The spoils were shared in Ashton’s latest encounter against Colne, late replacements for Tranmere Rovers. With the Robins fielding a much more familiar line up it was last season’s leading scorer Matty Chadwick who opened by having an effort from distance held before persistence took ex- Robin Danny Wilkins into the home area where his effort was blocked before rebounding through to Carnell.
Another returning player Adam Morning then lobbed his effort against the crossbar with Carnell well beaten before the Reds found the opener as a corner reached Mark Ayers and he turned it into the roof of the net. Chadwick then sliced through the visitors’ defence before dragging wide but then had to be replaced with a serious looking injury after a strong challenge by Lynch.

Sub Ben Kay was then put through on the visiting keeper who made a good save before Kay flashed a shot wide after progressing across the edge of the area. After the resumption a Josh Stachini free kick was flicked on before Tom Eckersley hit the crossbar with offside being given as the final verdict, and at the other end Nangle’s cross saw Spencer’s header palmed away by Carnell who then had to block Ayers’ far post effort.

Just before the hour Stachini curled home a fine free kick from just outside the area after Gyimah had won a foul and John Pritchard also saw a similar effort palmed away as the game finished all square which was a pretty fair reflection.

Team: Carnell, Smalley, Stachini, Eckersley, Chalmers, Roberts, Smith, Lees, Chadwick, Da Silva, Gyimah. Subs: Banim, Pritchard, Olapayde, Kay, Tomsett, Coo, Platt.