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Ashton Utd 3-2 Matlock Town

3/ 9/2008

ASHTON made it three successive victories to continue their impressive start to the new season.

They took a three-goal lead in this match and seemed to be coasting, but the visitors never gave up and managed to get two goals back, albeit the second one coming deep into added time.

Ben Deegan came close to scoring inside five minutes, but was denied by Matlock keeper Andy Richmond, who dived at the striker’s feet before the ball was scrambled clear. Town’s Dene Cropper headed wide from a Ross Hannah cross as the visitors began to press. Ashton keeper Terry Smth was called into action to tip over Cropper’s header before Hannah headed the resulting corner over from close range.

Five minutes later, the home side took the lead when Craig Robinson headed home from Ian Bennett’s fine cross.

The home side did not have long to wait for the second goal though, Ben Smith latching onto a loose ball and firing a shot on the turn past Richmond.

The first chance of the second period fell to Cropper, but he shot across goal and the ball was cleared. Richmond saved Danny Caldecott’s free kick at the second attempt and Ian Fitzpatrick’s goal was ruled out for off-side.

The Ashton striker was not to be denied though, breaking clear of the defence before slotting past Richmond. At 3-0, the game seemed over as a contest but the visitors deserved credit for continuing to battle.

Steve Warne beat Smith with a low shot to give Matlock hope of a comeback before Haydn Eames’ shot cannoned off the upright with Richmond beaten.

In stoppage time, Matlock got a second goal when Hannah got behind the Robins’ defence and finished well.

Attendance: 152

Bryan Marshall