5 Star Robins Fly Past Skem.

Report by David Robinson

Ashton eventually thrashed the team who had lead the Premier Division for much of last season firing home 4 second half goals. The Robins were straight on the attack and Dale Johnson’s pass released the late run of Chris Baguley whose cross was deflected out dangerously by McIntosh and they moved ahead on 16 minutes as a goal kick was flicked on by Johnson leaving Martin Pilkington in the clear for a confident finish and soon after Cavell Coo reached the by line and saw Gary Gee head his cross just wide.

The visitors could have equalised midway through the half as Shaun Holden’s left wing cross was headed on to the roof of the net by Danny Mitchley when well placed. Pilkington then made a fine run through the middle and chose to set up Baguley who was just crowded out before a Johnson flick again put Pilkington clear and he outmuscled Hardwick but was just denied by Fearon in the visiting goal.

An almighty scramble at the start of the second half could have seen Ashton move further ahead as Chris Sutherland’s cross was controlled by Johnson who found space and forced a good low save before the rebound fell to Pilkington with the ball being cleared for a corner amidst claims for handball. With 18 minutes left Will Haining’s pass saw Pilkington make a great turn before feeding the unmarked Adam Morning for a fine finish and immediately sub Morning was back in the action as his far post cross picked out Jay Gorton at the back post who headed home his first goal of the season.

With the visitors showing little threat up front it was all Ashton at this point and with 4 minutes left Johnson made a great run to the by line and set up an unmissable chance for debutant Jody Banim and there was still time for Banim to return the compliment as his passed picked out Johnson who rolled home the fifth goal from 20 yards.

Team: Phillips, Mason, Coo, Gorton, Connor, Sutherland (Morning), Baguley, Gee, Pilkington (Banim), Johnson, Melia (Haining). SNU: Vincent, Jacobs