Ashton’s poor recent form continued as they went down to a goal in each half against one of their relegation rivals. The hosts restored Sam Sheridan into midfield but made the worst possible start after just 2 minutes as a square ball saw James Jones slip on the heavy surface allowing Jack Sampson to stride forward and pick his spot past Luke Pilling.
Bradley Bauress then showed great control and his deep cross saw Sampson crowded out and on 21 minutes Liam Tomsett’s pull back from the by line saw Matty Chadwick’s goalbound effort deflected out for a corner by Dean Winnard. A high ball then dropped to Dion Charles with Aaron Chalmers challenge taking the ball to Bauress who dragged it wide and 10 minutes before the break Tomsett’s effort dropped to Liam Martin who fired just over. Just beforehand Charles forced a save out of Pilling but was adjudged offside and Chadwick put a 25 yard blockbuster straight at the keeper.
Straight after the restart Chadwick was pulled back by Reagan Ogle with a free kick just outside the area being the decision but on 71 minutes Chalmers went down injured and play continued allowing David Morgan to fire home Jordan Richards’ pass. 4 minutes later and the hosts were back in it as Scott Kay released Chadwick who cut inside and brought a fine save out of Daniel Hanford but the ball was forced home seemingly for an own goal by Richards for the home side’s first goal since mid November.
With the pitch getting heavier Aaron Chalmers intercepted Bauress’s pass before it could reach Green and Chadwick’s next cross was flicked beyond the far post by Tomsett. Kay was then denied as he tried to run onto Anghel’s flick and Liam Goulding made space but shot straight at Hanford. Ashton’s last chance so another penalty appeal go unanswered as Winnard pushed Kay over inside the area.
Ashton Utd: Pilling, Chalmers, Askew, Jones, Regan, Goulding, Kay, Sheridan, Chadwick , Martin (Anghel 79); Tomsett. SNU: Roberts, Crowther, Hill, Howarth.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
16. | Darlington | 42 | 50 |
17. | Hereford | 42 | 49 |
18. | Curzon Ashton | 42 | 49 |
19. | Guiseley | 42 | 44 |
20. | Ashton United | 42 | 35 |
21. | FC United Of Manchester | 42 | 34 |
22. | Nuneaton Borough | 42 | 19 |