Single goal sees off Rebels

Report by David Robinson. Picture Jez Sayle

A largely uninspiring encounter saw Ashton nevertheless take 3 vital points in the relegation battle for their first home win since November. The hosts gave a debut to George McMahon between the sticks and welcomed back Craig Hobson at centre forward. The visitors needed Zehn Mohammed’s diving header to cut out Matty Chadwick’s early cross and Jack Banister then turned onto Chris Sharp’s pullback but saw his effort blocked. On 12 minutes Liam Martin latched onto Aaron Chalmers’ free kick but couldn’t keep his effort down. Chadwick’s improvised cross saw Sass-Davies’s header clear his lines but only to Ashworth who sent a bouncing effort over the top.
Chadwick then controversially knocked the ball out of Allinson’s hands but was then forced too wide, Josh Wallen dragged his effort wide after Oliver Crowley had cleared Banister’s cross and McMahon was forced into a great close range save from Banister after Danny Morton’s cross had been headed back.

On the restart a fine run through midfield by Paul Ennis saw Chadwick drag his right foot shot wide. Banister then took too long from Morton’s long cross and Chadwick’s cross field pass picked out Hobson who beat one defender before losing the ball to the second. Liam Goulding made a vital block from Whitham after Banister had provided the pass and Chadwick was denied at the near post as Allinson fisted his effort away.
With both sides desperate for the points Chadwick was denied at the near post and Allinson then pulled off a flying save from Ashworth’s header. Sass-Davies then saw yellow for bringing down Hobson who had a clear run on goal but with 15 minutes left the breakthrough arrived as Liam Tomsett’s corner was headed out to Chalmers who skilfully guided his effort into the corner of the goal. Substitute debutant Jamie Reed picked up a loose ball and saw his left foot chip go just wide and Willougby brought a good save out of McMahon after Martin had tripped Banister.

Ashton Utd: McMahon, Crowley, Regan, (Tomsettt 22), Chalmers, Ashworth, Kay, Martin, Goulding, Hobson, Ennis (Reed 68). Chadwick. (Roberts 78). SNU: Anghel, Crowther.