That's It For Another Year

Robins Soundly Beaten. Report by David Robinson

Ashton’s brave FA Trophy run came to an end as they were comprehensively beaten by National North outfit Macclesfield Town. On a pitch finally playable at the third time of asking the Robins were never really in the contest after a somewhat controversial penalty gave the hosts the lead on 13 minutes. A fine ball down the left side sent David Fitzpatrick running into the area and although he appeared to have overrun the ball there was then contact between him and Phillips, sufficient in the view of the referee to award a penalty which was converted by Kristian Dennis for the Silkmens’ first goal in the competition since they won the trophy in 1996.

8 minutes before the break Town really should have doubled the advantage as a cross field pass picked out Holroyd whose delivery found Rowe totally unmarked at the far post but skying his effort over the bar but just 3 minutes later Ashton were unable to clear their lines and Fitzpatrick’s cross was headed home by Lewis despite Phillips getting a hand to the ball. Still in the first period and the game was made safe as Holroyd again turned provider and saw his right wing cross side footed home by Danny Whitehead.

Dale Johnson and Jeff King entered the action at half time but the play continued towards Ashton’s goal and Fitzpatrick’s ball into the box found Lewis with an embarrassing amount of room to turn and fire home his second. The Robins’ best chance arrived half way through the half as Joe Connor intercepted well and strode forward before sliding a pass to Martin Pilkington which required Branagan to be quickly off his line to block.

With the result in no doubt Holroyd sent a 35 yard chip drifting wide and Chris Baguley and Jody Banim exchanged passes before Baguley did likewise and Omar Mbowe became the latest player to fire off target.

Ashton’s final effort to reduce the deficit saw a deflected shot gathered in by Branagan at the foot of the post.

Team: Phillips, Coo, Mason, Gorton, Connor, Lees, Baguley, Gee, Pilkington (Banim), Melia (King), Morning (Johnson). SNU: Haining, Samberg