ASHTON UNITED 1, GUISELEY 1
A second half fightback saw Ashton United rescue a draw at Hurst Cross after Guiseley had held sway in the first period of their Northern Premier League, premier fixture.
The Lions were on the back of beating Radcliffe away and it took just six minutes for them to move ahead as Benny Couto was penalised for pulling back Oluwagbenga Afuye and when Leigh Whelan floated the free kick into the box Callan Murphy’s header across the box gave Prince Ekpolo an easy finish close in.
Midway through the half a good move between James Hardy and Alex Byrne saw Jake Charles’ slide but just miss the ball.
Just before the half hour, Afuye cut inside before hitting the outside of the post and two minutes later the Lions missed another great chance to extend their advantage as Murphy’s driving run into the area won a penalty from Mitchell Rose, but keeper Paul Cooper made a great save down to Reece Kendall’s low effort.
Luke Mariette’s low effort brought a good save out of Cooper and Kofi Moore’s effort was blocked after Afuye had danced his way into the area.
In added time at the end of the half, Byrne’s near post cross won a corner which led to a scramble as Dan Cowan’s shot was blocked before both Clarke and Newton were denied close in.
Byrne’s ball over the top saw Charles just crowded out at the start of the second half but with Afuye still dangerous Murphy just missed his right-wing cross in front of goal before the right winger’s cross beat everyone after he tricked his way into the area.
WIth the hosts looking short on ideas, Brad Abbott was brought on as a substitute and immediately won a penalty from Kendall following a burst into the area, Byrne converting confidently just as he had done in the reverse fixture. Chances were thin on the ground after that with the closest seeing Kendall’s header easily held from Afuye’s cross.
Ashton United: Cooper, Cowan (Abbott 67), Newton, Couto (Gilchrist 79), Burke, Moke, Byrne, Rose, Hardy, Charles (Adams 79), Clarke. Subs (unused): Caton, Bjork.
Attendance: 361.
Report: David Robinson.