And We’re Off

Robins kick off preseason with a visit from the Latics. Report by David Robinson

Ashton opened their season by entertaining local rivals Oldham Athletic at Hurst Cross on a pitch understandably very dry given the recent weather. With several familiar faces in the Robins’ line-up they were joined by a number of trialists hoping to make a favourable impression.
The Latics moved ahead on just 6 minutes as Peter Clarke converted a far post cross, beating Carnell at the second attempt and Jack Byrne’s pass was then cut out just in time by Curtis Jones. The goalscorer (a trialist) then shot straight at Carnell and also saw another effort deflect narrowly wide. Ashton’s trialist centre forward then headed Sam Sheridan’s free kick wide and helped a decent right wing cross over the top.

On the resumption the visitors got their second as a trialist converted Nepomuceno’s cross again after it had been initially saved and Jose Baxter was able to add another from a right wing cross. Almost on time a through ball saw Nic Evangelinos brought down by Johnny Placide with Ashton’s centre forward slotting home a consolation from the spot.

Ashton Utd: Carnell, Crowley, Jones, Chalmers, Regan, Sheridan, Sephton, Lees. Subs: Platt, Dale, Evangelinos, Stachini. (All other players trialists)