Ashton registered successive wins for the first time this season in winning another relegation battle against bottom side Nuneaton despite missing a first half penalty. With two new faces in defence, Javid Swaby-Neavin at left back and Sonhy Sefil at centre back the Robins had a slightly unfamiliar look and started off playing against the strong wind on a chilly day in Warwickshire.
Sharpe’s long throw needed to be helped out for a corner by Luke Ashworth with Edmunds glancing Allen’s delivery past the far post. Craig Hobson then got no power behind his effort as he turned on a loose ball in the Borough area and Swaby-Neavin won a corner which saw Ennis’s delivery helped over at the near post by Liam Goulding with the goal gaping. Belford then provided a poor clearance from a back pass but was helped out by Lundstram but the keeper then brought down Hobson as he latched onto Martin’s pass only for Ennis to drag his spot kick past the left hand post.
Ennis tried to make amends curling a 25 yard free kick past the far post after Tomsett had been fouled and a long clearance saw Allen almost get clear before he was blocked out for a goal kick.
Lundstram put an effort narrowly wide after Ceesay Ceesay had reached the by line at the start of the second half and half time sub Chadwick saw his effort deflect through to Belford.
McMahon in the Ashton goal was then called upon to make a good save from Taylor Allen’s volley as he connected with Obeng’s long cross and Hobson was crowded out at the by line following Chadwick’s quick throw. Danger man Allen then stepped through several challenges but missed the far post and just past the hour the opener arrived as Chadwick’s floated free kick was headed home at the far post by Hobson rising above Belford.
Hildreth then placed a free header wide from Baxendale’s free kick and Obeng’s last ditch tackle kept out Chadwick at the expense of a corner.
Team: McMahon, Crowley, Swaby-Nevin, Sefil, Ashworth, Kay, Martin, Goulding, Hobson (Reed 73), Ennis (Chadwick 46), Tomsett (Sheridan 70). SNU: Roberts, Chalmers.
# | 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 |