ASHTON UNITED 1, WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON 0
A goal ten minutes from time by Louie Potts was enough to see Ashton United into the quarter finals of the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup after a tight encounter at Hurst Cross.
The Robins handed debuts to goalkeeper Joel Fletcher, Lewis Cunningham in defence and Richard Whittingham in midfield and saw the visiting defence clear an early Cole Lonsdale corner to safety.
Just before the quarter hour, a fine run by Keilen Adams won a corner which saw Lonsdale’s next delivery held and Potts’ pass then sent Adams clean through, but a poor attempt was easily saved by Dimji Willan.
As Ashton continued to press, George Milner just failed to collect Joe Robbins’ return pass and returning captain Sam Baird’s header landed on the roof of the net.
West’s first clear-cut chance came when Andreas Bianga committed a foul 30 yards out which led to Matthew Smyth’s shot from a narrow angle needing to be tipped over.
Adams failed to get sufficient contact on Lonsdale’s long ball he burst into the area before steering over. Then his dangerous cross evaded everyone including James Caton lurking at the far post.
Midway through the second period, a long ball set Oliver Ford free with Fletcher clearing from outside his area, legitimately in the view of the referee and Ford went close again shortly afterwards as his volley just missed the far post after a throw in had been flicked on.
A break from a free kick then saw substitute Jason Gilchrist tee up Potts whose touch took the ball too close to Fletcher and Gilchrist himself then hit the side netting after some dawdling in the visitors’ defence.
Entering the final 10 minutes and with penalties once again looming Adams turned provider as he robbed Callum Graham and set up Potts who calmly slid home to send Ashton into the next round.
Ashton United: Fletcher, Baird (Seol 54), Cunningham, Lonsdale, Milner, Bianga, Robbins, Whittingham (Dawson 61), Adams, Potts, Caton (Gilchrist 72). Subs (unused): Cusani, Byrne.
Attendance: 153.
Report: David Robinson.