MARSKE UNITED 1, ASHTON UNITED 0
Ashton United slipped to their third successive defeat by North East rivals Marske United on an afternoon when the action was dominated by a strong wind and bobbly surface.
It was a disappointing display by the Robins who were second best as they slipped from third to fifth place in Northern Premier League, premier.
The visitors made a couple of changes as Marcus Rose was taken ill and replaced by Brad Abbott and James Simms was handed a debut on the right wing.
The Seasiders made the better start as five minutes taking the lead after five minutes. Edward Church won a corner from Sean Newton which saw Dan Myers’ stooping header eventually swept home by centre forward Adam Boyes.
Despite playing against the prevailing wind, the hosts continued to make the better of the conditions with Donald Chimalilo making space on the edge of the area before poking an effort just wide and, after Nathan Lowe’s cross shot had drifted out of play, Jason Kennedy’s flick on from a throw in saw Church drag his effort just past the near post.
Lowe’s high ball then saw Benny Couto just crowded out by Church as he was about to shoot, and Myers’ long cross saw Burgess’s spectacular volley go wide of the near post.
Luke Burke then needed to be replaced after misjudging a challenge and Curtis Round’s delivery saw Kennedy head over close in before Lowe’s dipping effort was tipped over and his 30-yard free kick was comfortably too high.
Ten minutes into the second half, George Gitau’s free kick reached Kennedy at the back post who steered his effort over the angle and a quick break down the right wing by substitute Marcus Cusani saw Jason Gilchrist pick out James Hardy who miskicked as the ball bobbled at the vital moment.
Church then cut on to his left foot before narrowly clearing the crossbar and, after Jake Charles won a corner, Newton’s header drifted wide.
WIth the home side still looking the more threatening, Round fired Sam Baird’s header over the top and Josh Robertson clipped the bar following a neat interchange with Chimalilo.
The action concluded with Hardy’s corner dropping to Cusani who blazed over which summed up Ashton’s day.
Ashton United: Simpson, Baird, Newton, Couto, Burke (Cowan 36), Abbott, Hardy, Lowe (Clarke 59), Gilchrist, Charles, Simms (Cusani 46). Subs (unused): Milner, Dawson.
Attendance: 405.
Report: David Robinson.