Job Done

Robins Double Secures the points. Report by David Robinson. Images Jez Sayle

At the third time of asking Ashton duly got the better of Whitby by the same scoreline as back in September on the inhospitable North Coast of Yorkshire. A goal in each half were sufficient for the visitors to complete a convincing victory although in truth they could have been out of sight by the interval. The Robins moved straight on to the attack and in the first ten minutes Chris Baguley sent a snapshot just wide after Eddie Toner’s flick had set up the chance. Baguley then won a free kick 25 yards out but fired it well over the top as Ashton dominated the opening exchanges.

Whitby themselves created a rare opportunity as Roberts’ ring wing cross was missed by Joe Connor needing Will Haining to intercept in the nick of time but back at the other end Martin Pilkington’s lay off was caught first time by Baguley straight into the arms of Bland. A great turn by Pilkington then took him into the area before he fired wide of the far post but the opening goal wasn’t far away as King’s cross bounced around the area before it was hooked home by Pilkington possibly with the aid of a slight deflection and Ashton’s leading scorer then missed an even easier chance pulling his effort past the far post after Cavell Coo’s pass had picked him out.

Just before the interval the hosts showed again as Mason was booked for fouling Roberts from Gell’s through ball, the twice taken free kick coming to nothing. Toner’s perceptive pass then picked out Baguley at the far post but his pull back saw King fire disappointingly wide and Baguley’s long free kick then saw Gorton turning like a striker on the edge of the area and shooting just wide. Dale Hopson’s pass then released the unmarked Roberts on the right wing, Joe Connor speeding across to block and with sheeting rain now hitting the players and 2 minutes left Mark Lees made a great driving run into the area and teed up Pilkington for an emphatic right foot strike which made the points safe. Whitby’s final efforts saw Hopson’s shot drift wide with Scarth unable to connect and Anthony Hume’s cross blocked at the near post by Coo.

Team: Phillips, Coo, Mason, Gorton, Connor, Lees, Toner, Haining (Wharton), Pilkington, Baguley (Morning), King (Marshall) . SNU: Gee, Chadwick.