ASHTON UNITED 0, NANTWICH TOWN 1
A low-key affair saw a single goal enough for relegation-threatened Nantwich Town avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture of the previous week when they were beaten at home by Ashton Town.
The decisive moment arrived just before the hour as Dan Cockerline was initially unable to make the most of Mwiya Mallmo’s right-wing cross but soon made amends as he converted the next cross at the second attempt.
Ashton, who has slipped to 14th place but are only six points shy of third place, restored both George Milner and Jack Kenny to the starting line-up.
The action opened with Darius Osei having a deflected effort on the turn saved by Thomas Booth while at the opposite end Sam Baird had to be alert to clear Maluma’s goal attempt after a poor clearance by keeper Greg Hartley.
Troy Bourne’s acrobatic volley needed an agile save from Hartley while for Ashton Aidan Roxburgh’s cross beat everyone after good work by Joe Robbins with Ben Hardcastle firing into Booth’s arms.
Soon after the restart a loose ball fell to Hardcastle who put a weak effort straight at Booth and Hardcastle also had a long-range attempt which drifted wide after Kenny had pursued a loose ball and forced Booth into a rushed clearance.
Cole Lonsdale’s pass then put Osei in on goal with Booth making the block and Lonsdale could only steer into the side netting from Robbins’ pass.
A determined run from Roxburgh was rewarded with a free kick just outside the area with Lonsdale putting a disappointing shot straight at Booth.
Nantwich substitute Shaun Miller headed Casper Hughes’ corner straight to Hartley. The final chance for the Robins to rescue a draw saw Robbins’s pass picked up by Lonsdale who saw his cross guided over from point blank range by Kenny.
Ashton United: Hartley, Roxburgh, Lonsdale, Milner, Regan, Baird, Hardcastle, Hough (Saunders 58), Kenny, Osei, Robbins. Subs (not used): Harrop, Warren, Coates, Battersby.
Report: David Robinson.