing keeper. Amotherby then began to dominate Mikey Browns free-kick was saved well by the keeper, but the inform striker got his goal after superb work by his strike partner Moorcroft who robbed the Osbaldwick left back squared the ball to Brown whos pace and power took him past the last defender before hitting the shot in the bottom corner to put the home side in front at the break. Gary Punchard was introduced just shortly into the second half and had an immediate impact on the game as he carved out a chance for Moorcroft who blazed his shot wide and then five minutes later volleyed his shot straight at the keeper. Osbaldwick could have easily leveled when they carved out two chances both just missing the far post. This kicked Amotherby into life Moorcroft was again unlucky with a header after great work from the impressive Smales. On 68 minutes the game was put to bed when Clays pacey cross found a defender who kicked the ball at Brown in the 6 yard box for the ball then to luckily cross the line. Amotherby pressed but wasted further chances to get the score line they deserved. Nicky Drew was voted man of the match with Chris Smales, Richard Webster and Tom Moorcroft impressing.

TEAM- Slaughter, Webster, Goforth, Gray, Smales, Wall, Drew, Baxter (Punchard 53 mins) Clay (Hood 80mins), Moorcroft, Brown

Amotherby seeked revenge on a Norwich side who grabbed three points at the BSA Arena earlier in the season. Both sides failed to get going in the early exchanges and the excellent surface soon cut up making the middle third heavy going, Amotherby gradually took command of the game creating many chances to take the lead, Tom Moorcroft was sent clear taking it past the last defender only to scuff his shot well wide, Mikey Brown then had two good efforts which the keeper did excellent to keep out, The impressive Norwich keeper then showed excellent reflexes to keep out Thackrays glancing header. Steve Clay then was kept out by the NU shot stopper with his 35 yard half volley with the keeper managing to palm the ball wide. Norwich Union rarely looked threatening however a counter attack nearly led to the opening goal, when the Norwich strikers effort was superbly tipped over by Slaughter. The 2nd half got scrappier as the pitch got heavy but Amotherby were still in control with the front three of Moorcroft, Clay and Brown all looking dangerous, Nicky Drew was introduced on the hour mark and had an immeadiate impact on the game and in the 70th minute Amotherby scored the only goal of the game when Moorcroft was fouled in the box giving the referee the easiest decision of the day pointing to the spot, Simon Wall stepped up and just sneaked the ball despite the keepers best effort to keep it out, that proved to be the winner and the last of the chances as Amotherby settled and defended well for the remaining minutes, Steve Clay was voted man of the match for yet another performance where he did everything apart from score his alusive first of the season. Nicky Drew also played well in his first game and now gives the managment duo a headache for team selection next week with a home game against Osbaldwick.

Team- Slaughter, Webster (Smales 75 mins), Cooper, Goforth, Gray, Wall, Thackray (Punchard 70 mins), Baxter (Drew 59 mins), Clay, Brown, Moorcroft.

After not playing for three weeks and with Moorcroft & Dunning injured plus a late withdrawal from A&S troubled star Gary Punchard an away trip on a solid bobbly pitch against pointless Heslington looked as if it could be a potential slip up which could prove costly in Amotherby's promotion push, However A&S showed superb desire for the 3 points and after 20 minutes they grabbed the lead when Mikey Brown's inswinging cross defelcted off the defenders shin and sneaked into the bottom corner, Centre Back Adam Gray led by example winning everything in the air and rallied the team throughout the game, fellow defenders Webster, Goforth and Smales were also superb to give Slaughter an easy first half in the Amotherby goal. The 2nd half was very scrappy however Amotherby still pressed to clinch the 2nd which would kill the game off and on 68 minutes they sealed the victory thanks to a superb run from the impressive Jimmy Baxter which resulted in a corner, the set peice was whipped in by Clay and was only half clear, skipper Simon Wall was the quickest to react slamming home from just inside the area. Heslington rarely threatened everything was superbly delt with by the back four and Slaughter who made one decent 2nd half save low down to his left. Adam Gray and Jimmy baxter shared the man of the match award but the whole team gave everything against a Heslington side which many find suprising they are still without a point this season.

Team- Slaughter, Webster, Smales, Gray, Goforth, Cooper, Clay, Wall, Baxter, Thackray, Brown, Sub not used Calvert

A&S picked up another three points after a hard fought home win over Riccall. In came Sam Thackray with Gary Punchard and Wayne Calvert starting on the bench. Both teams started the game strongly in an attempt to gain control, and chances were created at both ends. It was the home team who broke the deadlock when the industrious Mikey Brown rounded the keeper and stroked the ball into the unguarded net. The half continued with both sides trying to dominate in midfield and create openings. The visitors equalised from close range after a corner had been only partially cleared. Minutes later the visiting keeper had to be replaced after suffering a head injury in a clash with Mikey Brown. Both sides continued to look to take the lead but were denied by good defending and poor finishing.

Riccall started the second half in determined fashion and created opportunities, but were denied by good defending and excellent goalkeeping by Andy Slaughter. The home side battled hard to stay in the game but were soon behind when a low angled drive across goal found the corner of the net. The visitors applied more pressure but the defensive quartet of Chris Smales, Adam Gray, Alan Goforth and Sam Cooper held out, along with keeper Andy Slaughter, who made some fine saves. The home side began to come more into the game with Matty Biggins, Steve Clay, Simon Wall and Sam Thackray beginning to take control and create chances. The equaliser came when Tom Moorcroft broke through the visiting defence and was brought down just inside the penalty area. Simon Wall calmly despatched the resulting penalty kick to bring the home side back level. Gary Punchard, who had replaced Chris Smales, began to influence the game as the home side pressed forward. Chances were made but the finishing did not trouble the visiting keeper. A&S continued to press forward and were rewarded when Sam Thackray scored with a low driven free kick from 20 yards. The home side played out the final 10 minutes and took all three points from a hard working Riccall side.

Macca’s message:

A good three points against a strong side. We did well to get ourselves back into the game after going behind in the second half. Much better attitude, which we must maintain for the next game against Easingwold Town.

A&S picked up another three points with a battling 3-2 home win against a strong Wilberfoss side. The home side lined up with the same eleven that started the previous week with Matty Biggins, Wayne Calvert and Sam Thackray on the bench. The visitors took control of the game straight from kick off with the home defence being pressurised but managing to repel several attacks. Andy Slaughter was called into action on a number of occasions as the home side struggled to get into the game with the front pairing of Mikey Brown and Tom Moorcroft seeing little of the ball. The midfield quartet of Simon Wall, Jonny Dunning, Gary Punchard and Steve Clay battled hard against a strong running opposition but could not dominate. The opening goal was scored when the visitors broke through the home rearguard and a clever chip found the corner of the net via the fingertips of the stretching Andy Slaughter. The home keeper blocked well minutes later and was called into further action when scooping the ball off the line after another fine save. Adam Gray and Alan Goforth bravely blocked further efforts as the visitors attempted to increase their lead. A&S gradually came more into the game towards the end of the half forcing a number of corners but not creating any clear chances.

The home side regrouped at half time and after a few words of advice and encouragement from Macca started the second half with more determination and urgency forcing the visitors back and beginning to threaten. After only a few minutes the limping Jonny Dunning was replaced by Matty Biggins who was immediately in the thick of the action. Minutes later the home side were level when Mikey Brown cut in from the right and his low drive was deflected past the stranded keeper. A&S were back in the game and took the lead 5 minutes later when Tom Moorcroft looped a header into the net after a block by the keeper. The visitors were now on the back foot and Tom Moorcroft made it 3-1 with a trademark swivel and shot. The home side were now in control and could have increased their lead when Mikey Brown, Sam Cooper and Matty Biggins were through but were denied by fine goalkeeping. Sam Thackray, making his first appearance of the season, replaced the injured Adam Gray forcing a reshuffle of the back four with Chris Smales moving to centre back and Steve Clay dropping into fullback. The visitors made it 3-2 minutes later from the penalty spot ensuring a tense last 15 minutes. The home side dealt with any further threat from the visitors and a fine second half display earned them all the points.

Macca’s Message:

Poor first half performance but the points were won with a much improved second half showing. Same attitude as the second half is required before and during next game.

A&S picked up three points in a hard fought away win against a strong Tadcaster side who were unbeaten in the league. Missing from the squad were Matty Biggins, Richard Webster, Wayne Calvert and the suspended Sam Thackray. Returning were Steve Clay and Chris Smales. The fitness of Tom Moorcroft was in doubt after a week of illness but Macca took the gamble and started with the hit man partnering Mikey Brown up front. The home side started well and pressurised the A&S defence but Alan Goforth, Adam Gray, Sam Cooper and Chris Smales were up to the challenge and coped well along with keeper Andy Slaughter who commanded his area. Although the home side had more of the possession a combination of fine defending and poor finishing resulted in the game remaining scoreless. A&S worked their way into the game with Mikey Brown, Tom Moorcroft and Jonny Dunning threatening and creating opportunities. Steve Clay, Gary Punchard and Si Wall began to compete in midfield and stretch the home defence. Jonny Dunning looked particularly dangerous and could have scored when combining with Tom Moorcroft, but his shot was miscued wide of goal. The game continued with both teams battling hard to take control, both sides had chances to open the scoring and the vital breakthrough came when a corner from the right found Alan Goforth at the far post, the central defender shaped up and hammered a low volley from 8 yards out back across the goal and into the far corner. This goal gave A&S a confidence boost and for the remainder of the half they continued to deny the home side in defence and continued to look dangerous when breaking forward.

The home side started the second half looking for an equaliser but again the visitors denied them with some strong determined defending. Keeper Andy Slaughter easily dealt with long-range efforts and made a couple of clean catches from dangerous looking crosses. As the half wore on A&S came more into the game after surviving periods of pressure from the home side, and began to threaten, forcing a number of corners. On 20 minutes Matty Bean replaced Tom Moorcroft who had put in an excellent effort. Matty Bean was immediately involved when he was brought down in the penalty area but the referee ignored the penalty appeals. Mikey Brown then won the ball on the right, beat a defender, and rounded the keeper, only to see his effort blocked and cleared off the line. The final few minutes were played out deep in the Tadcaster half and the game ended with A&S inflicting a first league defeat on the home team and returning along the A64 with 3 points in the bag.

Macca’s message:

A&S picked up another three points with a home win over Stamford Bridge. The home side lined up with Gary Punchard in for Wayne Calvert. A&S started the game slowly and were punished inside 10 minutes when a looping cross from the right was headed in at the far post. This early set back jolted the home side into action with Matty Biggins and Jonny Dunning bringing the forward pairing of Mikey Brown and Tom Moorcroft into the game. The equaliser came on 20 minutes when a through ball was latched onto by Tom Moorcroft who finished cleverly past the advancing keeper. The home side continued to struggle to find their rhythm, but managed to contain the attacking threat from the visitors, with Adam Gray and Alan Goforth making timely challenges. The midfield quartet of Matty Biggins, Si Wall, Gary Punchard and Jonny Dunning continued to work hard and attempt to take control of midfield. They were rewarded when Si Wall converted a penalty after Matty Biggins had been unceremoniously bundled over in the box. The half continued with the visitors causing the home team problems but Richard Webster, Sam Cooper, Alan Goforth, Adam Gray and keeper Andy Slaughter remained solid enabling the home side to go in at the break 2-1 ahead.

The home side started the second half and it soon became apparent that the half time talk had an effect as the work rate improved considerably. The team looked sharper and began to be more of a threat to the visiting defence. The front two of Mikey Brown and Tom Moorcroft came more into the game as the midfield started to dominate. The lead was increased 8 minutes into the half when a superb midfield run by Matty Biggins enabled the industrious Mikey Brown to find space and hammer the ball over the keeper and into the net. This gave the home side a cushion and the visitors a disheartening blow. Bobby Brewer replaced Tom Moorcroft minutes later and he immediately settled into the game and caused the visitors problems. Matty Bean replaced the tiring Gary Punchard and was almost on the score sheet minutes later when a low effort was smartly saved by the keeper. The home side contained the visitors for the remainder of the half and trooped off at the final whistle with a 3-1 victory and another three points.

Macca’s message:

A good result despite the sloppy start to the game, another three points in the bag, a better show required away on Saturday against the unbeaten Tadcaster Albion who are sure to punish any lack of concentration.

A&S ended their losing run with a well-deserved 2-0 win at Riccall. In came Matty Biggins with Bobby Brewer, Gary Punchard and Matty Bean on the bench. The game started brightly with both sides probing for openings. A&S pressurised the home defence and were rewarded in the 4th minute when Mikey Brown received the ball in the penalty area and beat the keeper with a low deflected drive. The home side kept working hard and tried to get back in the game but were denied by solid defending from Sam Cooper, Richard Webster, Alan Goforth and Wayne Calvert. A&S keeper Andy Slaughter had to be alert on a couple of occasions but was rarely troubled by inaccurate shooting from the home side. The midfield quartet of Adam Gray, Matty Biggins, Simon Wall and Jonny Dunning began to dominate, with Matty Biggins and Jonny Dunning causing the home side problems with their direct running. A&S continued to probe and attempt to increase their lead with chances falling to Mikey Brown and Tom Moorcroft after good work from midfield. The visiting fans were treated to the rare sight of Wayne Calvert and Alan Goforth going on attacking runs beating several opponents in the process. The second half began with the home team coming more into the game with Andy Slaughter having to be called into action on several occasions. A&S dealt with the pressure well and looked dangerous going forward with Jonny Dunning, Mikey Brown, Tom Moorcroft and Matty Biggins causing the home side problems. Gary Punchard replaced the limping Jonny Dunning and slotted into midfield in front of the impressive Sam Cooper giving the side a more defensive look. With 20 minutes to go the vital second goal was scored when Mikey Brown broke free from the defenders and scored past the home keeper from close range. Bobby Brewer replaced Tom Moorcroft minutes later and was immediately in action with a couple of penetrating runs. Matty Bean replaced the tiring Adam Gray who had worked hard alongside Simon Wall in midfield. A&S continued to pressure and could have gone further ahead when Matty Biggins received the ball in midfield, burst through the home defence, only to see his effort go narrowly wide of the post. Mikey Brown, Bobby Brewer and Matty Bean worked further chances but were denied by good defending and the offside flag. The game ended with the visitors going home with a well deserved hard fought victory against a strong home side.

Macca’s message:
 
An excellent three points against tough opposition. We worked hard throughout the whole game and must continue with the same effort for next game. A good squad performance.

A&S continued their losing run when they lost 2-0 at home to Poppleton. Once again the home side had to be reshuffled with Bobby Brewer, Callum Dunning and Tom Moorcroft coming into the squad.  Missing from the side were Jonny Dunning and Gary Punchard. Both keepers were tested early on as the teams battled to take control of the game. Chances continued to be created with Tom Moorcroft and Mikey Brown going close for the home side. The visitors had efforts blocked by the home defence and the impressive Andy Slaughter, who showed fine form when blocking after a weak back pass was intercepted. On 20 minutes Bobby Brewer, who was making his return debut for A&S after two seasons away, replaced the injured Steve Clay. The game continued with both sides striving to score the first goal and it was the visitors who took the lead 5 min before the break when the home defence could only partially clear after a free kick, resulting in the ball being headed into the net from close range. This set back did not deter the home side and they resumed after the break determined to push for the equaliser. Several chances were made and Bobby Brewer thought he had equalised when a well-struck volley beat everyone only to come back off the crossbar and straight into the keeper’s hands. Minutes later the visitors scored the crucial second goal when the ball was knocked into the net at the far post. Adam Gray, who had worked hard in midfield with the determined Simon Wall, was replaced by Matty Bean to bring a more attacking edge. The home side continued to look for the goal to get them back into the game and thought they had scored when Tom Moorcroft volleyed into the net only for the goal to be disallowed for a previous infringement. As A&S pushed forward gaps were exploited at the back by the visitors and only brave blocks by Wayne Calvert, Alan Goforth, Sam Cooper and Andy Slaughter kept them out. Callum Dunning replaced the injured and tiring Richard Webster as the home team tried to pull a goal back in the final 12 minutes. The game ended in disappointment for the home side who felt they deserved more from the game.

Macca’s Message:

The good attitude and hard work required was shown again particularly in the second half when the performance answered the questions asked at half time. If we continue this we will get the breaks and change of luck we are looking for at both ends of the pitch!

Tadcaster Albion Reserves were the latest visitors to the BSA Arena, facing them was a depleted A&S squad who, due to withdrawals, only had 11 fit players available, with the recovering Jonny Dunning on the bench. The game got underway with some A&S players having to play in unfamiliar positions, and it soon became apparent that a midfield battle was on the cards, as both teams tried to dominate. Good defending by Sam Cooper, Wayne Calvert, Alan Goforth and Richard Webster denied the visitors on several occasions, whilst the hard working Mikey Brown and lone striker Matty Bean caused the opposition defence problems. The half continued with Gary Punchard, Si Wall, Ad Gray and Steve Clay matching the Tadcaster midfield. In the dying minutes of the half the visitors almost opened the scoring when a 25 yard curling effort was spectacularly turned round the post by the diving Andy Slaughter. The second half started with both teams trying to break the deadlock, and although a number of opportunities were created, the final touch was lacking. As the half wore on the game appeared to be heading for a goalless draw, however, the breakthrough was made on 65 minutes when the visitors worked the ball down the right, squared across goal, and slotted into the net. The home side tried to recover but were dealt another blow 5 minutes later when the ball broke free, after keeper Andy Slaughter had bravely blocked , and was squared across goal for an easy tap in. Jonny Dunning then replaced the tiring Matty Bean who had worked hard as the lone striker. Minutes later A&S were down to 10 men  when Mikey Brown limped off the field. The home side battled on but could not breakdown a solid Tadcaster side who returned home with all 3 points.

Macca's message:

Although disappointed with the result we showed good attitude and continued to work hard for the whole game. Everyone stuck at their tasks even though late changes disrupted our preparations. Returning players will strengthen the squad and create competition for places. We must prepare now for the home game on Saturday against Poppleton, who will be out for revenge after their cup defeat earlier in the season.

A&S hosted premier league side Copmanthorpe, hoping for a similar cup run to last season. Things started brightly for the home side when a low ball across the face of the goal was drilled into the net by Mikey Brown with only 4 minutes on the clock. The home side continued to match their premier league opponents and tried to increase their lead but were denied by  strong defending. The visitors came more into the game creating a couple of openings and were rewarded when  the home defence failed to clear the ball which was quickly despatched into the net. This boosted the away side and on the 25minute they took the lead when a far post ball was headed back across the goal and bundled into the net. A&S had to reshuffle their formation a few minutes later when the injured Chris Smales was replaced by Adam Gray. The home team searched for an equaliser and were rewarded when determined play by Mikey Brown enabled the ball to be squared to the advancing Gary Punchard, who calmly stroked the ball wide of the goalkeeper into the net. At half time the injured Wayne Calvert could not continue and was replaced by Matty Bean which forced the management into another shuffle with Adam Gray dropping to centre back. The second half began with both sides looking to take the lead, several chances were created by both teams but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock when the ball struck an A&S arm in the home penalty area. The resulting penalty was well despatched into the bottom corner just outside the reach of the diving goalkeeper Andrew Slaughter. The home side pushed forward looking for another equaliser but on the hour were further punished when a quick break by the visitors ended with the ball in the net. With the score at 2-4 A&S were dealt a further blow when the injured Richard Webster could take no further part resulting in the home side playing out the last 18 minutes with 10 men. Copmanthorpe took full advantage and scored with 4 minutes to go when the ball was taken round the exposed home keeper and rolled into the empty net. The home side played better than the score suggested but the strong more physical away side deserved to progress to the next round.

Macca's message:

We will learn from Saturdays game, and although we were up against an older more experienced side, we kept on playing. The injuries caused disruption but that did not deter us and we kept a positive attitude throughout. The league games are our priority so lets keep the same spirit for the visit of Tadcaster Albion Reserves on Saturday.

A&S chalked up their first win of the league campaign against a Heslington side who had worked hard for the whole 90 mins. Back into the squad came Punchard, Gray and Smales with Brown and Thackray missing out through suspension. After a low key ten minutes A&S raised their gameand began to dominate creating openings in the visiting defence. The breakthrough came on 20 mins when an interchange of passes allowed Biggins to advance into the area and slip the ball into the net. Two minutes later it was 2-0 when  Biggins and Wall combined to allow the latter to guide the ball into the net, the half continued with Cooper, Dunning, Webster and Clay creating chances but failing to find the net. The second half started with the home side attacking and creating problems for the visitors. As the game progressed the tactical changes by the Heslington managment began to influence the game. Slowly the visitors began to take control as the pressure increased on the A&S defence and timely challenges by Calvert, Goforth, Webster and Smales prevented the opposition getting a clearer view of Slaughter's goal. Gray replaced the tiring Punchard adding aerial strength to the A&S defending. Heslington continued to dominate and it was no suprise that they scored when the ball was worked across the area and slipped beyond the advancing Slaughter. The last 8 minutes were played out by A&S and the final whistle was welcomed by the home side who once again struggled to kill the game off.

Macca's Message:

Improved performance on last week, work rate was good for 60 minutes, better final ball quality allowed more chances being created, Overall pleased with the 3pts although we do like to make it hard for ourselves. Some players have to review how they approach Friday night preperations!!

All the best to Matty Biggins who has returned to the Pikes.

A depleted and Hood-less A&S squad started their league campaign with a home game against an improving Easingwold Town who had a couple of good cup perfomances under their belts. Straight from the kick off A&S dominated and controlled the game with their positive approach, passing and work rate which caused the visitors numerous problems. The first 20 mins was played mainly in Easingwold's half but A&S could not find the crucial final ball that would lead to the first goal. However on 23 mins the deadlock was broken when the rarely throubled Slaughter sent a long clearence into the visitors half the ball was allowed to bounce and the impressive Biggins latched on to it and sent a delightful lob over the advancing keeper into the unguarded net. This was a well deserved opening A&S were looking for, further chances were created and the pick of which was a tremendous volley from Clay which was collected at the 2nd attempt by the goalkeeper. The Home side continued to domainate but the quality of the final ball was lacking. A&S started the second half after being warned by Macca that a second goal was vital as it would only take a mistake or a wrong decision to let the opposition back in the game. The much sought after 2nd goal was prevented by good defending and poor final balls, slowly Easingwold began to become more into the game as this half progressed and it was no suprise when that pressure was put on our own defence. This encouraged the visitors further when a couple of chances were thwarted by the home defence. A&S seemed to have weathered the storm when the referee in the 90th minute, tarnished an otherwise excellent display by awarding a visitors a corner when the ball had gon out for a throwin. From the kick goalkeeper Slaughter was impreded by two opposing players allowing the ball to creep low into the far corner. Angry reactions resulted in two A&S players been booked. The final whistle was greeted by cheers from the visiting players and supporters who were obviously overjoyed with this result, but it was a dissipointed home team who trudged back tot eh changing rooms knowing 2 points had been thrown away.

Macca's message:

Overall good start considering availability of squad, Thanks to Jake and Callum for coming into the squad at short notice. Team played system well and worked hard and should consider ourselves unlucky not to start with 3 points, We will work on a couple of aspects of our play in preperation for the next match and having a full strength squad to choose from should strenghten the performance.