Ashton rescued a deserved point from an all-action encounter at Causeway Lane, home of Matlock Town, which saw both sides score from the penalty spot and also concede an own goal. The Gladiators were first onto the attack as a cross broke to Foster who shot well over the top and this was followed by McDonald’s low cross being fired over the top by strike partner Yates.
Hogan had a 25 yard effort pushed away by Kennedy before Griffiths-Junior won the ball in the air and fired in an effort which was adjudged to have been handled in the area by Robinson, Grayson converting the resulting penalty. Moore then volleyed over the top for the visitors before Barlow and Hogan combined for the latter to have a low effort pushed away.
Griffiths-Junior then cut inside before firing straight at Phillips and McDonald pulled a long crossfield pass to Harcourt who advanced before shooting over the top.
On the half hour Griffiths-Junior provided a fine turn in the area which saw McDonald have his point-blank effort from within the 6 yard area saved by Phillips and before half time arrived Ashton were grateful again to their custodian who tipped away a fine left foot effort from Grayson who had exchanged passes with Griffiths-Junior.
Ashton were probably grateful to reach the interval only one goal behind although they had certainly been well in the action in a game which looked highly likely to provide more goals.
At the start of the second period Caldecott played a long cross to Kosylo who cut inside before seeing his left foot effort beaten away and at the other end home centre forward McDonald cut inside and fed Griffiths-Junior who fired over from a narrow angle.
With an hour on the clock Ashton found their way back into the game as Hogan’s pull back saw Barlow’s shot on the turn blocked, the ball falling to Moore who stepped past a defender before being brought down by Roe for an obvious penalty, the same player converting confidently. Ashmore then fired a free kick straight at Phillips and a goalmouth scramble eventually saw McDonald drag his effort wide of the near post.
With 10 minutes to go Hogan’s ball through to Burns saw the substitute denied by Kennedy and a quick break by Kosylo played in Baker who also saw his effort blocked. Immediately play switched to the other end as McDonald’s first effort was blocked by Alex Frost but his second attempt was turned home for an own goal by Craig Robinson. There was still time for substitute Sherriff to reach the byline after exchanging passes with Kosylo and fire in a cross which forced Harcourt into conceding the equaliser. Substitute Gaughan was then sent off for Matlock for apparent dissent over the equalising goal.
Team; Phillips - Frost, Robinson, Lynch, Caldecott - Kosylo, Baker, Moore, Johnson - Barlow, Hogan
Subs; Burns (Barlow), Sherriff (Johnson), Burke, Baguley, Harrop