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Ashton Utd 1-1 North Ferriby Utd

20/ 8/2008

VISITING goalkeeper Steve Wilson produced a man-of-the-match performance to prevent Ashton taking all three points from their opening league fixture.

The Robins found it impossible to find a way past the experienced Wilson, but an own goal four minutes from the end of normal time salvaged a share of the spoils for the home side – the least they deserved after dominating the second half.

The first real chance came in the fifth minute when Ben Deegan raced clear of the visiting defence and fired a left-footed shot which Wilson tipped around the post.

Ashton found themselves behind three minutes later when Liam Chapman’s speculative ball forward from 40 yards sailed over Terry Smith and into the top corner.

The visitors went on to have the better of the opening half with experienced striker Gary Bradshaw a constant threat, but Ashton’s new backline stayed strong with Smith saving well from Colin Hunter and looking comfortable throughout.

He denied Kevin Larvin early in the second half, following which, the introduction of Danny Caldecott seemed to give the Robins more attacking impetus. Iain Howard’s effort flew just wide before Wilson produced fine saves to keep out headers from Deegan and Craig Robinson.

With time running out though, a ball forward from Stephen Rose was chased by substitute Gareth Richards and Chapman was pressured into slicing the ball past his own keeper for the equaliser.

Ashton sensed they could go on and win the match and they almost did just that when Caldecott’s cross found the head of Richards, who beat Wilson, but saw the ball rebound to safety off the crossbar.

Attendance: 128

Bryan Marshall