Good Runout Brings First Victory

Report by Dave Robinson with match squad pictured courtesy of Jez Sayle

Ashton opened their account for the season with a convincing win over division one outfit Clitheroe. It was the hosts first on to the attack as Mason’s effort from 20 yards bounced up awkwardly and had to be helped over the bar by Phillips.
Shortly afterwards a dangerous left wing cross by the eyecatching Logan just evaded O’Neill for the visitors and the centre forward’s header then set up Baguley whose effort was blocked. More endeavour from O’Neill then led to Rick dragging his effort wide of the target.
On the half hour winger Logan again reached the byline and picked out Burke who was too high leaning back and home forward Bakkor then pulled the ball back to Griffiths who sliced his effort wide. The breakthrough arrived 5 mins before the interval as Logan’s run down the right saw his cross intercepted but the ball fell to Bagguley who finished from a narrow angle.
After the break Simms headed wide from Smith’s corner for Clitheroe and then Logan cut inside but hit fellow forward Madeley with his effort. A right wing cross then saw Smith’s effort deflected over and Logan’s cross was headed wide by Madeley.
Smith then ran free from halfway and was denied at the last by stand in keeper Woodhouse and Rick then had a clear run on goal before shooting wide. Madeley then played in Morrison who produced a good save from Mottram before Morrison returned the compliment putting Madeley clean through only for him to blaze wide and waste Ashton’s best chance of extending their lead.
Ashton Squad: Phillips, Kerr, Hoctor, Gorton, Lynch, Cassidy, Burke, Baguley, J O’Neill, Rick, Logan, Rouse, Riley, Beattie, Madden, Madeley, Morrison, Saberi