STAFFORD RANGERS 1, ASHTON UNITED 1
Nathan Lowe redeemed himself at Marston Road firing home a fine second half equaliser for Ashton United after his first-half trip had conceded a penalty which gave hosts Stafford Rangers the lead.
In this clash of two mid-table teams in Northern Premier League, premier division, the Robins were first on the attack as a lofted ball saw Andrew Burns concede a corner with Jason Gilchrist almost capitalising on the return ball.
After quarter of an hour, Dale Whitham picked up a soft booking for a foul on Joe Willis which was to have repercussions later as he was dismissed in injury time.
Alex-Ray Harvey was then forced to concede a corner from Jack McKay’s squeezed cross which saw Keilen Adams shot blocked from goalkeeper Cameron Belford’s palm out.
Just before the half hour, the best move to date saw Joseph Kenton fire Callum Saunders lay off over the top and then a neat return ball saw Willis force a corner off Sean Newton, Willis receiving a short delivery and winning a penalty as he turned past Lowe with Thomas Tonks sending Mendes the wrong way.
Rangers continued to employ their tactics of long throw ins from Tonks after the break with the questionable option of drying the ball on a towel while Saunders shot across the face of goal from Jack Baxter’s tee up following good work by Harvey. Tonks’ latest delivery saw Morrison-Derbyshire firing over after Baxter’s effort was blocked.
Approaching the midway point of the half, the equaliser arrived almost out of the blue as Lowe picked up a loose ball in midfield and withstood a couple of challenges before arrowing a left foot effort into the far corner giving Belford no chance.
Another long throw-in then gave Rangers the chance to regain the lead as Stewart’s flick on saw a glaring miss from Saunders at the far post.
With Ashton back in the argument, Harry Bunn sent a 35-yard effort swinging wide as McKay’s cross was headed clear and substitute Craig Hobson saw a shot deflected wide before Lowe’s lofted return ball found Gilchrist heading a great chance straight at Belford.
With both sides looking for the win Hobson won a free kick 30 yards out which saw Newton disappointingly clear the bar while for Rangers Stewart headed a throw in just wide inside the six-yard box.
Ashton United: Mendes, Milner, Newton, Baird, Regan, Bunn, Gilchrist (Hough 90), Whitham, Adams (Hobson 75), Lowe, McKay. SNU: Lonsdale, Baillie, Guilfoyle.
Report: David Robinson.