Ashton got the better of a high-scoring encounter at the Don Amott Arena on non-league day having initially seen a two goal lead evaporate in the second half. The visitors welcomed back David Carnell in goal and gave a debut to left back Will Beesley and a second debut to left winger Nic Evangelinos.

In the opening exchanges Aaron Chalmers had to be alert in the Ashton defence with a couple of interceptions as they dallied on the ball with Jimmy Phillips eventually firing well wide. On ten minutes Nicky Platt released Matty Chadwick down the left and his cross saw Mark Lees help the ball over the crossbar from close in, Chadwick then played a great 1-2 with Evangelinos and saw his stabbed effort saved low down by King as the game settled into a very open encounter.

On 26 minutes a lightning break by the visitors again saw Platt release Chadwick and his near post cross was converted this time by Jack Dyche and shortly afterwards Dyche darted between two defenders into the area before Chadwick’s effort was blocked out. On half time Phillips’ ball into the area saw Evan Garnett’s cross shot miss the far post with the resulting corner seeing Pablo Mills’ header go past the other post.

Immediately after the break a great move down the left wing saw Chadwick’s back heel send Evangelinos into the area with his shot just missing the target but three minutes later a quick break saw the same two players combine for the winger to loft the second goal over King. With the Robins looking comfortable it came as something of a surprise when Sports pulled one back as Carnell punched McGrath’s corner out only for Andy Dales to hammer it into the roof of the net and two minutes later the game was turned on its head as a loose ball fell to Garnett in the area who cut inside to finish confidently.

With 8 minutes remaining Dyche controlled a loose ball in the box and was brought down by Morris with Chadwick registering from the spot and Chadwick then sent Evangelinos to the by line from where Tomsett touched his cross home There was still time in added time for Carnell to save Mills’ volleyed effort and as Ashton broke to the other end sub Johnson put Chadwick clear to round King and complete the scoring.

Team: Carnell, Smalley, Beesley, Granite, Chalmers, Platt (Eckersley 61), Lees, Tomsett, Chadwick, Dyche (Johnson 90), Evangelinos. SNU: Ollerenshaw, Banim, Roberts.