Tony Downes Memorial Trophy

Last-gasp equaliser snatches share of trophy for Ashton. Report by David Robinson

An equaliser with the last kick of the game rescued a draw for the visitors at the Butchers Arms in an all-action encounter. The Robins were first on to the attack as Yaw Gyimah helped Mark Lees’ header over the top before Kilheeney provided an instant shot from Scott Metcalfe’s fine cross field pass.

On the quarter hour a long ball saw Tom Eckersley under hit his back header allowing ex-Robin Metcalfe to slide home the opener and Gyimah then converted Lees’ through ball but was given offside. Just past the half hour Liam Tomsett chipped a pass to put Alex Johnson clear and he equalised confidently with his first goal for the club. The Bloods reclaimed the lead as Metcalfe outmuscled Dom Smalley and saw Kilheeney convert his cross from close in and Luke Daly could have extended the advantage running clear from 40 yards out before Green made a good block with his foot and Jamie Frost dragged a glorious chance just wide after a clever back heel by Metcalfe.
After the interval Smalley sent John Pritchard to the by line from where his cross evaded everyone and sub Liam Caddick then got hold of a 25 yard effort forcing Ashton’s replacement keeper Smith to tip over. A long clearance from his own half by Daly then saw Caddick outstrip the defence before chipping home and Richard Smith could have pulled one back as he made space before hitting the inside of the post.
With 3 minutes left Da Silva’s cross was spilt by the home custodian giving Liam Tomsett a tap in and with the very last action Aaron Chalmers headed home da Silva’s corner to grab a draw.

Team: Green, Smalley, Stachini, Chalmers, Eckersley, Platt, Lees, Tomsett, Johnson, Pritchard, Gyimah. Subs: Da Silva, Povey, Roberts, Oladayde, Smith, Smith (GK)