ASHTON UNITED 1, ILKESTON TOWN 2
Ashton United’s play-off hope took were dented as the Pitching In Northern Premier League’s form side were beaten in controversial circumstances in Saturday’s battle of The Robins.
But with Hyde United, who occupy fifth place and the last play-off spot, also losing, Ashton still remain strong favourites to overhaul the Tigers.
Both clubs have 64 points with Ashton, who have an inferior goal difference, having played two less matches than the Tigers who only have one game left to the Robins’ three.
Steve Cunningham’s side, which had won seven of its last eight games to reignite a play-off which had looked over not long ago, had the first chance as Alex Byrne set off on one of his trademark runs down the right, found Dan Cowan at the back post who nodded it down to Jason Gilchrist who couldn’t convert from six yards.
Moments later, the first of the controversies came as Ilkeston’s left back Jamie Walker slid in late on Byrne, leaving the Robins’ winger with two feet in his chest but a yellow card was produced by the referee.
Tempers flared as the referee allowed more to be let go without punishment, Kielen Adams was through on goal only to be scythed down by Callum Minkley, but the centre half got away without being taken into the notebook and the resulting free-kick ended wide from Byrne.
The Derbyshire based outfit, took the lead bang on the half hour mark as dependable midfielder Mitch Rose allowed the visitors to break and, after a superb double save from Robins’ keeper Paul Cooper, fell foul of former Grantham striker’s Jonathan Wafula’s right boot.
A double change came at the break for Cunningham, but it was the visitors that doubled their lead eight minutes into the second period, as Tom Cursons tapped home unmarked at the back post.
The Robins claimed a consolation goal as a great strike from 30 yards with his weak foot saw Benny Couto fire home for the left back’s third goal of the season.
The controversy was compounded as top scorer Gilchrist was shown a straight red for an elbow seen only by the man in the middle.
Ashton United: Cooper, Cowan, Newton (Abbott 45), Baird, Burke, Rose (Lowe 45), Byrne. Hardy, Gilchrist, Adams, Clarke (Couto 60) Subs (unused): Cusani, Charles.
Attendance: 304.
Report: Max Clayton.