Ashton United 2 FC United 2

Source: Manchester Evening News

April 08, 2010

If ever there actually was a game of two halves, then this was it. The visitors started the match in impressive style and could have secured the points inside the opening 20 minutes after storming into a two-goal lead with 11 minutes gone.

However, the home side weathered the storm and came out after the break in inspired form.

The scores were level after 58 minutes and Ashton had chances to secure all three points, although in the end they had to settle for a draw.

Chris Ovington forced Ashton keeper Terry Smith into an early save after getting clear of the Robins’ defence.

Three minutes later, full-back Ludovic Quistin rampaged forward, before being tripped inside the penalty area. Carlos Roca converted the spot kick with aplomb.

The winger has tormented Ashton in previous encounters and he soon doubled the advantage with a brilliant finish, chipping the ball over Smith.

The Ashton goalkeeper was also called into action to save from Jerome Wright and Ovington.

Adam Morning came close for the home side with a firm shot that Sam Ashton pushed away for a corner and Iain Howard had two efforts deflected behind.

After the break Roca chipped the ball just over the crossbar, while Angelos Tsiaklis struck a shot that Smith tipped over for a corner.

However, the home side soon struck back; Gareth Richards’ shot was parried by Sam Ashton, but O’Neill seized on the loose ball and rolled it into the net.

Morning then produced a sublime finish to chip the ball into the top corner from just inside the penalty area and level the scores.

Ian Bennett was denied by Ashton after getting clear of the visitors’ defence and Richards had a diving header saved.

Substitute, Osebi Abadaki almost caught Ashton out with a low shot that the keeper saved at his near post and Howard was also denied to ensure a draw.

Attendance 707