Three Points In The Bag

Robins Control Dull Encounter. Report by David Robinson

Ashton met the Rams for the fourth time this season and duly ran out winners against the basement club in an uninspiring encounter at the Riverside Stadium. Craig Lindfield was making his debut for the Robins having signed on loan from FC United but it was the hosts who made the brighter start as Jay Gorton’s slip allowed Daniel Wilkins to run through from halfway before being forced wide by Phillips with Cavell Coo clearing the eventual cross for a corner.

Gorton’s header then saw Andrew Smart fire a dangerous cross right across Ashton’s area before the ball rebounded to Martin Pilkington in midfield and he set Lindfield free, the winger’s shot being blocked by Shenton back to Pilkington who squeezed his effort under the keeper. Ten minutes later and Gary Gee’s forward pass released the same two players, this time Pilkington returning the compliment by setting up a debut goal for Lindfield.

Ramsbottom attempted to hit back as a free kick into the area dropped to Nia Bayunu who saw his volley bring a decent low save out of Phillips and the keeper was called into action again as Smart sent in a deflected effort from the edge of the area. Ashton could have moved further ahead straight after the break as Adam Morning’s pass sent Pilkington down the right wing and his cross found Lindfield half volleying straight into Shenton’s arms.

Lindfield was then sent clear again but failed to beat Shenton with his attempted chip and Morning’s free kick was cleared to Baguley who fired the ball back off target but the rest of the half had the feeling of both teams going through the motions with the result already decided and consequently chances were at a premium. Sub Joel Melia could have made an impact as he turned past Dylan Smith who committed an obvious foul mysteriously missed by Mr Cunliffe and the hosts only attempt at the other end saw the ball break to Jake Cliffe who dragged his effort well wide.

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