A hard-fought win over one of the pre-season favourites for the Premier Division title saw Ashton move into the top four. After the disappointment of Saturday’s late postponement, the Robins were back in action minus the suspended Lanre Olapede in defence and handed a full debut to Jamie Hinchliffe on the left wing.
Hinchliffe himself was just caught offside in the opening seconds before a quick break saw John Roberts need to block Matt Dodd’s cross at the other end. A long throw in then saw Aaron Chalmers block Broadhurst’s effort and shortly afterwards Ryan Makhosini had to be replaced after pulling his hamstring. Nic Evangelinos then picked up a cross and set up Richard Smith who took too long before Chalmers’ pass picked out Hinchliffe whose cross saw Evangelinos fouled by McCone with Chalmers confidently tucking the penalty away.
Benbow’s through ball was then just too far ahead of Anderson and John Pritchard’s cross from the by line beat everyone before Dom Smalley needed to dispose Anderson who had picked up a misplaced header. With the interval approaching Broadhurst moved onto a loose ball but sliced his effort well wide.

On the restart Pierpoint saw his header from Dodd’s cross hit Josh Granite and Broadhurst then headed Tonks’ free kick just past the post. As the visitors continued to monopolise possession Connor Gater’s volley was held low down by Carnell before Dom Smalley relieved some of the pressure with a great run which ended with a cross into Gould’s arms.
Richard Smith then saw yellow for fouling Tonks with Benbow firing the free kick over and Chalmers joined him in the book halting Braodhurst’s run through the middle. Evangelinos’ cross then reached Mark Lees who fired Ashton’s first effort for a while over the top and Liam Tomsett’s shot was deflected out for a corner.
As time ran out Perry won a free kick for the Glassboys which saw Anderson’s effort blocked as the hosts held on for a vital win.

Team: Carnell, Smalley, Makhosini (Pritchard 11), Granite, Chalmers, Roberts (Platt 35), Smith, Lees, Evangelinos, Tomsett, Hinchliffe. SNU: Banim, Woodford, Bondswell.