MARINE 1, ASHTON UNITED 2
Ashton United secured their best victory of the pre-season campaign with a late winner at Marine, newly promoted to National League North.
Dan Cowan started in defence for the Robins, but it was an early run by Kallan Murphy for the home side which eventually saw his effort rebound off the top of the bar.
After 12 minutes, a great run by Luke Burke saw Jason Gilchrist crowded out in the area by a defender and new signing Louis White then guided Darius Osei’s cross well wide of the target.
Further good work followed from Osei and when the cross arrived from a trialist Josh Doherty was on hand from full back to convert close in.
A sharp turn by Osei then saw his fierce attempt tipped over and Doherty should have registered again after a fine run by the same trialist saw him side foot past an open goal.
Midway through the half a trialist’s header from a right-wing cross was cushioned back to his keeper by Cowan and a header from a right-wing corner was well held low down.
With nine minutes left, an overlapping run by a trialist saw Sam Baird clear but when the ball was returned Liam Paton made space to curl home the equaliser.
With two minutes remaining, Ewan Catt squeezed a cross underneath the home keeper for the winner and there was still time for Osei to force a good save from a trialist’s lay-off.
Ashton United: O’Keefe, Doherty, Cowan, Baird, Burke, White, Lowe, Trialist, Gilchrist, Osei, Denton. Subs: Bjork, Catt, Culkin and four trialists.
Attendance: 359
Report: David Robinson.