ASHTON UNITED 0, GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 2
Ashton United manager Steve Cunningham was critical of his lacklustre play-off chasing side following the home defeat by Gainsborough Trinity.
“We showed a lack of intensity, and it felt like a pre-season match, not play-off contenders which makes it very difficult to win,” he said.
The Robins, who occupy the last play-off spot in Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier, are stumbling towards the finishing line as they are four points clear of sixth-placed Ilkeston Town with three matches remaining.
Eighth-placed Trinity, with no chance of extending their season, produced a display which delighted manager Russ Wilcox.
“We were outstanding throughout the game considering we had nothing to play for. It was a tremendous all-round team display,” he enthused.
An uninspiring encounter at Hurst Cross saw Trinity comfortably defeat their play-off chasing opponents courtesy of a goal in each half.
The Robins restored captain Luke Burke at right back and also fielded Connor Eastham in goal again deputising for his brother Jordan and there was an early warning for the home defence as a ball over the top found Declan Howe running free before firing over the bar.
A sharp turn in the area from Darius Osei then saw him drag his effort past the near post having collected Louis White’s header.
And amidst a cagey opening to the game, Howe then tested Eastham low down from the edge of the area. Midway through the half, the influential Howe was set free after Bobby Johnson won the ball in midfield and lifted a comfortable finish over Eastham to give Trinity the lead.
Marcus Carver then saw his shot deflect wide after Burke’s burst into the box saw his cross blocked and Burke then hit a wild effort over the target after a throw in had been returned to him.
Just past the half hour, Alex Byrne squeezed his cross over only for Sam Baird to miss his connection as the half ended with the visiting keeper untroubled.
Two substitutions were made at half time by Cunningham and Byrne’s twisting run then won a corner which ended with Josh Doherty picking up a booking for stopping Howe on the break.
Two minutes before the hour, Ashton came as close as they had as a long ball saw the referee award a free kick which saw Byrne’s 25-yard curler just miss the near post.
Carver then saw his back header held from Byrne’s cross before his near post effort was blocked leading to himself and Will Lancaster being booked in the ensuing melee.
With 14 minutes left, the points were made safe as James Hardy gave the ball away in a defensive position and Howe’s set up saw Lewis Butroid fire home from the edge of the area on his left foot.
Osei was the just unable to take Doherty’s fired cross in his stride with the visitors running out worthy winners.
Ashton United: C Eastham, Rose (Rowe 46), Doherty, Newton, Burke, Baird, Byrne, White (Denton 80), Carver (Gilchrist 86), Osei (Chimalilo 82), Efunnuga (Hardy 46).
Attendance: 309.
Report: David Robinson.