ASHVILLE FC returned to winning ways in style with a superb 3-1 win away at Cheadle Heath Nomads.
Despite a promising start from Ashville, the home side soon became a match for Villa in what was mostly an even first half.
The hosts side saw a volleyed effort bounce narrowly wide on 22 minutes in what was a sign of what they were capable of.
Just three minutes later and Cheadle came close again, a low drive going just wide of the target.
Villa responded with a great chance for Joel Kelly just after the half hour mark as the young midfielder turned well inside the area only to see his goal-bound effort blocked.
Just four minutes later and Ashville lit the blue touch paper with an excellent goal from Lennox Allward when the winger received the ball just inside the area and curled in a beauty of a first time shot which went in off the post.
Two minutes later and Allward was on the scoresheet again when a pinpoint pass over the top from Tom Hewlett was plucked out of the sky expertly by Allward who then coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
As half time approached, Nomads looked to get one back and they forced a fantastic save before the follow up was cleared off the line by Kasey Smith.
On the stroke of half time, Nomads did get one back when an excellent curled effort from George Howarth gave the home side hope.
Just minutes into the second half Howarth went down awkwardly and required extensive treatment after dislocating his knee.
Villa nearly increased their lead again on the hour mark when Peter Morgan was found by Joel Dulson inside the box. Morgan teed himself up for a volley on the turn which went agonisingly over the bar.
Four minutes later and Morgan found himself on the scoresheet at last, the forward turning superbly in the box before curling an unstoppable effort into the corner which once again left the keeper stranded.
The second half was all Ashville and this was proven again as just three minutes after Morgan’s goal the away side were at it again, Allward feeding Dulson, who saw his volley cleared off the line.
For the final 20 minutes, Ashville saw the game out with discipline to record a second win of the season in what was a mature and controlled performance.
Villa will be looking to replicate tonight’s performance on Saturday when they welcome Wolverhampton Sporting Community FC to Ray Parker Stadium in a 3pm kick off.
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