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Poor Run Continues With Home Defeat
Angel picked up their third defeat in a row, conceding three sloppy goals for the third week in succession. With Geoff at home through illness, Jonno was forced to pass on the team selection as Danny Brown made his first start since rejoining the club a month or so previously.
Into the game and a strong start from Angel in fact saw them play some of their best football for a while. Keith and Chris were controlling the centre of midfield, and early chances fell to both Tommo and Danny although the home keeper produced a few good stops. However, soon after Angel did take the lead as Jonno's strike from 20 yards could only be parried by the keeper, and Keith nipped in as any good attacker would to make it 1-0.
Continued pressure was hurled at the visitors goal, but strikes from Kelly and a header from Chris were again saved by the big shop stopper. Then, a moment that changed the match as the visitors had a player sent off for a cynical challenge on Rob Kelly. Instead of punishing the visitors, Angel dropped off and invited the visitors back into the game, and they took advantage with 2 quick goals.
The second half was more of the same, continued pressure from Angel but a lack of end product as final balls went missing and strikes were wayward. Rob Kelly forced a superb save from a quick free kick, and both Ryan and Danny hit the post, but at the other end the visitors got a third and the game was killed off. Easty was sent off after the match for apparent foul and abusive language, although we await the referee's report on the incident.
TEAM: Andy, Hoppo, Easty, Ash, Jamie A, Chris H(c), Jonno, Rob K, Keith, Danny B, Tommo
SUBS USED: Jason, Ryan, Jamie S
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Keith Matthews
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: ??
Slack Angel Punished On Highfield Park
A very lacklustre AFC Angel were outgunned by Innovate this weekend, with Angel producing their worst performance of the season against a very up for it opposition. To their credit, Innovate looked better than their league position suggested, but Angel can only blame themselves after a dire 90 minutes.
The visitors scored two goals in the first half, as poor communication at the back cost one goal, whilst the difficult bright sun caused problems allowing their pacey and young front line to put Innovate in command at the interval. Angel did have chances, but rarely was the keeper tested and we clearly had to come out for the second half in a totally different manner.
The second half couldn't have got off to a worse start as the visitors immediately made it three, and it was now a major uphill task for the Angel. All three subs were now on, and Danny B in particular made a difference, his pace and battling won the ball back for Jamie Skidmore to poke home to make it 3-1.
The last 20 minutes to our credit we actually battled, and certainly had the chances to grab at least a draw, but chances were missed and the final whistle was met with disappointment.
Speaking afterwards, Smith stated, "Are we to be at the top end of the table come the end of the season we have to put this performance behind us, get our backsides into gear, and put the result right next weekend. Playing Innovate again could not come at a better time, and we have to not only get a result, but put in a performance next Sunday."
TEAM: Andy, Hoppo, Chris H(c), Ash, Sharpy, Jonno, Rob K, Jason, Keith, Jamie A, Tommo
SUBS USED: Easty, Danny B, Jamie S
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Jason Hickman
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Jason Hickman
December Fixtures Released
The December fixtures have arrived in the post and will see AFC Angel in three more league games before the two-week Xmas break. First up, Angel are to travel to Innovate, who we in fact host this weekend at Highfield Park. The following week will see the visit of Royal Oak Brampton, who held Angel to an opening day draw back in September. Finally, on the 17th Angel will travel to Stand Road Park to take on Miners Arms, in what is a much anticipated class in New Whittington.
Of course, weather isn't the best at this time of the year and there may be postponments but all players will be made aware of any cancelled fixtures. This weekend, all players are expected to meet at Highfield Park for 9-50am in another important league match, which AFC Angel will be desperate to win to continue their push for promotion.
December at a glance...
3rd - Away to Innovate F.C (League)
10th - Home to Royal Oak Brampton (League)
17th - Away to Miners Arms (League)
Cup Throws Up Some Shocks
Divisions 7, 8, and 9 came together for the first round of the Hutson Cup, and as usual there were several shocks. Looking at the league tables many people would have made unbeaten division 7 leaders Devonshire hot favourites, but they were ousted at the first hurdle by mid-table Elton, 4-2 the scoreline.
Fellow division 7 sides to exit at the 1st stage were Miners Arms (5-3 at Calow), Dronfield Victoria (4-2 against Royal Oak Brampton), and Talbot Arms Barracuda (3-1 at Walton). The rest progressed with Olde House the fortunate one side to gain the only bye of the round into the last sixteen.
Elswhere, top of division 8 Clowne Wanderers Reserves look a threat with a good 6-1 win against British Rail, unbeaten division 9 leaders Rowthorne Lane hammered Bolsover Old Boys Res 7-1, Derbyshire Times thrashed Hasland 5-0, our next opponents in the league Innovate won 6-2 at Times Reserves and Donkey Derby won an astonishing game 9-7 away at Hillstown, after leading 8-0 at half time.
Results...
AFC Angel 5 Nags Head Clay Cross 3
Blue Bell Bucaneers 2 Grassmoor Sports Res 4
Brampton Peacock 1 Highfield 2
British Rail 1 Clowne Wanderers Res 6
Calow 5 Miners Arms 3
Carr Vale United 6 Saltergate Club 2
Derbyshire Times 5 Hasland Wanderers 0
Derbyshire Times Res 2 Innovate 6
Dronfield Victoria 2 Royal Oak Brampon 4
Elton 4 Devonshire 2
Hillstown 7 AFC Donkey Derby 9
Nickels 0 Pilsley 1
Palterton S.C 3 Royal Oak Tupon 2
Rowthorne Lane 7 Bolsover Old Boys Res 1
Walton 3 Talbot Arms Barracuda 1
Olde House got a bye
Tommo Hat-Trick Seals Cup Win
After no game the previous week, AFC Angel returned to action with a Hutson Cup 1st round tie against Nags Head Clay Cross from division 8. In only a slightly changed line up, Ryan returned up front with Jamie Ainsworth dropping back to right back in place of the absent Hoppo.
Into the game and Angel took an early lead when Tommo picked the ball up on the edge of the area and fired a powerful drive across the face of the keeper into the bottom corner. Pushing for a second it appeared only to be a matter of time, and Tommo was rewarded for his hard work with a second when Keith, Jonno and Ryan linked well on the right to leave Tommo with a tap in.
Seemingly in control of the game, Angel dropped the pace and the visitors started to create opportunities and pulled one back after their right winger put in a decent cross which was well headed home. Andy was then forced into several good saves, with the back four of Sharpy, Jamie, Ash and Chris holding firm, whilst at the other end Rob Kelly hit the crossbar with a long range effort.
The second half started sloppily and the visitors drew level with a good finish from their striker leaving Andy with no chance. In a funny way, this perhaps worked in our favour as we upped the gears and scored three in quick succession to all but seal the victory.
Firstly, Rob Kelly pounced on a half cleared corner to strike home from the edge of the box, and minutes later Tommo grabbed his hat trick with a powerful half volley which the keeper could only palm into the back of his net. The fifth however, and perhaps the goal of the game saw some excellent interplay between 3 or 4 players before Keith volleyed into the roof of the net to send Angel through.
Jamie, Daz and Danny all came on and played their part in the victory, although the visitors did manage to grab a late goal to make it 5-3. A little bit of late pressure from the home side saw Jason, Jonno and Chris H all put good last ditch tackles in, but we had done enough and progress to the last 16.
Speaking afterwards, Smith stated, "While we were far from our best we did enough to win the game. At times we produced the sublime, but we matched it up with periods of sloppy play. However we are in the hat of a cup we desperately want to do well in."
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Chris H(c), Ash, Sharpy, Jonno, Rob K, Jason, Keith, Ryan, Tommo
SUBS USED: Danny B, Daz, Jamie S
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Mark Thompson
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Mark Thompson
Divisional Round Up
With the race for promotion spots still being extremely tight, us having no game meant we were almost certainly going to lose our spot in 2nd as all the other top sides were in league action. League leaders had what looked a home banker against Dronfield Victoria, and that turned out to be the case as they strolled to a 5-1 victory. Moving up to second in the league were Olde House, who came away with a good 4-3 victory at fellow promotion hopefuls Carr Vale United.
Slowly sneaking up the table are Miners Arms, who defeated Brampton Royal Oak by a convincing 7-1 scoreline, whilst just edging in front of ourselves into 3rd on goal difference was Derbyshire Times who put seven past bottom of the league Talbot Arms Barracuda, who managed just the one in reply. The updated league table can be found online now.
Next weekend see's AFC Angel in 1st round Hutson Cup action as they take on Nags Head Clay Cross from division 8. In a rest bite from league action the visitors will be keen to progress, so Angel players must be on top of their game as they look to progress to the last 16. All players are to meet on time at 9-50am at Highfield Park!
Results...
Carr Vale United 3 Olde House 4
Derbyshire Times Res 7 Talbot Arms Barracuda 1
Devonshire 5 Dronfield Victoria 1
Miners Arms 7 Brampton Royal Oak 1
Angel Exit Derbyshire Cup
A rest bite from league duties saw Angel take on an Alfreton based Swanwick Gate Inn, and the sight of a youthful visiting team suggested we could well be in for a tough ninety minutes on Highfield Park. And it did indeed turn out to be the case in what was a well contested match between two sides eager for progression to the next round.
Out of the team from last weekend went Geoff and Skidmore, as Jason and Rob Kelly made returns to midfield in an attacking looking line up. Into the game and it was the visitors who got out of the traps the quickest and looked the more dangerous in the early stages, with a succession of good saves from Andy and two good goal line clearances from Jonno and Hoppo keeping the scores level.
At the other end Tommo had a good chance after some excellent work from strike partner Ainsworth, whilst a succession of free kicks and corners were unable to see Angel break the deadlock. The scores remained all level at half time, and despite the visitors having the lions share of the chances, Angel were level and knew they had to up their game during the second period.
After the break, the visitors took a deserved lead when a poorly cleared ball fell to their midfielder who fired home from 20 yards decieving Andy and the defence. Fortunately this seemed to act as a wake up call as Angel began to dominate, and Ash got his first goal in Angel colours with 25 minutes to go, with a glancing header from a long Rob Kelly throw.
Decent chances then fell to several other Angel players, whilst at the other end a brave goal line block from Jonno and an outstanding save from Andy, tipping onto the cross bar, saw scores remain level. With time running out, the visitors took the lead once again with a good lob, and with Angel having to push for an equaliser wrapped up the win with a late strike into the bottom corner.
Speaking afterwards, Smith stated, "To be fair we met a good young side today, and whilst we were not at our best did have our moments. The back line were brave and Andy made two or three top saves, but going forward our final ball sometimes lacked. With a free week next week, we will be hoping for progression in the Hutson Cup the week after with a home clash against Nags Head Clay Cross."
TEAM: Andy, Hoppo, Chris H(c), Ash, Sharpy, Jonno, Jason, Keith, Jamie A, Tommo
SUBS USED: Danny B, Ryan
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Andy Kirkham
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Andy Kirkham
Up To Second In Table
With our 7-0 win over Talbot Arms Barracuda helping the goal difference column, Derbyshire Times were defeated 5-2 at The Olde House to move ourselves into 2nd spot. Carr Vale remained in third spot as they scraped to a 2-1 victory over an improving Dronfield Victoria side. Innovate lost out 6-3 to Royal Oak Brampton, whilst the game of the day saw top of the league Devonshire battle to a 7-6 win over Miners Arms.
Results...
AFC Angel 7 Talbot Arms Barracuda 0
Devonshire 7 Miners Arms 6
Dronfield Victoria 1 Carr Vale United 2
Innovate 3 Royal Oak Brampton 6
The Olde House 5 Derbyshire Times 2
Angel Smash In Seven
With cup duties to take centre stage for the next few weeks, Angel were looking to grab three more league points that would leave them in good stead when the campaign restarts in late November. With Jason and Rob K missing from the previous week, in came Chris and Sharpy, whilst Jamie Skidmore replaced Ryan up front. Elsewhere Jamie A moved from left back to the left wing, whilst on the bench their was a return for Dan Brown who transfered back after a couple of months with Barlow Kingston Rovers.
Into the match, and plenty of early pressure finally told when Geoff grabbed his first goal for the club with a well placed header from a Keith corner. The second followed just five minutes later when Tommo and Skidmore linked up well, for the latter to slide the ball home under the Barracuda goalkeeper. Pushing for a third Tommo was denied by a last ditch tackle whilst Skidmore could have added to his tally with a few efforts that skewed just wide.
With half time approaching the third finally arrived when the ball fell to Jonno 10 yards out and was side footed into the bottom corner by the winger. The half-time team talk focused on keeping the shape and hopefully grabbing more goals, while all the subs were readied for an early introduction to the game.
The fourth goal arrived around 3 or 4 minutes in as Keith grabbed his sixth of the season, and Skidmore netted his second of the game soon after to make it five-nil. Ryan, Daz and Danny made their way onto the pitch in place of Jonno, Jamie A and Sharpy and soon after Tommo made it six direct from a corner as the Cuda keeper spilled the ball into the back of his own net.
The seventh, and Skidmores hat trick, was almost identical to his other strikes as he slotted underneath the keeper and secured the points for the Angel. To their credit the last 20 minutes saw the visitors give it a real go, although we had taken our foot of the gas, and the final score finished at 7-0 to the Angel.
Delighted afterwards, Smith stated, "We said we needed 6 points from the last 2 games and to be fair we got them pretty convincingly. Everyone played their part today, and i'm just hopeful now we can carry this form into the cup matches around the corner - starting with the tricky tie next weekend at home to Swanwick."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo, Geoff, Ash, Sharpy, Jamie A, Jonno, Chris H (c), Keith, Skidmore, Tommo
SUBS USED: Daz, Ryan, Danny B
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Mark Hoskin
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Geoff Wilkinson
November Fixtures Released
The fixtures for November have been released and Angel start with a home match in the Derbyshire Junior Cup against Alfreton based Swanwick Gate Inn F.C. The following week see's no fixture for the home side, although this may yet change so keep your eyes pealed to the site. On the 19th Angel face their second cup tie of the month in the Hutson Cup, as division 8 side Nags Head Clay Cross pay a visit to Highfield Park. The final game of the month see's yet another home tie, with Innovate visiting in the league.
November at a glance...
5th - Home to Swanwick Gate Inn (Derbyshire Junior Cup Round 2)
12th - Possible free week
19th - Home to Nags Head Clay Cross (Hutson Cup Round 1)
26th - Home to Innovate F.C
New Kit Arrives
As you will certainly know by now, the 2006/07 season saw us move home to the Angel Inn pub at New Whittington, and to go with our move landlord and club chairman Baz generously dished out a tidy sum on a brand new kit. The new kit as you can see is similar to that of Celtic F.C, with green and white hooped shirts, green shorts, and white socks.
However, although the kit has arrived and is ready for it's debut it will be held back this Sunday and will be get it's debut in the Derbyshire Cup tie with Swanwick Gate Inn F.C. Also on this date, all players are expected to be in attendance (injured or not) as a team photo is to be taken for the website and pub.
Meanwhile players are reminded that this weekend see's our second home game in as many weeks as the Angel take on Talbot Arms Barracuda. Players are expected at Highfield Park for 9-50am.
All The Division Seven Scores
All the three bottom sides lost again this weekend as we saw off Dronfield Victoria 3-1, the Miners Arms defeated Innovate 3-0, and Talbot Arms Barracuda went down by a 4-1 scoreline at Royal Oak Brampton. The only other game in the division saw undefeated league leaders Devonshire smash seven past Carr Vale United, who managed just the one goal in reply, to leave Devonshire with a healthy 6 point lead at the top of the table.
Results...
AFC Angel 3 Dronfield Victoria 1
Carr Vale Utd 1 Devonshire 7
Miners Arms 3 Innovate 0
Royal Oak Brampton 4 Talbot Arms Barracuda 1
Angel Grab Win Over Dronfield Vic
After the disaster that was last week, Angel faced struggling Dronfield Victoria at home, with virtually the same side that had been well beaten the previous week. The only changes saw Jason come in for Nick, and Geoff for Sharpy, although several players found themselves in different positions to the previous week.
Into the game, and despite having most of the ball Angel fell behind early as sloppy defending allowed their young striker to flick the ball over the advancing Kirky. Looking for an immediate reply, both Tommo and Jonno should have scored - but after a great touch from Tommo his strike flew over the bar, while Jonno's tenacity to win back the ball saw him through on goal, but his shot skewed wide of the post.
Chances continued to fall, and eventually Ryan put the ball in the back of the net after Tommo had flicked the ball past the advancing keeper. The goal was just rewards for dominating the play, but solid goalkeeping and poor finishing meant the scores were level at half time.
Into the second half, and Jamie Skidmore replaced Ryan with around half an hour to go. Chances continued to go begging, Tommo seeing two shots well saved and one fly over the bar, whilst Jonno again sliced wide after doing the hard work. Fortunately, despite the missed opportunities, a second did arrive when Rob's good cross was met on the volley by Keith, who grabbed his fifth of the season.
With Jason and Keith dominating the midfield, Rob was allowed plenty of freedom elsewhere and his mazy run ended in a mishit shot which was headed home by Skidmore to all but seal the points. Daz came on to replace Rob, whilst at the other end of the pitch Kirky was forced into a smart save at the end, and the back four dealt with the late threats to banish the memories of the previous week.
Pleased afterwards, Smith stated, "After last week we just needed a win, and we delivered with a reasonably solid performance. The back four looked solid, whilst the midfield never stopped running. We created plenty and should perhaps have had more, but the goals will come and hopefully we can push on again from here."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo (c), Geoff, Ash, Jamie A, Jonno, Rob K, Keith, Jason, Ryan, Tommo
SUBS USED: Jamie, Daz
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Jamie Ainsworth
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Rob Kelly
Sorry Angel Hammered By Dev
Angel put in their worst performance in a long time as they were soundly beaten by a strong Devonshire side who now sit several points clear at the top of the league. Going into the game, changes once more had to be made, disrupting the team that had won so well the previous two weeks - as Easty, Jason, Geoff, Chris and Tom were all missing.
Into the game and the home side made several good attacks down the right hand side, and went in at half time two-nil up thanks to two decent strikes from their centre forwards. However, much of the attention was on the referee who dished out a host of yellow cards, Keith and Jonno for the home side, and two of the opposing side too were put into the book. The only real goal threat from Angel came midway in the half when the Devonshire keeper made an outstanding triple save from Smith, Matthews and Kelly.
Unfortunately, the second half was much of the same, and despite a little more goal threat from the Angel, the home side tucked away three more goals to win convincingly. The referee once again took centre stage though, booking Kirky, Ash and Daz - all what have to be said were very petty decisions.
Disappointed afterwards, Smith stated, "The one game we really needed a bit of presence - we were missing those players who provide us with such a thing. Overall though, there were far too many players just not up for the fight today and not willing to mix it with the opposition. The service to the front men too was appauling, and is something which must be worked on are we to finish in the top few spots this season."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo, Sharpy, Nick (c), Ash, Jamie A, Jonno, Rob K, Keith, Ryan, Tommo
SUBS USED: Jamie, Daz, Rich B
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Keith Matthews
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Rob Kelly
Home Draw In Derbyshire Cup
After recieving a bye in the first round of the Derbyshire Sunday Junior Cup, the Second Round has now been drawn and we have been handed a home tie against Alfreton based side Swanwick Gate Inn F.C. The match will take place on the 5th November, and club members are hopeful of a cup run in either of the cups this season, so a victory over Swanwick would be a great start should we achieve it.
However, the game will no doubt be tough with the visitors having progressed as far as the Fourth Round last season, whilst we were unfortunate to exit in the 2nd round with a 2-1 defeat to Corner House. As of yet the draw for the Hutson Cup has not been made, but with the 1st round likely to be played next month, we should have the cup draw for you within the next fortnight.
All Top Sides Win Again
Results went pretty much as expected elsewhere over the weekend as Devonshire went top of the league with a 4-0 away victory over Dronfield Victoria. Carr Vale United were 5-3 winners over Innovate, although the visitors were in fact 3-1 up at one point, as they looked to turn round their slow start to the season. The only other game in the division saw Derbyshire Times run out 6-2 winners over Talbot Arms Barracuda, who are still without a point six matches in.
Results...
Carr Vale Utd 5 Innovate 3
Dronfield Victoria 0 Devonshire 4
Talbot Arms Barracuda 2 Derbyshire Times 6
The Olde House 0 AFC Angel 2
Hard Working Display As Angel Win Again
After a good 3-2 victory over previously top of the league Carr Vale last weekend, it was the short trip to Brockwell as Angel took on new league leaders The Olde House. Just a month ago Angel had fought to a 4-3 victory over The Olde House at home, and despite a depleted squad Angel were still confident of doing the double.
Ryan was the only change from last week, as he came in up front with Keith dropping to midfield. From last week Easty was the player to miss out through injury, whilst Ash too had to sit out with an ankle problem. However, things did not look good just a few minutes in as captain Chris had to come off injured, with joint manager Geoff having to take to the field in his place.
A hard working first half saw several chances spurned, Ryan blazing over after a good cross from Jonno, Tommo seeing a powerful half volley well saved by the keeper, and numerous other chances were fired off target. At the other end The Olde House were causing plenty of problems too, but Kirky was well up to the task with two or three solid saves.
Into the second half, and early Angel pressure eventually paid off as Ryan netted his first of the season in his first start, latching on to a defensive error and finishing well with a powerful drive. An ill Jamie Ainsworth was replaced by Tom, who created a late chance for fellow substitute Daz, but the defender who was playing up front fired over missing the chance to cancel out his own goal of seasons past.
At the other end the Olde House were throwing everything at the Angel, but Kirky was determined not to be beaten, and was well helped by an excellent block by Hoppo to stop a goal bound effort. With Geoff and Nick excellent at centre half, the Angel managed to seal the points late on as Geoff produced a great ball to Tommo, who flicked the ball home and watched it roll over the line to make the final score two-nil.
Moving onto ten points, Smith stated afterwards, "Sunday League is all about having a good squad, and with players missing again, we showed what strength in depth we have this year. It was going to be hard to battle as hard as we did last week, but we did and got our just rewards. Kirky and the back line were tremendous, and it was good to get our first clean sheet of the season."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo, Sharpy, Chris (c), Nick, Jamie A, Jonno, Jason, Keith, Ryan, Tommo
SUBS USED: Geoff, TicTac, Daz
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Danny Kirk
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Danny Kirk
Divisional Round Up
Seven points from a possible twelve could be deemed a reasonable start, but due to the tightness of the division to date, we still sit in seventh after our good 3-2 win over Carr Vale at the weekend. New league leaders are the Olde House who were 5-1 away winners at Innovate, and the Olde House are our next opposition this Sunday so another tough game will be in store.
Elsewhere Devonshire continued there good start to the season with a 4-1 win at Derbyshire Times, Miners Arms smashed seven past Barracuda who are yet to pick up a point, and Royal Oak Brampton put five past Dronfield Victoria who could only manage the one in reply.
Results...
AFC Angel 3 Carr Vale Utd 2
Derbyshire Times 1 Devonshire 4
Innovate 1 The Olde House 5
Miners Arms 7 Talbot Arms Barracuda 1
Royal Oak Brampton 5 Dronfield Victoria 1
Carr Vale Ousted On Highfield Park
After the lacklustre performance at Derbyshire Times a fortnight previous, it was a good chance for Angel to return to winning ways against a much fancied Carr Vale side who were sitting top of the league coming into the game. There was a return to the squad for Hoppo, Daz, Tom, Nick M, Ash and Jason whilst the on form Rob Kelly was missing along with Ryan and Phil.
In an attempt to cut out slack defending, Management duo Smith and Geoff opted to revert captain Chris to a central defensive role as he was joined by Nick M, Hoppo and Sharpy. Smith started on the right and Ainsworth on the left, with Easty and Jason in central midfield. Keith and Tommo started up front with Daz, Skidmore, TicTac, Ash and Andy on the bench.
Into the game and some good early pressure for the home side saw Jason, Smith and Thompson all go close but some good goalkeeping kept Angel out. However, they did eventually take the lead from the penalty spot - Tommo both winning and slotting home the spot kick to grab his fourth goal of the season. The home side did manage to grab an equaliser before half time though, just moments after Kirky had produced an outstanding save, his defence let him down after seeing the Carr Vale winger cut inside and slot home.
Into the second half and Angel regained the lead early on as Keith managed to get the better of the right back and stood up a cross for Smith who had gambled and taken his place in the box. The initial header was blocked but he made amends as he poked home the rebound from a couple of yards. At this point a defensive reshuffle took place with Chris and Nick having to be replaced due to injury, as Ash and Daz came into the fray.
However, the visitors immediately pegged Angel back as the new defence lacked communication and allowed the Vale striker to run through unchallenged and slot past a helpless Kirky. With Skidmore now on for a tiring Ainsworth, who once again had a good game, pushing for a winner the home side eventually got what they deserved when Keith picked up the ball just inside the area, held of his marker and fired powerfully past the keeper to seal the victory.
Speaking afterwards Smith said, "An excellent performance all round, perhaps our best in a while, and hopefully one which will spark a bit of consistency in the coming games. Several players knew they had to perform after slow starts to the season, but they stood up today, which is exactly what me and Geoff were hoping for. It will be equally as tough next week versus Olde House, so we need to carry this over and look for another three points."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo, Sharpy, Chris (c), Nick, Jamie A, Jonno, Easty, Jason, Tommo, Keith
SUBS USED: Ash, Daz, Skidmore
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Danny Kirk
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Mark Hoskin
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