Ashton host Grantham
ASHTON UNITED vs GRANTHAM TOWN
DATE: SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST 2017
KO: 3PM
VENUE: Hurst Cross, Surrey Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 8DY.
Coming off the back of two consecutive 1-1 draws against Hednesford Town and Farsley Celtic respectively, The Robins face a difficult task in the form of current league leaders Grantham Town.
Grantham come into this fixture with two impressive victories too their name a 5-0 home victory over Marine and a 2-0 away victory to Rushall Olympic.
Ashton will need to be solid defensively as Grantham have an in form Lee Shaw within their squad who will be hoping to add to his 4 goals already this season.
Manager Jody Banim finds himself without two key players in the form off Ryan Crowther and Josh Stachini, the latter suffering a serious injury in the first half of Ashton’s previous fixture against Farsley Celtic.
Jody Banim will no doubt be hoping for a performance similar to the side’s second half display against Farsley Celtic going on record to say “If we can play like we did in the second half we have a chance against anybody in the league”
ONE TO WATCH
Grantham Town striker Lee Shaw is a man in form, showing no signs of letting up from his form in the 2016/17 season, the 22 year old has already scored two braces in his first two games of this season. Starting his career at United Counties League club Harrowby United the young striker moved to Grantham Town in 2015. Shaw finished the 2016/17 season with a total of 28 goals in all competitions and a clean sweep of awards at the end-of-season awards ceremony.
PREVIOUSLY AT HURST CROSS;
The last time the Robins played host to Grantham was 11th October 2016, too it was an incredibly entertaining affair would be an understatement, with the Robins coming out on top with a 4-3 victory. Rhys Smith opened the scoring for the Gingerbreads in the 15th minute only for Richard Smith to equalise 8 minutes later. 2 minutes after the break Grantham were ahead again through Felipe Barcelos goals from Chadwick and Lee Knight took Ashton into the closing minutes of the game with a 3-2 lead before Curtis Burrows scored for Grantham to tie the score at 3-3, step forward Richard Smith after scoring Ashtons first goal of the night, midfielder Smith headed home a dramatic winner in the 95 minute to secure all three points for the Robins.
In the last 10 league meetings between the two sides Ashton United have only lost one tie, coming out on top on 6 times and drawing three.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION;
Match updates will be available through the usual social media channels; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Alternatively you can make the visit to Hurst Cross with match prices as follows;
Adults; £10
Concessions; £6. Available With ID - (Bus Pass or Student ID)
Child; £1 (Under 14) FREE with a paying adult.
If you wish to gain entry at the concessionary rate please be prepared to supply the appropriate proof of ID.