RADCLIFFE FC 1, ASHTON UNITED 1
Ashton United got their second late goal of the week to rescue another draw, this time at Radcliffe’s Neuven Stadium in front of a crowd of 646.
Darius Osei, signed on loan from South Shields, struck an equaliser in the 89th minute for the Robins who, despite being 11th in the table, are only three points off second spot.
It was a near carbon copy of the home game against Stafford Rangers four days earlier when they scored an injury-time leveller.
Ashton gave a debut to right back Aidan Roxburgh who has been signed on a one-month loan from National League side Altrincham.
Radcliffe began with the advantage of the slope as Gareth Evans’s cross beat everyone before Sam Baird recovered to concede a corner from which Jack Evans glancing Nicky Adams delivery across goal.
Ashton could have struck first as Cole Lonsdale’s overlapping cross saw Callum Saunders touch just miss the far post.
A good turn by Radcliffe centre forward Djavan Pedro saw him progress into the area where Roxburgh denied him at the cost of a corner. Winger Jem Karacan then headed a clear opportunity over from Gareth Evans’ pass.
A ball from Ashton’s George Milner saw Saunders hold off a Jack Evans before his goal bound shot was blocked by Olly Thornley.
Four minutes into the second half saw Joe Robbins send an effort skimming over from Osei’s lay off.
After Harry Coates was booked for catching Karacan, Adam’s deep cross was headed back by Jack Evans for Thornley to touch home from close in.
Two minutes later a fine move through midfield saw Jake Thompson set up Gareth Evans who could only steer his effort wide and a dangerous cross by Matthew Crothers saw Gareth Evans fire narrowly wide on the turn.
Substitute Jack Kenny then made a decent run to the by-line for the Robins which saw Osei’s shot on the turn blocked and Roxburgh hit an effort across goal from Hardcastle’s square pass.
With 15 minutes left, Coates headed Cole Lonsdale’s corner past the far post.
Bobby Grant’s quick break saw Karacan just miss the angle after cutting back on to his right foot.
With the visitors still pressing for the leveller, Ben Hardcastle dragged his left foot attempt wide from the edge of the area, but his next run saw him set up Osei who slid the 89th minute equaliser into the far corner.
Ashton United: Hartley, Roxburgh, Lonsdale, Baird, Coates, Hough (Warren 62), Hardcastle, Milner, Saunders (Battersby 90), Osei, Robbins (Kenny 62). SNU: Scanlon, Phenix.
- Ashton United’s two longest-serving players, Liam Tomsett and Sam Sheridan have left the club.
Both players are taking a complete break from football, Cumbrian-based Tomsett following the birth of his first child and Sheridan because of a spate of injuries.
Report: David Robinson