BASFORD UNITED 1, ASHTON UNITED 2
Ashton United’s first win on an artificial surface since August 2022 saw them move up to third place in Northern Premier League, premier on an inclement day in Nottinghamshire.
The Robins were without the suspended Sean Newton and injured Alex Byrne and set off playing against a strong wind with Luke Burke just stopping Jordan Hallam’s run on the edge of the area before Hallam exchanged passes with Remaye Campbell with Sam Baird blocking his shot just in time.
Seven minutes in, a flick header put Tyler Dacres in on Luke Simpson who made a brave block, being injured in the process and a snapshot from Hallam then forced the Ashton keeper into a low save.
Just past the 20-minute mark, Nathan Lowe’s first-time cross saw Jason Gilchrist’s header tipped over and from the resulting corner Gilchrist headed a great chance past the far post.
Three minutes later, a great passing move by the Robins saw Lowe fire a spectacular 35-yard effort over Kieran Preston and into the home goal, all the more impressive for it being against the prevailing wind.
Approaching the interval, a loose ball dropped to Toby Ritzema on the edge of the area and his low effort struck the left-hand post before being scrambled to safety.
Five minutes after the restart, the hosts were back on the attack as a scramble in the area finally ended with Joshua Barnes’ shot being blocked.
Lowe then saw his shot deflected wide from Gilchrist’s lay off. Four minutes later Ashton doubled their advantage as Gilchrist slid home Lowe’s pass in the area picking up a knock in the process which saw him subsequently substituted.
Campbell then won a corner from Couto which saw Kieran Fenton hooking the loose ball over the top and Couto himself then won a corner which saw an own goal almost result.
As the game got a little heated several bookings were handed out but, with nine minutes left, Fenton’s chip to the far post was bundled home by Jack Thomas to halve the deficit.
The closest the home side came to an equaliser was when Fenton put a free header over from Hallam’s corner.
Ashton could have made the game safe as a rebound fell to Marcus Cusani whose effort was blocked for a corner.
Ashton United: Simpson, Cowan, Baird, Couto, Burke, Rose, Cusani, Hardy (Milner 72), Gilchrist (Adams 64), Lowe, Charles (Caton 78). Subs (unused): Bjork, Catt.
Attendance: 259.
Report: David Robinson.