ASHTON UNITED 2, ATHERTON COLLIERIES 2
A late goal denied Ashton United their third win this season against Atherton Collieries following previous victories in the FA Trophy and Northern Premier League at the Skuna Stadium.
It was disappointing for Michael Clegg’s side which squandered a two-goal lead established early in the second half.
However, the draw avoided a third successive league loss for the Robins who had beaten at Morpeth Town and home to Hyde United in their two previous matches.
On a rainy evening at Hurst Cross, the Robins’ injury problems continued with Ben Hardcastle covering at right back and Tom Bentham deputising at centre half for the injured Harry Spratt.
The action opened with a neat left wing move for Colls leading to Aaron Smith firing over from a promising position and Marcus Cusani’s pass then gave Gareth Peet a run at goal as he beat the offside trap before slicing his attempt wide.
Ashton then won a corner following Sam Sheridan’s free kick which led to Cusani bringing a save from Greg Hartley following a quick breakaway. Jack Redshaw then made a decent run before firing straight at Daniel Taberner and Cole Lonsdale needed to be alert to clear Peet’s cross close in after a drop ball.
The Robins took control scoring two goals in a three-minute spell early in the second half.
Firstly, a mix up in Colls’ defence allowed Michael Brewster to lob home from a narrow angle and shortly afterwards Florian Yonsian’s pass to Lonsdale saw his sharp turn allow him to hit the inside of the post with his delivery from the resulting corner being headed home close in by Ekow Coker.
Midway through the half, Aaron Smith lobbed his effort on to the roof of the net after an unconvincing clearance by Hartley and Clive Smith’s right wing cross then evaded the keeper allowing Cusani to convert from close range.
With four minutes remaining, Cusani’s deep cross reached Peet who fired home left footed past Hartley, despite claims for a potential handball in the build-up.
Ashton United; Hartley, Sheridan, Lonsdale, Tomsett, Bentham (Simpson 46), Coker, Hardcastle, Brewster, Yonsian, Redshaw, Ntula (Jenkins 67). Subs (not used): Taylor, Donlan.
Report: David Robinson.