MARSKE UNITED 2, ASHTON UNITED 1
A game of two halves saw league leaders Marske United overturn a half-time deficit to inflict a first defeat of the season on Ashton United at Mount Pleasant.
The Robins showed several changes with Sam Baird restored in defence and both Max Harrop and James Baillie absent through injury.
Ashton were first on the offensive as Michael Brewster collected Ryan Catterick’s punched clearance and saw his goalbound cleared in front of the empty goal by Dale Hopson.
At the other end, Ashton goalkeeper Greg Hartley had to claw away Hopson’s goal attempt as the ball took a wicked bounce off the pitch.
After 20 minutes, a forward ball saw Lorenzo Spinelli, making his first full start, lay off a pass to Callum Saunders who provided a decisive finish into the far corner to put the Robins ahead.
Adam Gell then shot straight at Hartley following a throw in and a left foot strike by Rob Guilfoyle was deflected for a corner as the visitors reached the interval in relative comfort.
Two half time substitutions by home manager Carl Jarrett changed the momentum of the game with Curtis Round becoming highly influential as a great run through midfield saw him set up Connor Smith whose effort was turned away by Hartley.
Ashton were still dangerous on the break and Saunders combined with Ben Hardcastle before the latter fired a left-foot effort across goal.
Jason Kennedy then hit a first-time volley just off target as he collected Sam Baird’s headed clearance.
Harry Coates picked up a booking for fouling Curtis Round right on the left-hand edge of the area, Hopson’s free kick taking a deflection which needed Hartley to claw it to safety.
The Seasiders won a series of corners and after 69 minutes Hopson’s latest delivery saw a penalty mysteriously awarded and was the booking for substitute Jack Kenny in the aftermath, none of which prevented Hopson from confidently levelling matters.
The home side had their tails up and six minutes later Hopson’s free kick took a kind rebound back to centre forward Adam Boyes who hammered home from close range.
Ashton United: Hartley, Battersby, Regan (Lonsdale 80), Baird, Coates, Warren, Sheridan (Hough 63), Brewster, Saunders, Hardcastle, Spinelli (Kenny 55). Subs (not used): Simpson, Etia.
Report: David Robinson