Blues complete the Double

Report by David Robinson

Ashton’s survival hopes were left hanging by a thread as the visitors comfortably took all 3 points at a sunny Hurst Cross. Inside the first couple of minutes Matthew Waters made a great run into the Ashton area but put his cross behind everyone and two minutes later a left wing cross saw Liam Goulding’s clearing header volleyed narrowly over by Gary Roberts.
A long cross field pass then found ex-Robin Bradley Jackson volleying well off target before Iwan Murray shot straight at George McMahon from George Waring’s lay off with the visitors on top. Goulding’s forward pass found Livesey’s header just evading Craig Hobson but just past the half hour the opener arrived as a loose ball fell to Murray who rifled it home from just outside the area.
Toby Lees’ challenge then denied Waring following a quick break by Murray and Grand headed Murray’s corner over the top from close in. On the stroke of half time Tomsett had Ashton’s first attempt on target but made insufficient contact to beat Shenton in the visitors’ goal.

Immediately on the restart the Blues doubled their advantage as Roberts’ free kick into the area saw Daniel Livesey’s looping header good enough to beat McMahon. Just past the hour Aaron Chalmers’ short backpass led to another corner and Murray’s delivery landed on the head of Waring who converted into the roof of the net. Dudley’s effort then dribbled wide of the home goal after a nice build up by the Blues.
Ashton’s best attempt to reply saw Liam Tomsett steer Matt Regan’s great cross field pass beyond the far stick and Chester could have registered again as Craig Mahon’s pass saw Waters hit a raking effort across goal.

Ashton Utd: McMahon, T Lees, Regan, Chalmers (Swaby-Neavin 67), Ashworth, Goulding, Sheridan, Mantack (Reed 46), Hobson, Dimaio, Tomsett. SNU: Roberts, Ennis, Kay.