ASHTON UNITED 0, FLEETWOOD TOWN 0
Ashton United’s final pre-season friendly against League One club Fleetwood Town, who were represented by an Under-23 development squad, ended in stalemate.
It completed a seven-match build up to the new Northern Premier League campaign which saw the Robins have mixed results, recording two wins, drawing three times and losing twice.
On a pitch benefitting from recent rain, Tom Warren hit a cross straight into the goalkeeper’s arms from Michael Brewster’s pass before a trialist playing up front for Ashton took too heavy a touch on James Baillie’s pass.
After 25 minutes of combative action, Max Harrop saw a great shout for a penalty against Dylan Boyle waved away after Warren had intercepted a pass and Matty Regan then strode forward only for Callum Saunders to miss control his through ball.
Visiting winger Tom McMillan brought a top save out of Greg Hartley and the half ended with a speculative volley from Harrop flying over and Warren forcing a good save from a narrow angle from Harrop’s set up.
Two minutes into the second period and Baillie’s long free kick led to a scramble which saw Baird’s effort blocked before a trialist hit the side netting and Harrop then squeezed an effort through a crowd of players bringing a decent save out of Tom Donahey.
Baillie cut inside before firing past the near post with the hosts on top at this point and Regan side footed substitute Sheridan’s free kick straight at the keeper as Ashton were unable to find a way to goal.
Ashton United: Hartley (Taylor 82), Baillie, Warren, Regan, Baird, Battersby (Sheridan 68), Trialist A (Tomsett 59), Brewster (Hough 59), Saunders (Trialist 65), Trialist B, Harrop (Hardcastle 59). Sub (not used): Lonsdale.
Report: David Robinson