MORPETH TOWN 1, ASHTON UNITED 4
An impressive performance saw Ashton United extend their fine away record In Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier with an ultimately comprehensive win in the North East at Morpeth Town.
The Robins, who are in the play-off spots, were missing Dan Cowan from defence with the hosts somewhat depleted with only three players on the bench.
Ashton made the perfect start as James Hardy picked up the ball from a throw in and sent Jason Gilchrist into the area for a confident finish on his left foot.
Just six minutes in a back header by Ewan McGowan played Nathan Buddle into trouble with Gilchrist eventually seeing his low effort saved.
Sean Newton then sprayed a pass out to Luke Burke whose first time control and cross led to Louis White’s low attempt being saved.
Just past the half hour Rhys Evans’ dangerous left wing cross saw Jordan Eastham pick up a knock as Jack Foalle closed in and a square pass then saw Louis White attempt a spectacular finish from halfway which was too close for comfort for Dan Langley in the home goal.
Six minutes after the break, Burke stepped inside and his left foot shot brought a good block out of Langley with Gilchrist steering the rebound wide from an offside position.
Shortly afterwards White’s cross beat both Darius Osei and Gilchrist at the far post. Five minutes later the hosts were back in the contest as a long ball down the right wing saw Foalle’s cross eventually reach the unmarked Nic Bollado who steadied before bringing the scores level.
With the game now much more open Hardy’s pass put Osei in position to fire across the goal and just past the midway point of the half Hardy turned and played White down the left and his cross was knocked into his own net by Buddle under pressure from Gilchrist.
With 10 minutes left, a long clearance from Eastham saw Osei flick on to Gilchrist and his first time cross was finished from near the penalty spot by Hardy.
With the game now up for the Highwaymen the matter was settled in added time as Gilchrist’s lay off was fired home by substitute Nathan Lowe after Osei and Hardy had combined to recycle a deep cross.
Ashton United: Eastham, Efunnuga, Doherty, Newton, Burke, Baird, Rowe (Lowe 79), White (Byrne 74), Gilchrist, Osei, Hardy. Subs (unused): Cunningham, Bryan, Denton.
Attendance: 257.
Report: David Robinson.