ASHTON UNITED 0, ASHINGTON 0
Ashton United head to the North East on Tuesday (Sept 6) to try and keep their Emirates FA Cup dreams alive.
A replay is required to decide whether the Robins or Ashington progress following a disappointing first qualifying round tie at Hurst Cross.
It was 90 minutes almost devoid of lacking any real goalmouth action.
The visitors featured ex-Blyth Spartans stalwarts Robbie Dale and Daniel Maguire and it was Dale, playing in a deeper role, who cleared Callum Saunders’ initial cross after four minutes.
Maguire was then just unable to get a touch on a ball through the middle and he then won a corner off Sam Baird following a run into the area which saw Cole Lonsdale head the cross to safety.
Ben Hardcastle won a free kick 30 yards out for the hosts which ended with Lonsdale’s disappointing effort hitting the visitors’ wall.
Paul Robinson then steered Maguire’s pass off target and Niall Battersby’s delivery was cut out after a decent exchange with Lonsdale.
On the half hour Craig Spooner curled an effort wide of the home goal after Ben Sampson had burst past two players and three minutes later a slip at the back saw Hardcastle’s pass to Saunders cut out by keeper Karl Dryden before the danger was averted.
Robinson’s near post effort was then parried by Ashton keeper Greg Hartley and needed Matty Regan to complete the clearance and Maguire was crowded out in the area after decent work by Thomas Kalthoeber.
The visitors carved out a clear chance within five minutes of the restart as Robinson’s pass sent Maguire clear but, with Hartley narrowing the angle, he fired over.
Lonsdale’s left wing cross then saw Saunders just failing to bring the ball under control and Lonsdale was then required to clear twice in front of goal as the Colliers looked more likely to break the deadlock.
It was the first time this season Ashton had failed to score as all eyes switch to the North East on Tuesday.
Ashton United: Hartley, Battersby, Warren (Spinelli 46), Lonsdale, Regan, Baird, Hardcastle, Saunders, Hough (Harrop 58), Sheridan (Baillie 81). Subs (not used): Taylor, Etia, Simpson, Coates.
Report: David Robinson.