Honours Even

Robins Hold Off Gladiators. Report by Dave Robinson

Two teams with equal points totals before the start played out an ultimately disappointing goalless draw. Town were first to threaten as Gregory’s cross was touched out by Phillips and fell to Ashmore whose effort was blocked. With 10 minutes gone Pearson’s cross was guided home by Coppin from an offside position and then a good move by the visitors needed Phillips to be swiftly off his line to deny Gregory.
With Ashton starting to pass the ball better Coppin saw his left foot snapshot on the turn go narrowly wide and his knockback saw Rick fire wildly over the top. Debutant Hackney’s free kick from the right was glanced wide by Gorton before Ashmore’s dead ball effort from 30 yards was clawed out by Phillips.
After the break Pearson’s corner was headed over from close range by Chris Lynch and then Joe O’Neill controlled a cross but his layback to Rick produced a weak effort. Hackney’s layoff then saw O’Neill’s effort palmed away by Kennedy before home fullback Richardson was dismissed for shirt pulling on White having already received a yellow card. From the resulting free kick the impressive Ashmore was narrowly wide of the near post with Phillips beaten. Sub Pilkington then found Pearson out wide and his drilled cross went right across goal before Hackney’s corner was glanced off target by Garry Gee.
With a stalemate looking likely Foster chipped a fine pass to Ashmore whose effort on the volley drifted wide with Phillips a spectator and Ashmore almost had the final word as another fine volleyed attempt was held by Phillips as Ashton completed 6 games unbeaten.
Team: Phillips, Richardson, Pearson, Gorton, Lynch (c), Gee, Denham, (Logan),Rick, Coppin, (Burke) J O’Neill (Pilkington), Hackney SNU: Hardiker, M O’Neill