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Holiday spell will give Johnson an indication of Ashton’s 2008 fortunes

28/12/2007

ASHTON United boss Danny Johnson (pictured) believes the festive period will let the club know a bit more about istelf heading into 2008.

Having drawn 1-1 at Gateshead last weekend, the Robins faced leaders Witton Albion on Boxing Day before facing Lincoln United on Saturday and Prescot Cables on New Year’s Day.

With the Robins languishing at the wrong end of the table for all those concerned, Johnson said the point gained in the North East should act as a spur to his side.

He said: "It’s given us a bit of belief that we can go to the top teams and get something from them if we stick to our guns.

"We proved that the first time we played Witton when we were beaten 2-1 at home, but I’m sure they will admit we were unlucky not to take anything from the game.

"It took Fleetwood Town 60 minutes to break us down, so we know that if we can do the right things, work hard and concentrate, we can cope with anyone at this level.

"In my mind, Lincoln United is a must-win game if I’m being honest and Prescot is another one where we need to pick up three points."

Ashton were the only one of the local clubs in action last weekend as the frost which claimed everyone else’s game did not halt the match at the International Stadium.

Graeme Armstrong had given the home side a first-half lead, only for Dean Canning to ensure the Robins left with a point by equalising eight minutes from time.

However, Johnson revealed that there was an element of both pride and disappointment in bringing a point back to Hurst Cross.

He said: "It was a fantastic point but at the end of the day, part of me thinks it was two points dropped because we missed a couple of great chances to win and take the three points.

"That’s been the story of our season. We’ve had nine draws and four or five of those were games where we should easily have taken the full quota of points which would have put us in the top six or seven.

"In the first half, Gateshead were the best side I’ve seen at this level with the way they played a different formation to most teams, using a diamond in midfield. They really got the ball down and passed it exceptionally well.

"While they were running the show, I tucked my two wide midfield players in and went man-for-man. Credit to my lads though because they absolutely worked their socks off and set the paltform for us.

"Second half, we came out and weathered a storm before absolutely battering them, we footballed them to death and got an equaliser. I know it’s a cliche but it was a game of two halves."