ASHTON UNITED 2, CURZON ASHTON 0
Two second-half goals were enough to give Ashton United their first pre-season victory in the home local derby against Curzon Ashton.
Summer signing Callum Saunders and a trialist were on target for the Robins who played most of the second half with 10 men after Sam Baird was sent off.
There was also an Ashton United debut for centre forward Jack Kenny who had been signed from Welsh club Flint Town United.
But it was Kenny’s strike partner Saunders, the son of former Wales striker Dean, who had the first chance of the match but was unable to control Ben Hough’s left-wing cross.
The crowd of 302 then saw Josh Hancock’s raking 20-yard effort deflected wide before Saunders guided Cole Lonsdale’s free kick narrowly wide of the right-hand post.
And on the stroke of half time, another Cole Lonsdale free kick just evaded both Kenny and Saunders.
The second period was only four minutes old when Baird saw red for a late challenge.
A long ball over the top saw Saunders hold off Barton before placing his effort wide of goalkeeper Chris Renshaw to give Ashton the lead.
Matthew Regan then burst forward and released Lonsdale who hit a fine left foot effort just wide.
Regan’s header was then cleared in front of the keeper from Lonsdale’s corner while Connor Dimaio struck a 30-yard effort off target for the visitors.
Regan was again alert to crowd out Robbie Peers and with five minutes remaining a trialist robbed the Curzon defence and, having rounded Renshaw, steadied before calmly sliding home the second goal.
The last word went to Ashton’s stand-in goalkeeper keeper who was required to make a decent low save at the foot of the post after Benito Lowe had made room for a shot.
Report: David Robinson