Shelton Turns Out To Be A Payne

By Steve Hobson

Strong debuts from development squad players not quite enough to get the required result - on this occasion. Report by David Robinson.

Ashton exited the Manchester Premier Cup at the first stage after a high scoring encounter with visitors Trafford. An indication of what was to come arrived after just 5 minutes when a snap shot by Shaw for Trafford hit the bar from 25 yards with Cook struggling. It wasn’t long before the opening goal arrived as an inventive pass from Shelton Payne gave Michael Oates the opportunity to fire home from inside the area.

Ashton came close to levelling matters as Greg Pearson’s fine ball picked out Brad Robinson running into the area only for his effort to hit the left hand post but midway through the half the teams exchanged goals both due to goalkeeping errors as first Robertson in the visitors’ goal dwelt on a backpass allowing Richard Bennett to intercept and equalise, but immediately Cook was unable to gather a loose ball which allowed Payne to restore Trafford’s lead.

As the interval approached Matty Chadwick put Robinson clear to tee up Josh Steadman who saw his shot saved by Robertson. Within 7 minutes of the restart Trafford extended their advantage as the influential Payne easily beat Danny Vincent to the by-line and crossed to the far post where the ball rebounded off Oates’ back leaving Heron with a simple finish. The Robins were soon back in the hunt as Matty Chadwick drifted a cross to the far post where Welsh provided a neat lobbed finish – into his own net.

27 photos

Match photos

Ashton used all three substitutions in an attempt to draw level but it was winger Payne back in the act as he sidestepped 2 defenders and fired in a finish at the near post. With 2 minutes left on the clock Ashton found another lifeline as Matty Chadwick’s shot hit a hand in the area and the same player converted confidently from the spot but it was Payne almost having the last word as he ran clear from halfway only to be denied by the advancing Cook.

Team: Cook, Vincent, Haslam, Pearson, Morris, Shaw, Robinson (O’Keefe), Baguley (Young), Bennett (Coppin), Steadman & Chadwick.
SNU: Gee & Halford.

Attendance: 92

Match sponsored by C Y Inns Bespoke Pub Management through the family and friends of Richard Bennett who also provided the mascot for the game, young Rio Nedderman.