IRLAM FC 4, ASHTON UNITED 2
North West Counties Football League side Irlam FC pulled off a giantkilling act against Ashton United as they deservedly booked their place in the semi-final of the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup.
Irlam knocked out holders Ashton, a team two divisions higher in the pyramid, on a freezing night in Manchester, with striker John Johnston netting a hat-trick.
The visiting Robins moved Trevon Bryan to the left side of midfield, but it was the hosts who got off to a flyer as just two minutes in Jack Mitchell’s cross was converted at the far post by John Main.
Shortly afterwards a clearance reached Johnston who fired wildly over before Ethan Cartwright’s lay back saw Johnston’s shot easily saved by keeper Jordan Eastham.
After 25 minutes, a clever pass from Declan Daniels sent Johnston into the area for a confident finish past Eastham and Taylor McMahon’s free kick then brought a good save out of Eastham.
Approaching the interval, Mitchell won a corner from Sean Newton which saw the delivery turned against the post with Newton possibly getting the final touch.
The second half had barely got under way when the home side extended their lead as great work at the byline by Taylor saw Johnston convert his cross at the far post.
Ashton’s response saw Tom Denton’s knockdown helped over by Louis White. Then 10 minutes into the half, a sharp turn by Jason Gilchrist saw him sting the palms of Elliot Wynne.
But five minutes later, Cameron Rowe took down Daniels in the area and when the centre forward picked himself up Eastham dived to his left to save the spot kick.
The Robins then won a corner which saw the ball cleared off the line before Gilchrist forced it over the line off a defender from a narrow angle.
Eastham then denied McMahon’s fierce effort at the near post. With two minutes left, Daniels’ half volley fell neatly for Johnston to sweep home his hat-trick goal and there was just time for Ashton to find a consolation as Denton powerfully headed home White’s cross.
Ashton United: Eastham, Bryan, Doherty, Newton, Burke, Hogan (Cowan 36), Rowe (Osei 62), White, Gilchrist, Lowe, Denton. Subs (unused): Byrne, Hardy, Rimmer.
Report: David Robinson