Ashton Gift Equaliser To Opponents

Missed Chances Cost Lacklustre Robins Dear, Report by David Robinson

Ashton missed the chance to move into third place in the Evostik Premier Division as they were twice pegged back by visitors Frickley. Athletic almost took the lead in the third minute as Picton hooked a corner back into the box for Ainsley to head against the bar with the goal at his mercy. Joe O’Neill dragged a shot well wide from the edge of the penalty area as Ashton struggled to find their usual fluency but almost out of nothing a long ball back into the area by Pearson was knocked down by Gorton for Martin Pilkington to provide an unerring left foot finish – the sign of a striker at the top of his game.

A left wing cross then found Dyer-Stewart being denied by the legs of stand-in keeper Frith before Coo’s cross saw Ashley Young glance a header wide from inside the 6 yard area before a long ball fell to the same player who fired just too high. A misplaced pass then fell to Hinsley who fired wide from 25 yards whilst at the other end a quick break saw Pilkington reach the byline but his cross was just too far ahead of O’Neill.

Matters were levelled up immediately at the start of the second half as Dyer-Stewart reached the byline and his pull back was missed by Hinsley but Bloor was on hand to equalize. A flick on by Joe O’Neill then put Pilkington clear but Dickinson held his shot. The leading scorer was not to be denied as Lee Rick’s ball down the side was crossed by Coppin and converted from close range to put Ashton back into the lead.
The Robins could have made the issue safe as a corner saw Gorton’s header blazed over the top by O’Neill and they were made to pay as goalkeeper Firth standing in for the injured Phillips dropped a long cross which lead to Ghaichem being tripped by Coo for Picton to convert the penalty and leave honours even.

Team; Frith, Coo, Pearson, Gorton, Lynch, Gee, Coppin (Denham), Young, Pilkington (Halford), O'Neill, Logan (Rick) SNU: Richardson, Burke.