GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 2, ASHTON UNITED 2
Ashton United’s first league draw of the season saw them rescue a point from the Kal Group Stadium after twice coming from behind against Gainsborough Trinity.
It was a good point as Trinity remain unbeaten at home and was enough to see the Robins stay third in Northern Premier League, premier.
Andreas Bianga was brought back into the visitors’ line up to replace the departed James Hardy but it was the hosts who had the better of the opening quarter hour as a loose pass from Luke Burke was intercepted leaving Dayle Southwell to fire over and Bobby Johnson’s on target effort was deflected out for a corner.
Javell Clarke then just failed to turn on to Southwell’s left wing cross before Ashley Jackson sent a volley past the near post from Dan Cowan’s clearing header.
Alex Byrne then moved into the action and lofted an attempt towards the far post which had Luke Jackson struggling in the home goal and just past the half hour Clarke’s curving pass saw Declan Howe get there ahead of Luke Simpson with the keeper recovering to save his shot before Southwell scuffed the rebound back to the keeper.
Two minutes later Howe’s run saw Southwell’s square pass converted into the top corner by Bobby Johnson, but five minutes later the Robins were level as Mitchell Rose drove a 25-yard effort in off the left-hand post after Burke had won the ball down the left wing.
Seven minutes after the interval a quick break saw Howe take a pass in his stride before his shot was well blocked by Sean Newton with the forward heading the rebound wide.
Just past the hour Simpson was back in the action as Southwell forced him into a good save with the rebound deflected out for a corner.
With the game wide open, George Hornshaw’s pass from his own half took a slight deflection putting Howe through on goal form where he advanced into the area before calmly finishing past Simpson.
Ten minutes later, Byrne collected a rebound and his deep cross found Jason Gilchrist at the far post to head the Robins level again.
An entertaining encounter finished with a spell of pressure from the home side needing Bailey Conway’s effort to be tipped away by Simpson as it arrowed towards the top corner.
Ashton United: Simpson, Cowan, Newton (Adams 54), Couto, Burke, Baird, Byrne, Rose, Gilchrist, Cusani, Bianga (Milner 54). Subs (unused): Lonsdale, Robbins, Dawson.
Attendance: 384.
Report: David Robinson.