We welcome the management, players and supporters of Askern FC to the Jones and Co recreational ground for this Central Midlands North fixture. It is only two weeks since we met today's opposition in the reverse game and obviously we will be hoping for the same result. That was a 5-2 victory to ourselves, in a game that was played at times in a snowstorm, so let's hope for kinder weather today. The first half of the game was a level affair with the home side taking an early lead, before Woody headed home a Davies corner. Both sides had chances to regain the lead, but a 1-1 scoreline at the interval was a fair reflection of the game. When Tommo put us in front early in the second half it seemed we would go on and win the game comfortably, but credit to the hosts who levelled matters soon after. Once again we had to up our game, and another Tommo goal put us back in front. This time though there was no way back for the home side, as Tommo completed his hat trick and Freeman added a fifth to make it a productive afternoon. Askern showed in their first half display that are not to be taken lightly and we must not be complacent if we are to take the three points this afternoon.
Askern did not have a fixture last week end, unlike ourselves who had Appleby Frodingham visit the Jones and Co recreational ground, in what was a great advert for the Central Midlands league, the game had everything, finding ourselves three goals up in under twenty minutes it seemed we would be in for a comfortable afternoon, but in true Colliery tradition we never make it easy for ourselves. Josh Davies dismissal gave the visitors a boost, and with over half an hour left of the game the gap had been reduced to one, but the inform Tom Pick then took a chance, pouncing on a poor back pass to put us two goals clear again, and the celebrations from the team, supporters and the bench showed how important the goal was, and it totally demoralised the visitors. The fact we went on to score two more (it could have been more) against a side just one point behind us in the league, and played with ten men for an hour, showed how impressive the victory was and how far the team has come in the last few months.
A win today then will hopefully see us keep our place at the top of the league table, but also we will have an eye on the Phoenix / Glapwell fixture which will also have an impact on the top three positions in the table. Enjoy the game and a safe journey home.