FA Vase first qualifying round

Ash United 2 Tytherington Rocks 1

TYTHERINGTON Rocks progress in the FA Vase was once again cut short in a first qualifying round tie when they were beaten by Ash United from the Combined Counties League Division One.

Rocks travelled to the home counties with high expectations, but, from the start, Ash United had the edge with several low crosses and tricky corners although they were competently handled by Rocks keeper Adam Clarke.

Rocks responded, and on 15 minutes, Darryl Herbert-Smith finished off a flowing move with a crisp shot to give the visitors the first goal and the lead.

After a further four minutes, Herbert-Smith found the back of the home team’s net again but this time an offside flag denied the striker the spoils.

Decisive tackling and determination to win the ball allowed Rocks to maintain this lead for most of the first half.

The price for this defensive aggression however was a booking for Ollie Rawnsley on 34 minutes.

A strong run by Luke Whittam ended when his drive prompted a hand ball claim swiftly denied by the referee.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Ash United returned to their earlier attacking strategy.

Despite continuously strong defensive work, especially by Dan Mcnally.

Oliver Rawnsley and goalkeeper Adam Clarke,a rare failure to clear an Ash free kick gave Bradley Passfield the opportunity to level the score five minutes before the interval.

Rocks dominated the opening period of the second half, with Luke Whittam testing the Ash United keeper Jamie Cunningham.

Jake Davies shot narrowly wide and as shots on target began to diminish, frustration resulted in over-enthusiastic tackling and inevitable bookings.

Pat Boyd replaced Ollie Price on 67 minutes and Ash matched with a sub in the 75th minute.

The home team began to exert pressure on the Rocks especially with the accuracy of their passing whilst the visitors frequently squandered opportunities to move forward with wayward control and distribution.

Ash United’s superior ball control predictably lad to goal opportunities, and on 78 minutes, Richie Lediju scored what would prove to be the decisive goal with a powerful drive.

Rocks made a further change with Jamel Fisher making way for Junior Mbika,but with five minutes left, Rocks conceded a penalty.

Ash United’s Jediju stepped up and saw his shot saved by Adam Clarke, capping a very competent performance by the keeper despite ending on the losing side.

A flurry of activity in front of the Ash United goal came to nothing, and Rocks left the Combined Counties hosts to claim the spoils with a 2-1 win and a place in the next round of the FA Vase.

Tytherington Rocks entertain Letcombe at the Hardwicke Field on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) in a crucial six pointer.