TRAFFORD FC 1, ASHTON UNITED 2
New signing Louis Potts scored his first goal for Ashton United as the Robins racked up their third successive friendly victory at Trafford FC.
There was also a goal for Sean Newton as Ashton’s build up to the new Northern Premier League, premier season is progressing smoothly under manager Steve Cunningham.
The surface at Shawe View was slick following the unsettled recent weather and after five minutes a cross-field pass from Glenn Matthews saw Bailey Brown’s knockdown volleyed over the top by Alfie Belcher for the hosts.
Midway through the half a long pass from Ashton’s triallist right back reached Jason Gilchrist who side-footed past the far post.
Alex Byrne’s dangerous cross was then headed out for a corner by Will Hall with Newton’s resulting header tipped over before Newton was crowded out close in from the return delivery.
Just past the half hour the visitors won a free kick 25 yards out and Newton curled home a fine effort giving goalkeeper Brad Rose little chance in the home goal.
On the stroke of half time the Robins almost conceded an equaliser as Belcher’s free kick was cleared for a corner by Cole Lonsdale uncomfortably close to his own left-hand post.
Twenty minutes into the second half a poor clearance by Ashton’s keeper allowed Max Hazeldine to slide home the equaliser.
Shortly afterwards a slip by Dan Cowan afforded ex-Robin Tom Bentham the chance to put Trafford ahead but having taken too long he allowed George Milner to clear his eventual shot off the line.
Substitute Potts then turned neatly on to Milner’s throw in before steering his left foot effort over.
But with eight minutes left a triallist pulled the ball back from the by-line for a header from the unmarked Potts to settle the matter.
The impressive triallist right back for Ashton then ran through several tackles before getting carried away and slicing well wide.
Ashton United: Triallist, Triallist, Newton, Lonsdale, Cowan, Triallist, Byrne, Abbott, Adams, Triallist, Gilchrist.
Report: David Robinson.