ASHTON UNITED 1, MARINE 1
Promotion-chasing Ashton United were held to a draw by their visitors from Merseyside in a largely uninspiring encounter at Hurst Cross.
Had the Robins won, they would have been level on points with leaders South Shields in the Northern Premier League, premier division.
As it stands, Ashton has the best record of the six teams joint second with 17 points and, with only three points separating the top eight teams, it is becoming as compelling title race.
James Baillie was restored in the host’s defence on a breezy autumn day, but it was the visitors who threatened first as Hayden Campbell headed straight at Greg Hartley after Luke Clark’s throw in had been flicked on.
Five minutes later, Callum Saunders won a header only for Joe Robbins to steer his effort well off target.
Marine’s James Barrigan was booked for dissent and then hit a drive which needed a low save from Hartley.
Matty Regan’s long ball then evaded Saunders with Ben Hardcastle hitting the side netting from an offside position.
Marine’s Kielen Adams turned well in midfield before firing wide and then saw his next effort blocked by a combination of Harry Coates and Regan.
The interval arrived with the visitors carrying the greater threat as Adams’ latest effort deflected out for a corner following a quick break.
The Robins opened the second period with Saunders’ shot blocked by Jonathan Spittle from Michael Brewster’s reverse pass and Saunders then helped Cole Lonsdale’s free kick over the top, once again being flagged offside.
Hartley was then required to make a fine double block from Hayden Campbell and Adams after Callum Harris’ pass had set up the chance and he also had to tip away Campbell’s placed effort for a corner.
The breakthrough arrived following a quick break leading to Robbins’ cross headed back at the far post by Saunders and falling perfectly for substitute Mike Phenix to knock home his first goal for the club.
The lead only lasted three minutes as Marine’s trademark long throw-in saw Charley Doyle’s flick headed home close in by Campbell for a deserved leveller.
Campbell again saw a low effort saved as the ball dropped to him and Adams was eventually given offside as he fired over from Campbell’s chipped pass into the area as the game ended in stalemate.
Ashton United: Hartley, Baillie, Lonsdale, Sheridan (Hough 62), Regan (Baird 46), Coates, Hardcastle, Brewster, Saunders, Harrop (Phenix 62), Robbins. Subs (not used): Simpson, Warren.
Report: David Robinson