ASHTON UNITED 2, STAFFORD RANGERS 1
A second half turnaround saw Ashton United record their third successive victory, all by a 2-1 scoreline, against basement club Stafford.
It was a success which enabled the Robins to strengthen their hold on third place in Northern Premier League, premier.
Sean Newton was back in the home defence as Ashton took to the Hurst Cross pitch for the first time since early November and the action opened with Rangers’ winger Sam Bird firing in a low effort which Luke Simpson saved at the second attempt.
A J Leitch-Smith’s flick then saw Sean Cooke hammer an effort off target as the visitors made the brighter start, but after 25 minutes a mistake in midfield saw James Hardy sprint away before setting up Jason Gilchrist who shot across the face of goal.
Three minutes later, Rangers took the lead as a throw-in led to a loose ball falling to Simon Njaria who fired it unerringly into the bottom corner.
Ten minutes before the break, Mitchell Rose won a block tackle setting up Gilchrist for a low shot which deflected to Nathan Lowe whose shot went over the top.
In added time at the end of the half, Benny Couto’s left-wing cross saw Gilchrist’s header bring a fine save out of Cameron Belford.
Hardy made a great run at the start of the second period before steering his effort over after Newton had won the ball and, after Cooke had been booked for handball, Couto’s free kick was just too strong for Sam Baird to reach it at the far post.
On the hour, Leith-Smith’s cross was just blocked at the near post following a quick break but four minutes later Lowe collected Jake Charles’ near-post cross and provided a fine left foot equaliser.
Fifteen minutes later a throw-in saw Charles cut inside and see his shot saved with Hardy helping home the rebound from close in followed by jubilant scenes from the home fans.
With the game still open, a right-wing cross deflected just too far ahead of Kaiman Anderson and Cooke’s tumbling attempt was held by Simpson.
Simpson again needed to be alert to deny Leitch-Smith at the near post from point-blank range and the action ended with Charles’ shot on the turn blocked from Luke Burke’s overlapping cross.
Ashton United: Simpson, Baird, Newton, Couto, Burke, Lowe, Cusani (Dawson 87), Rose, Gilchrist (Milner 65), Hardy, Charles. Subs (unused): Abbott, Catt, Caton.
Attendance: 215.
Report: David Robinson.