Asfordby kick off campaign with 4-0 victory

Asfordby travelled to Rothley Imperial for their season opener in the Everards Brewery Division 2 (North & East) on Saturday - claiming a 4-0 victory.

Both teams tried to exert authority on the ball early in the game with challenges flying in left, right and centre.

Rothley came the closest with a shot that just went over the bar.

Asfordby started using the wide men to good effect making chances for their strikers before Linford Harris was brought down just outside the box.

Brandon Hands’ free kick was deflected by the Rothley keeper straight into the path of the oncoming Jamie Felstead, who stroked it into the goal from close range.

Harris was again taken down a few minutes later but this time inside the box giving Hands the opportunity double Asfordby’s advantage going into half time.

The second half started much the same as the first finished with Asfordby putting pressure on the Rothley defence while, at the same time, suppressing attacks well the other way.

Midway through the half captain Luke Howitt floated a free kick into the box that an unmarked Harris headed straight into the top corner to make it three.

Asfordby then made a couple of changes with Herbert and Lauchlan coming on for Tommy Hulett and Atherley.

Rothley put pressure on the Asfordby goal with Barrett-Clark being called into action a couple of times before Hands latched onto a long ball and lobbed the keeper from 30 yards to finish the game off.

The Asfordby defenders were delighted with their clean sheet which was thoroughly deserved after a composed second half performance.

Asfordby’s Development Team suffered their second defeat of the season at home to Broomleys FC, going down 4-1.

Both Asfordby teams are away next Saturday with the first team at Coalville Town Ravens and the Development Team visiting Local Linkz FC.

ASFORDBY: Barrett-Clark, Wesson, Bott, Keogh, T.Hulett (Herbert), D.Hulett, Felstead, Howitt, Harris, Hands, Atherley (Lauchlan); Sub (not used): Sharp.