MAINE ROAD 0, ASHTON UNITED 4
Defending champions Ashton United had a comfortable passage through to the semi-finals of the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup.
Two goals in each half saw off hosts Maine Road, who are three divisions lower in the football pyramid, at their Brantingham Road ground.
Harry Coates was back as captain for the Robins with Ben Hough also in the starting line-up.
Road had the first real chance as a quick break saw Jamie Roe’s left wing cross steered wide by Ben Mooney.
Roe then went close with a curling effort narrowly past the angle following a throw in and, after Joe Robbins’ snapshot was deflected wide from 25 yards, the resulting corner saw Cole Lonsdale’s delivery to the near post go straight in for the opening goal.
Darius Osei then forced Peter Monteith into a low save and the keeper was in the action again just before the break with a great save denying Ben Hardcastle from Robbins’ cross. Right on the stroke of half time another corner saw Osei force the ball home from close range to double the advantage.
The hosts could have pulled one back immediately after the resumption as a free kick was flicked on to Joe Keyworth who volleyed over when well placed.
George Milner then picked up a booking for a foul on Mooney with Keyworth heading home a loose ball from Roe’s free kick from an offside position.
With 15 minutes left, Osei turned onto a pass from substitute Pababou Jenkins and slid home and Monteith then saved from Jack Kenny before Osei missed his hat trick firing wide.
There was still time for Ben Hough to fire home Hardcastle’s cross for Ashton’s fourth goal and for Road’s Josh Clegg to help Youssef Bellatar’s pass over the bar before the Robins looked forward to the next round.
Ashton United: Hartley, Roxburgh, Lonsdale, Milner, Coates (Jenkins 59), Regan, Hardcastle, Hough, Kenny, Osei, Robbins (Warren 57). Sub (not used): Taylor.
Report: David Robinson