BASFORD UNITED 1, ASHTON UNITED 2
A last-minute goal by Louis White maintained Ashton United’s Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier play-off push at Basford United in Nottinghamshire after a second half which could have swung either way.
The Robins, who occupy the last play-off spot, restored Jordan Eastham in goal and gave a debut to James Westwood, on loan from Bolton, in place of injured captain Luke Burke.
Just five minutes in, Ashton moved ahead as a series of three corners from White ended with captain on the day Sean Newton heading the visitors ahead.
Fifteen minutes later, a good break by Marcus Carver lead to Josh Doherty’s cross being denied at the near post and a quick break from the home side then saw Revarnelle James set up Jacob Gratton who dragged his effort past the far post.
Six minutes before the break, Alex Byrne laid a loose ball off to Remi Effunuga who was bundled over by Tyreace Palmer at the cost of a penalty which saw Byrne’s kick palmed away by keeper Saul Deeney. The referee ordered a retake which saw Byrne switch sides only for Deeney to touch his effort against the post with the rebound being scrambled away.
On the stroke of the interval, a decent cross-field pass put Taylor Anderson into the area where his left-foot effort was well saved by the right hand of Eastham.
Five minutes after the break, Basford missed a glorious chance to equalise as Anderson’s right wing cross saw the unmarked Palmer heading over from six yards out.
But three minutes later, matters were level as Rhys Sharpe’s long flat throw in saw a scramble end with Matt Thornhill forcing the ball home.
With the game completely open, White sent Darius Osei clear through the middle only for the forward to guide his effort wide.
Following a corner, Tyler Dacres fired in a swinging effort which was palmed out by Eastham. Anderson’s next cross saw Palmer’s effort saved close in with the Robins’ defence under increasing pressure ending with Anderson’s powerful header from a corner being headed off the line by Doherty.
The drama continued as James saw red for bringing down Donald Chimalilo as the last man with the winger heading a rebound from Byrne’s shot wide of goal.
But with time running out, Eastham’s quick clearance allowed Osei to tee up White who cut inside on to his right foot before settling the contest.
Ashton United: J Eastham, Rose (Rowe 74), Doherty, Newton, Westwood, Baird, Byrne, White, Carver (Chimalilo 59), Osei, Effunuga. Subs (unused): Denton, Jeffers, Gilchrist.
Attendance: 276.
Report: David Robinson.