ASHTON UNITED 0, WARRINGTON RYLANDS 0
The battle between the last two Ashton United managers finished all square as Warrington Rylands maintained the only unbeaten away record in Northern Premier League, premier after an entertaining encounter at Hurst Cross.
And a point leave Michael Clegg’s Rylands in second place with Steve Cunningham’s Robins seventh but only one point outside the play-off places and a mere five adrift of the Warrington side such is the congestion at the top end of the table.
The visitors were featuring several ex-Robins in their line up but could have gone behind after only two minutes as Matty Regan’s pass out of defence was intercepted by Alex Byrne who raced into the area before just missing the far post with his right foot effort.
Visiting centre forward Djavan Pedro was then denied in the area from Adama Sidibeh’s pass before a short corner saw a sharp turn from Momodou Touray with the ball almost falling to Pedro who was denied close in by keeper Luke Simpson.
Ben Hardcastle then cut inside on to his left foot and his snapshot brought a save out of Simpson at his near post and the half closed with Hardcastle bringing a fine tip over out of Simpson after winning a free kick on the edge of the area.
The second period opened with an incredible escape in the visiting defence as Benny Couto’s run won a corner which saw Jake Charles slide a low effort against the post with the rebound deflecting on to the bar off Byrne before James Hardy was denied at the near post.
Couto then cut inside two defenders before seeing his shot blocked and just past the hour Sean Newton’s pass out of defence saw a slip leave Byrne a clear sight of goal but having cut inside he curled disappointingly past the far post.
Rylands were a constant danger and came closest to opening the scoring a minute later as a quick break saw Touray’s square pass hit against the inside of the post by Sidibeh before Newton cleared.
With both sides still searching for a winner, Hardcastle advanced before firing a left foot effort comfortably wide and an attempt from a tight angle by Javid Swaby-Neavin forced a palm away by Simpson and the final action saw a great run from Couto lead to substitute James Caton sliding his effort too close to Pilling.
Ashton United: Simpson, Baird (Cowan 42), Newton, Couto, Burke, Abbott, Byrne, Rose, Hardy (Gilchrist 60), Charles, Clarke (Caton 84). Subs (unused): Cusani, Simms.
Attendance: 359.
Report: David Robinson.