Ashton Slip Points To Lynn

Report by David Robinson

Ashton played their first ever league game against Kings Lynn but ultimately it was the Linnets who came away with the victory at the Walks Stadium after turning the game around in the second half. Not for the first time this season it was the Robins who made the better start and took the lead on 17 minutes as Ashley Young’s cross was miscontrolled by Jay Gorton but fell perfectly for Kayde Coppin to place his effort into the far corner.
Coppin had already been influential to this point as his cross was allowed to run through by the home defence and was intercepted by Martin Pilkington who couldn’t keep the ball in play and Joe O’Neill then set Coppin free but his shot was deflected into the side netting. With Ashton seemingly in complete control the East Anglian weather took a turn for the worse with a howling gale and lashing rain briefly making conditions tricky despite the sunshine.
Winger Jones then brought the Linnets into the game as he cut inside after beating Richardson but his pass ran straight through to Phillips and the same player then hit an effort which appeared to be goalbound but hit fellow forward Duffy. With half time approaching a ball into the area was allowed to go by Coo enabling Greg Mills to clip a left foot effort against the underside of the bar.
Martin Pilkington was withdrawn at the interval allowing Lee Rick to take up a right sided midfield role but it was the hosts who levelled matters up almost immediately as Hall was fouled on the edge of the area and the free kick saw Lee’s header produce a great save from Phillips but fellow centre back Fryatt was on hand to knock home the rebound. Lee Rick then had a chance in the home penalty area but dragged his shot wide after cutting back inside.
Jones then ran into the area for Kings Lynn before his cross was blocked and Quigley then converted Jones’ cross but Ashton were saved by the linesman’s flag for offside but were clearly coming under increasing pressure as the home crowd got behind their team. Ashley Young then hit a great crossfield pass to Coppin before Gorton was crowded out and home sub Thomson played the ball wide to Hall who cut inside but just missed the near post.
With a quarter of an hour to play the decisive moment arrived as Thomson decided to chance his arm from 30 yards and found luck on his side as the normally reliable Phillips allowed the shot to slip from his grasp and trickle over the line. A quick break by Coppin then saw his cross just evade O’Neill but it was the home side who looked likelier to extend their advantage as Thomson’s low effort was saved by Phillips and Quigley robbed Higgins in the area but sliced his effort well wide.

Team: Phillips, Coo, Richardson, Higgins, Lynch, Gorton (Chadwick), Gee (Killeen), Young, O’Neill, Pilkington (Rick), Coppin. SNU: Bagguley, Halford.

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