ASHTON UNITED 1, MACCLESFIELD FC 0
A dramatic finish saw Ashton United’s score a 94th minute winner against Macclesfield FC, the runaway leaders of Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier.
Centre back Sam Baird stunned the Silkmen with his last-gasp header for the in-form Robins from a free kick which had head coach Robbie Savage fuming as he claimed it was needlessly conceded.
It was a frustrating night for Savage’s side which suffered only a third loss in 26 league games, though they remain 13 points clear at the top.
But with second-placed Guiseley having played one less game, Savage admitted this loss will give other teams a lift.
Savage could not fault the effort and endeavour of his players as Macc twice struck the frame of the Robins’ goal and missed umpteen other chances.
He said: “The lads were magnificent, but you cannot miss so many chances.
“We had double figure chances, and they had only two or three, but credit to them for taking theirs. If you don’t take them, that is what happens.
“I sensed the game would go like it did after missing so many chances. We need to create 15 or 16 chances in a game to score twice.
“We are still 13 points clear, but this defeat gives others a lift.”
There were contrasting emotions for Ashton manager Steve Cunningham on the day he celebrated his second anniversary at Hurst Cross.
His side strengthened its hold on the last play-off place as their recent good form continued.
It was also some turnabout in their fortunes as Ashton suffered an embarrassing 7-1 loss at Macclesfield in the Isuzu FA Trophy back in late October and earlier in the season had also lost 1-0 at the Leasing.com Stadium in the league.
Cunningham said: “We didn’t want revenge to be a tactic and for it to be bitter-sweet.
“We wanted a good Ashton United performance and to continue what we have done in the run which has seen us lose only once in 10 games.
“Looking at how we have been playing, it was not a surprise, but there is no better way to win it than with a 94th minute goal.
“A draw would probably have been a fair result, but lady luck was with us.”
The opening half was a non-event as neither goalkeeper had a shot to save.
It was an altogether different story in the second period as both sides carved out clear-cut chances.
Blackburn Rovers’ loanee keeper Jordan Eastham pulled off two big saves for Ashton to deny D’Mani Mellor and Luke Duffy while Silkmen stopper Max Dearnley did well to turn over a 25-yard drive from Nathan Lowe and claw out a cross from Alex Byrne which was dipping under the crossbar.
Danny Elliott crashed a shot against the bar as the Silkmen’s star striker almost grabbed his 25th goal of the season while Paul Dawson’s looping header from a corner almost struck the woodwork.
A free kick from Byrne clipped the top of the Macc bar and the game looked to be heading for a goalless draw when Ashton struck the decisive blow in stoppage time.
Macc conceded as cheap free kick on the left touchline and Lowe, who leaves next week to play football in Australia, fired over a perfect cross for Baird to head home.
It was only a second goal of the season for the former Trafford FC and FC United player and a moment which sparked jubilant scenes from the home fans in a crowd of 407 who had braved the sub-zero temperature with a victory which warmed their hearts.