GUISELEY 1, ASHTON UNITED 2
Ashton United returned to winning ways with a fine victory on the road at Guiseley where two first- half goals were sufficient to see them home.
And the three points picked up at Nethermoor Park moved the Robins up to 10th place and, despite their inconsistent form, they are only three points off third place in Northern Premier League, premier division.
Max Harrop was restored to Ashton’s line up with Tom Warren also taking a position on the left side of midfield as they started attacking the Railway End.
The first chance fell to the Lions as Mohammed Qasim’s ball into the area found Jake Cassidy who brought a good save out of goalkeeper Greg Hartley with the rebound clipping the left-hand post.
Soon afterwards Sam Baird, making his 50th appearance for the Robins, denied Lewis Witham superbly as he ran on to George Smith’s pass.
Midway through the half, Ben Hardcastle was narrowly wide trying his luck from 30 yards and a good run through midfield by Matty Regan saw Darius Osei send a dipping effort on to the roof of the net.
The opening goal duly arrived just before the half hour as Harrop, playing an effective role behind striker Osei, burst into the area where Adam Haw brought him down with Osei converting despite the best efforts of Sheffield United loanee Callum Hiddlestone in the home goal.
Seven minutes before the break Osei was fouled outside the area by player-manager Danny Ellis who was booked, and Cole Lonsdale took full revenge curling home a fine free kick to double the Robins’ advantage.
Within five minutes of the restart the hosts reduced the deficit as Kwame Boateng’s pass found Haw who steered his shot accurately into the corner. Ashton claimed Regan had been fouled by Ellis in the build-up.
Just past the hour, Lewis Witham cut inside onto Haw’s pass and brought a flying save out of Hartley.
Mohammad Qasim’s progress through midfield was then halted by Cole at the cost of a yellow card with Jameel Ible heading Smith’s free kick comfortably wide.
With the home side still pressing, Joe Robbins cleared Keegan Hartley’s dangerous cross for a corner and another great tackle from Sam Baird stopped Qasim’s attempt to burst into the area.
Qasim did eventually get the better of Baird but could only shoot straight at Hartley as time ran out for the Lions.
Ashton United: Hartley, Roxburgh, Lonsdale, Milner, Regan, Baird, Hardcastle, Robbins, Osei, Harrop (Hough 76), Warren. Subs (not used): Taylor, Coates, Saunders, Kenny.
Report: David Robinson.