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Robins rattled

17/12/2003

Harrogate Town 2
Ashton Utd 1

ASHTON United failed to capture a third straight win by coming a cropper at Harrogate.

Unlike their previous two derby victories, the Robins were second best in the tackle for long periods and even when they pulled a goal back, never convinced their fans they could get anything out of the game.

Town made better use of the blustery conditions and had first use of the vast slope where Colin Hunter used his pace to good effect, although it was Ashton who should have opened the scoring when Phil Denney brushed off Neil Aspin but shot straight at Liam Sutcliffe.

A long clearance then sent Glenn Naylor away, but Danny Trueman was equal to his effort.

Ashton's best chance in the opening period came when Jason Dormer's free-kick fell to Danny White who attempted to backheel the ball over the line, but failed to get enough purchase on the ball.

Town took a 27th minute lead when a flowing move ended with Hunter and Mark Barnard combining on the left to set up Naylor whose shot deflected past Trueman.

Harrogate made the brighter start to the second half, establishing a two-goal cushion as Andrew Parton produced a thunderous shot that beat Trueman at his near post.

Ashton never let their heads drop and made the final quarter of an hour interesting as Denney's fine pass went into Dormer's path, who beat his marker and fired home via a slight deflection.

Ashton were almost gifted an equaliser when Denney found Steve Smith who shot into the side netting.

Jamie Miller almost grabbed a point with a sharp turn and volley in injury-time that Sutcliffe was relieved to save.