Astley v Cube

2.15pm 11 January 2025

Mid Lancashire League, Division One
Astley 3 Cube 4 (att 30)

I'd set myself the challenge of finding a game on a new ground close enough to home to allow me time to get back for Manchester City's FA Cup tie with Salford City at 5.45pm.

With the cold weather ruling out any game on grass, and even local 3G pitches falling foul of the frost, I thought I'd have to limit my day's football to a revisit to the Etihad Stadium. But, to my surprise, this game survived.

Astley play on a 3G at the West Way Sports Hub, just outside Chorley. Any snow and ice that had been on the pitch had been cleared, and on a very cold afternoon the surface was perfectly playable.

The 2.15 kick off, 15 minutes later than advertised, was a little frustrating given my need to be back early, but at least I'd found a game that was on.

Bolton-based Cube's players ambled onto the pitch just before kick off, looking like they'd have much preferred an afternoon off. Only five minutes into the match they were a goal down, and it looked like being a tough afternoon for them.

A pair of late arriving Cube players were brought on as subs almost as soon as they reached the pitch, but they couldn't prevent Astley doubling their lead after 30 minutes.

The home side were well on top and should have scored more. But just before half time they lost defensive concentration and conceded twice. Then in stoppage time, in a remarkable end to the half, they regained the lead.

Ultimately Astley paid the price for not making the most of their early dominance. The visitors' impressive number six weaved his through the home side the score an excellent equaliser, and then Cube snatched all three points with another fine goal.

Despite the late finish, not helped by generous stoppage time, I just about made it home, and onto a tram to the Etihad, in time to see Salford's thrashing at the hands of Manchester City. It was my fourth game at the stadium, and as this blog is only for visits to new grounds you'll have to look elsewhere for a report of that one.