Ashton got back to winning ways on their first visit to the Harry Williams Riverside stadium, scoring their second victory over the Rams in the space of 8 days. After a tight first period which saw chances at both ends Ben Deegan made the breakthrough on 52 minutes before his replacement Dale Johnson fired home 2 late goals.
The home side could have moved ahead after just 6 minutes as a right wing cross from Kyle Harrop saw player manager Jon Robinson put a clear header straight at Paul Phillips and a long ball then saw Jay Gorton slip leaving Abadaki to be denied from a narrow angle. Ashley Young then moved into the action exchanging passes with Max Harrop before firing right across the penalty area and Harrop’s pass down the left channel picked out Martin Pilkington who moved past Alex Frost before bringing a low save out of Shenton. The Robins then survived another scare 4 minutes before the break as Harrop appeared to be clipped in midfield but with Mr Fisher unmoved Abadaki set up Robinson who was denied by Phillips for the second time from inside the 6 yard box.
On the restart Baguley fired wide from the right hand side of the area but Ashton then made the vital strike as Jay Gorton’s header picked out Deegan on the left hand side of the area and he advanced on Shenton and provided a calm right foot finish. Gaskell then got in behind the last defender for Ramsbottom but fired a glorious chance past the far post and substitute Martin Hill then went close for the visitors having exchanged passes with Pilkington, he clipped his effort past Shenton but the ball had insufficient pace and the home defence were able to clear.
Ashton should have doubled their tally as a fine run from Gary Gee won a corner which saw Pilkington place a free header wide of the far post and Pilkington then picked up a loose ball and cut inside 2 defenders before appearing to win a corner which was not given, but Johnson was about to make a decisive contribution as firstly Pilkington took Young’s pass to the by line and crossed for the substitute to convert and then a long ball saw Johnson beat the offside trap and steady himself before firing home the third goal.
Team: Phillips, Mason, Wilson, Gorton, Higgins, Young, Harrop (Hill), Gee, Deegan (Johnson), Pilkington & Baguley (Rick).
SNU: Pearson & O'Connor.
Only authorised club members can view team selection.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | FC United of Manchester | 46 | 92 |
2. | Workington | 46 | 90 |
3. | Ashton United | 46 | 84 |
4. | Curzon Ashton | 46 | 83 |
5. | Ilkeston FC | 46 | 81 |
6. | Blyth Spartans | 46 | 79 |
7. | Skelmersdale United | 46 | 73 |