There was little to celebrate in the manner of Ashton United's dismissal, as holders, from the Evo-Stik League Cup last week other than the 200th club appearance by Robins' midfielder Ian Bennett.

Bennett is the only player at Hurst Cross whose Ashton career precedes the appointment of current manager Danny Johnson, having been signed by Scott Green when released from Manchester City as a teenager.

Littleborough born 'Benno' made his club when debut in 2006, having missed the start of the season through injury and has been a regular fixture in the team ever since. He becomes the fifth Ashton player to reach the 200 appearances landmark this century, following in the wake of Paul 'Jack' Clowes (263), Darren Royle (231), James Riordan (227) and Dean Johnson (212).

Still only 25, Bennett has already been voted Supporters' Player of the Year in 2008 and Players' Player of the Year in 2009 - but he has a long way to go to match the club appearance record of 409 games by Johnny Burke, set between 1953 and 1964.

Benno was presented with an engraved tankard in recognition of his services to the club prior to Ashton's Evo-Stik North Premier Division clash with Nantwich Town on Saturday by Financial Director Jackie Tierney.