Non-league day saw newly promoted Trafford the visitors to Hurst Cross but the hosts retained their unbeaten record with an ultimately comfortable victory. After Chris Lynch’s header was cleared away from the goal line from Logan’s free kick, the closest either side came to opening the scoring in the first period saw home forward Martin Pilkington beat Brown on the byline before being denied by another defender on the goal line when he really should have scored.
A fine run into the area for Trafford by Oates saw him set up fellow striker Fallon who somehow allowed Phillips to make the save when scoring looked far simpler. Coppin then played a square pass to Logan whose side foot effort was easily held and the same player’s long cross was headed wide at the far post by Richardson.
The breakthrough arrived on the hour as a ball in from the left wing saw Pilkington fouled but play was allowed to continue allowing Lee Rick to steer his effort home to become the Robins top scorer for the season.
Trafford had the chance to draw level as a chipped cross deflected off Chris Lynch to Fallon who turned his effort against the post and this was doubly important as Pilkington immediately robbed a defender and rounded Read to double Ashton’s advantage.
The rest of the game was played out with both sides knowing the result had been decided although a misplaced pass put sub Freakes clear before he scuffed his effort wide of the far post.
Gary Gee turned in another eye catching performance in midfield allowing Ashton to hold on to their advantage and close the gap on the league leaders.
Team: Phillips, Richardson, Pearson, Gorton, Lynch (c), Young, Rick, Gee, Pilkington, (J O’Neill) Coppin (Burke) Logan (Freakes). SNU: Hardiker, M O’Neill.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Chorley | 46 | 97 |
2. | FC United of Manchester | 46 | 96 |
3. | AFC Fylde | 46 | 93 |
4. | Worksop Town | 46 | 88 |
5. | Ashton United | 46 | 80 |
6. | Skelmersdale United | 46 | 77 |
7. | Rushall Olympic | 46 | 75 |