CHADDERTON 2, ASHTON UNITED 4
Two late own goals saw Ashton United through to the semi-finals of the Manchester Premier Cup after a decent fightback by Chadderton in the second half at the Falcon Fire Stadium.
The Robins showed several changes in their line up and the hosts made the better start as a mix up at the back saw Connor Hughes fire a good chance wide.
Just before the quarter hour, Ethan Sutcliffe pulled back George Milner as he went to collect Alex Byrne’s pass with the Ashton winger converting low from the penalty spot.
Benny Couto then put over a great left-wing cross which was helped over by Byrne with the aid of a deflection but six minutes later a mistake by right back Rob Flynn gave Jason Gilchrist the chance to drive home the second.
With Ashton on top, Dean made a goal-saving block from Byrne’s attempt following Gilchrist’s cross and a loose clearance by keeper Jordan Latham saw Byrne’s instant reply go just wide.
The second period opened with an instant reply from the home side as Harry Dean’s pass was taken down by Jordan Jones forcing a save from keeper Paul Cooper.
From the resulting corner, Jones headed Flynn’s delivery home at the near post and 20 minutes into the half the equaliser arrived in the shape of centre forward Hughes who finished into the bottom corner having run through several challenges.
Jones’ chip into the area then saw Sutcliffe’s effort narrowly miss the far post but, with nine minutes left, Byrne’s near post cross was converted for an own goal by Jake Worrall and, after James Caton had just been denied by Worrall, Gilchrist’s pass put Caton clear and after he had rounded Jordan his shot was helped home by the unfortunate Worrall.
Ashton United: Cooper, Cowan, Newton (Burke 46), Couto, Milner (Clarke 74), Abbott (Lowe 76), Byrne, Bjork, Gilchrist, Caton, Cusani. Subs (unused): Rose, Hardy.
Attendance: 189.
Report: David Robinson.