Ashburton v Mornington

MORNINGTON HOLD ON FOR GRITTY DRAW

Ashburton 0 v Mornington 0

Another sunny day greeted Mornington when they travelled to Ashburton Park to face off against league frontrunners Ashburton who needed only a draw to gain promotion.

Mornington were determined to spoil Ashburton’s day and an early cross from livewire Denholm Pickering had the defence scrambling to clear their lines.

Dan Waite continued his recent good form when he set off on a number of marauding runs down the left and nearly had one on the board when he fired narrowly over the crossbar.

It took Ashburton nearly 30 minutes to fashion their first chance when a mishap from a routine back pass fell to their forward whose shot was well saved by Daniel Harrison in goals.

This chance spurred Ashburton on and only moment’s later Harrison was again called on to make another diving save to keep Mornington in the game.

Mornington then reasserted their authority as Johnny Watson and Jason O’Dea took control of the midfield setting Mornington’s forwards clear on a number of occasions only to see a number of chances go begging.

Ashburton had the final chance of the half when they shot just wide after Brett van Zanden had upended their striker on the edge of the box.

Mornington brought on James Copley and Luke Dobson after the break but were forced to make a change within minutes when Dobson succumbed to a calf injury.

The stop in play allowed Ashburton to regroup and they nearly scored within minutes when their striker broke free and smashed the ball against the upright.

Ashburton continued to pressure the Mornington defence and a floated ball nearly paid dividends when Harrison mishandled the ball to leave players scrambling to clear their lines.

Mornington then enjoyed their best period of the second half when a Glen teWierik cross found coach Andrew Brophy who turned his marker and shot just wide.

Mornington then had claims for a penalty turned down when it appeared James Copley was fouled in the penalty area after he received a defence splitting ball from Charles Platt.

The final five minutes saw Ashburton playing for time and promotion was ensured when the final whistle gave them a nil all draw.

Mornington play their final game of the season at home this Saturday and will finish a respectable fifth if they can overcome the strong Keysborough outfit.