Late strikes see Minstermen home

Report by David Robinson. Picture Jez Sayle

Ashton’s first (and last) visit to Bootham Crescent saw them go down to two goals in the last ten minutes from home centre forward Jordan Burrow. On a cold, sunny day the Robins were fielding two new wingers in the shape of Kallum Mantack and Ryan Jennings and early pressure from the visitors led to nothing before Wes York got free for the hosts and saw his low cross held by McMahon.
Burrow then spread the ball wide to Scott Burgess who cut inside before putting in a weak effort on his right foot which was followed by Ferguson’s dangerous cross going right through the area. The Minstermen then won two corners in succession, the second of which saw Newton’s headed effort well blocked by McMahon at his near post. The Robins’ first attempt on goal saw Scott Kay firing too high after Mantack’s cross had been cleared and a square pass then saw Liam Goulding yellow carded for bringing down Kempster after he had tricked his way past.
McMahon then made another fine save close in from Wright’s header and after Burrow had conceded a corner Luke Ashworth’s header was cleared from near the goal line and at the other end Mirfin headed Newton’s corner past the far post.

The second period opened with Moke catching Jennings as Ashton tried to make a quick break and picking up a booking and Kay soon joined him in the book for a late tackle. Wright then weaved his way into the area and only a fine block from McMahon stopped him as Kempster fired the loose ball over.
Mirfin then headed Burgess’ free kick straight at the Ashton keeper and McMahon pulled off another decent save as Wright caught hold of Wes York’s pullback. York’s next cross almost reached sub Parkin before Kempster forced the rebound over and Burgess’s burst into the area needed Goulding to head the ball away ahead of Parkin. With 7 minutes remaining the host’s next attack saw the ball break to Burrow 20 yards out and he found the corner with the accuracy necessary to beat McMahon. With a minute left on the clock Burrow provided the killer blow curling home a fine second after exchanging passes with York.

Ashton Utd: McMahon, Goulding, Swaby-Neavin, Sefil, Ashworth, Kay, Mantack, Sheridan (Ennis 67), Hobson (Reed 76), Martin, Jennings (Tomsett 63). SNU: Chalmers, Roberts.
David Robinson