Ashton United 1 FC United of Manchester 3

Source: Tameside Advertiser

Bryan Marshall
October 22, 2009

BOTH managers were in agreement that the difference between the two sides was in the ability to convert chances into goals.

The early stages were evenly contested, although Sam Ashton produced a superb save to tip over a header from Ashton’s Matty O’Neill in only the third minute.

Both sides looked dangerous; the home side came close on several occasions, as Gareth Richards and Pat McFadden both managed to get in behind the visitors’ defence, but failed to capitalise on some good situations.

It was perhaps against the run of play that Phil Marsh put the visitors ahead, mid-way through the first half. Jerome Wright’s cross fell invitingly at Marsh’s feet and he placed a low shot into the corner.

From that point on the away side looked the more threatening, but it took until two minutes before the interval for a further goal to arrive.

It was well worth the wait, as defender, Adam Tong, struck a piledriver from fully 40 yards out, over bemused Ashton keeper, Terry Smith, and in to the top corner.

Within a minute, the Robins were back in it, when O’Neill cut inside, before striking a left-footed shot beyond Sam Ashton to almost stunned silence from the visiting supporters.

In the second half, both sides had good chances throughout. Former Ashton striker, Ben Deegan, was denied by Smith and struck another shot just wide.

Ashton then had a good spell of possession, but seemed unable to find the right pass in the danger areas.

They were made to pay 20 minutes from time when Carlos Roca fired home a rasping shot from just outside the penalty area, following good play from Marsh.

Ashton boss Danny Johnson lamented: "We can’t miss chances like we did if we want to be a top side.

"I felt the players played the occasion in the first half, rather than the opposition. However, in the second half they gave their all and deserved better than they got."

Attendance: 729