Robins Edge Cracker Jack Cup Tie

Report by David Robinson

Ashton finally got the better of Salford and moved into the next round of the Manchester Premier Cup after a topsy-turvy encounter at Moor Lane. After a delayed start due to a problem with the floodlights, the visitors, fielding a much changed line up almost fell behind immediately as a superb through ball by Woodward picked out the run of Michael Itela whose chip came back off the crossbar.
Ashton moved ahead after 17 minutes as Morning’s right wing corner was headed out to Chris Sutherland who returned a fierce volley for an emphatic finish and the Robins could have extended their lead as Jeff King’s free kick was headed out from almost under the crossbar by Harry Winter. Immediately Itela levelled things up for Salford picking up a long through ball and this time keeping his chip over the keeper on target and they took the lead 10 minutes before the interval as Woodward’s defence splitting pass allowed Danny Webber to round Samberg and finish well.

After the break Adam Morning cut inside but saw his shot deflected narrowly wide but it was his left wing cross which saw joint manager Steve Halford up in attack to head home the equaliser from the 6 yards out. The hosts were back on the attack as Webber reached the byline and saw his cross find Woodward bringing the best out of the visitors’ keeper and Itela then cut inside and exchanged passes before firing a left foot effort narrowly off target.

The decisive goal arrived courtesy of Aaron Burns who chipped a sublime effort over Craig Dootson from 30 yards as a loose ball dropped to him and Jeff King then picked up possession in midfield but sliced well off target. Nolan then cut inside a challenge for Salford and produced a fine save from Josh Samberg who also saved the low follow up effort to maintain Ashton’s advantage.

Team: Samberg, Steadman, Vincent, Halford, Smith, King, Sutherland, Winter, Burns, Melia (Chadwick), Morning (Banim). SNU: Phillips.