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Ashton Utd 0 - 1 Gateshead

23/ 4/2008

A 67TH minute goal from skipper Steve Bowey saw play-off contenders Gateshead shade a close encounter which ended with results elsewhere assuring Ashton of safety.

In a game of few clear cut chances, it was always likely that one would be enough to win this match but the home side will be disappointed at the manner in which it came.

A cross from the right caused confusion in the Ashton defence, and when the ball fell to Bowey, his initial shot was blocked but he was given enough time to pick his spot with a second effort.

The visitors had the advantage of a strong wind at their backs in the first half, but they failed to take advantage despite dominating the early possession. The only shot they managed on target came from Bowey but Damien Rooney produced a fine save, diving to his left to push the ball away from goal.

At the other end, Matty O’Neill’s overlapping run and cross made a chance for Nathan Wharton whose header was held by Paul Musselwhite.

The second half produced more in the way of goalmouth action as Rooney saved with his legs from Graeme Armstrong and twice denied substitute Paul Brayson with good saves. Ben Deegan headed Stuart Howson’s cross against the top of the bar on the hour before Howey struck the only goal seven minutes later with Rooney unable to prevent it.

Straight from the restart, Ian Bennett fired over when well placed before O’Neill tested Musselwhite with a low effort as Ashton sought an equaliser. Ben Smith came close 10 minutes from the end with a 40-yard lob that was just too high with Musselwhite stranded outside his area.

Gareth Richards made a welcome return to the Ashton line-up when introduced as a substitute for the injured Ben Deegan, making his first competitive appearance since sustaining serious head injuries in a fall earlier in the year.

Attendance: 147