Ashton United opened up the new season in scorching weather against a useful East Manchester outfit. With virtually the whole new squad given a run out to get the cobwebs out of their system the game proved to the lads they have a lot of hard work to put in to get the game time needed to be ready to compete in the NPL this season. Our thanks to East Manchestervfor providing both the opposition and the following match report:

East Manchester began their pre season friendlies on Tuesday night with an impressive 2-1 win when they took on Evo Stik League Northern Premier Division side, Ashton United at St Bede's College.

The Robins took the lead through Lee Rick after 15 minutes when he capitalised on a misplaced pass just inside the East box. The striker still had work to do and neatly slotted the ball past Coogan in the East goal to put his side ahead.

East reacted well and looked to link up well down the flanks to which the equaliser came from just moments after the opening goal. Danny Self found space on the left hand side and produced a pin point cross that found Hazen Gardner at the far post who superbly directed his header back across the goal and went in off the post.

United also looked a threat on the attack down the wings, namely Carlos Logan whose pace and tricks made it difficult for the East defence to deal with. Logan almost turned provider for the third goal of the game when his cross was headed over just inside the 6 yard box.

However it was East who took the lead on the half hour mark when Self added a goal to his assist in the game. The East midfielder's looping effort found it's way into the far corner as the United goalkeeper could only watch it float past him.

Half time brought about changes from both teams to give the players some decent pitch time. The second half was as open as the first with chances at each end but brought no more goals.

East's Danny Williams saw an effort crash off the post and a penalty smartly saved. The Robins' chances were not as clear cut as their opponents' but came close when Coogan was quick off his line to smother at the feet of striker, Martin Pilkington.

Although it was a friendly it was good result for the FBT Manchester Football League side against an Ashton United squad that has a lot of experience at a much higher level so East must take huge confidence from the performance.

East Manchester Squad:

Andy Coogan, Joe Neild, Steve Dorman, Tom Broadbent (c), Rob Walton, Mike Jennings, Hazen Gardner, Connor Brotherton, Derrick Michael, Danny Self, Jamie Byrne, Adam Stones, Simon Harrison, Danny Williams, Jon Chilton.

Ashton United Football Club

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