Browse Sections

• Local football
• Local cricket

A forgettable day

Dave Johnston
21/12/2004

DESPITE a magnificent second half fightback and wonder goal from Ashley Jones, Ashton slipped to their third consecutive 2-1 defeat - their eighth single-goal defeat in the last 12 games.

Caretaker boss Andy Johnston had already had a difficult start as Peter Carty announced he was quitting football, Andy Thackeray declared himself unfit and Josh Mitten moved to Altrincham.

Worse was to follow though as the Robins found themselves two down inside 12 minutes as Stafford began brightly.

Ashley Connor had already saved Lee Downes' header before the visitors led on three minutes when Robin Gibson broke through the middle to slot home.

Stafford's penalty area then resembled a pinball machine for 30 seconds after the impressive Nick Clee had earned a corner.

However, a four-man move at the other end saw Nathan Talbot coolly score the second.

Grayson, Talbot and Gibson were a real handful for Ashton's re-organised defence as it took two goalline clearances and an overhead kick from Lincoln Adams to ensure there was no further score.

Half-time saw Johnston replace Adams with Jones, giving the youngster his first start of the season.

He must have said something special to his side at the break as the second half was a completely different affair.

The Robins fought for every ball and dominated for long periods while catching out Stafford's forwards with a well-organised offside trap as Rangers saw two goals ruled out for offside.

Niell Hardy's volley was well saved by Tomkinson before the striker fired over from 10 yards.

The goal of the game, if not the season, then arrived as Jones barged past three defenders before rounding the keeper to score.

Jason Dormer's free kick then flew narrowly over but try as they may, Ashton could not find that vital equaliser.