Saturday 14th December 2024
Venue: M.A. Hart Stadium
Attendance: 150
League leaders New Milton Town were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw against Wessex League Division One's bottom side Ash United after a spirited second-half comeback salvaged a point at the M.A. Hart Stadium.
The match began in dramatic fashion as Ash United, desperate to climb off the foot of the table, stunned the home crowd with an energetic and clinical display in the first half. James Chivers opened the scoring, capitalising on poor communication in the New Milton defence to control the ball and slot it past the goalkeeper.
Ash doubled their lead through a clever free-kick routine, with Morris Musslewhite timing his run perfectly to latch onto the delivery and bury the chance.
New Milton, uncharacteristically disjointed, struggled to find their rhythm as frustration mounted on the pitch and in the stands.
Just before the halftime whistle, the Brickmakers found a glimmer of hope when Brad Snelling's deflected shot found its way into the net. However, the joy was short-lived, as Ash United immediately struck back.
Chivers pounced again, taking advantage of a mishap by New Milton goalkeeper Shea Woodsford, whose footing failed him, leaving the striker free to score into an open goal.
Trailing 3-1 at the break, New Milton made bold changes, switching to an aggressive 4-2-4 formation and introducing Harry McGrath and Jack Foden.
The gamble paid off as the home side began to dominate possession and apply relentless pressure on Ash United's defence.
The comeback was sparked just after the hour mark when Snelling grabbed his second goal of the game, showing excellent composure to control the ball inside the box and fire past the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Billy Maybury rose highest to meet a free kick, nodding in the equaliser to send the home supporters into raptures.
Both sides had chances to claim victory in the closing stages.
New Milton pushed for a fourth, while Ash United threatened on the counter, but neither team could find the decisive goal.
The draw keeps New Milton Town at the top of the table, with other results working in their favour. They’ll look to tighten up defensively and maintain their title charge when they visit Verwood Town next Saturday.
For Ash United, this was a performance to build upon as they battle to avoid relegation.
New Milton Town: Shea Woodsford, Elliott Pearce-Eavis, Cam Smith, Billy Maybury, Louis Moore, Jack Broad, Toby Colmer, Noel McCarthy-Gardiner, Callum McHale, Barney Stone and Brad Snelling
Substitutes Used: Harry McGrath, Jack Foden and Ollie Mayo
Goals: Snelling 45, 60, Maybury 63
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