ASHTON UNITED 1, WARRINGTON RYLANDS 1
Two first-half goals saw matters finish even between Ashton United and Warrington Rylands at a chilly Hurst Cross.
It was a point which keeps the Robins in the play-off spots in Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier.
There were plenty of familiar faces in the visitors’ line up and the game got off to a bizarre start as five minutes in the Robins almost conceded as Jordan Eastham’s attempted clearance was charged down by Jake Burton who then dragged his effort well wide of the open goal.
Just one minute later a similar incident saw ex-Ashton keeper Luke Pilling advance from his goal before his side lost possession leaving Louis White to fire the hosts ahead.
Jake Daniels then stepped inside Luke Burke and forced a sharp save out of Eastham before a break at the other end saw Darius Osei’s cross just too high for James Hardy.
Ten minutes before the break, Sam Baird’s far post header was held by Pilling from White’s deep corner and Alex Kiwomya then shot past the near post after good set up play between Burton and George Waring.
With one minute of the half left, Daniels’ clever chip into the area evaded most of the defence before clipping the outside of the post and entering added time Rylands deservedly found the equaliser as Burton’s cross from the by line was headed home by Kiwomya.
Ashton opened the second period on the front foot as a long free kick fell to White to bring a good save out of Pilling and White then brought a full-length tip away out of the keeper after James Hardy had been fouled 30 yards out.
White’s cross midway through the half saw Matty Regan just scrape the ball over the crossbar and with 12 minutes remaining substitute Alex Byrne was fouled out wide with the free kick glancing off both Trevon Bryan and Tom Denton before going wide.
Byrne could have secured maximum points as he failed to properly test Pilling having picked up Osei’s flick on but the final scoreline remained a fair reflection of the play.
Ashton United: Eastham, Cowan, Doherty, Efunnuga (Denton 74), Burke, Baird, Rowe, White (Bryan 75), Gilchrist (Byrne 60), Osei, Hardy (Lowe 73). Sub (unused): Catt.
Attendance: 310.
Report: David Robinson.