Ashton returned from Lincolnshire with a point after a disappointing encounter at the Meres Stadium. Playing for the first time in 3 weeks the Robins were still without leading scorer Matty Chadwick and strike partner Jack Dyche which left Alex Johnson to lead the attack. The hosts started the stronger as a loose ball broke to Lee Shaw who brought a sharp save out of Carnell before the striker then glanced home Hempenstall’s cross from an offside position.

Liam Tomsett then put a return pass just too far ahead of Nic Evangelinos and Dom Smalley’s cross saw Richard Smith’s header fall to Evangelinos with Preston just able to help his shot over the crossbar. Burrows and Shaw then combined for the latter to help a cross past the near post and just before the break Shaw came even closer as another Burrows cross saw Shaw’s effort deflected narrowly wide of the left hand post.

The second period started with a series of misplaced passes as both teams cancelled each other out, Smith then turning inside Luto and winning a free kick which saw Pritchard’s delivery fisted away. Smith’s poor clearing header then needed Luto’s effort to be blocked and midway through the half Meadows’ lay off found Shaw firing a decent effort wide of the far post.

With a goalless outcome looking ever more likely Hemptenstall’s delivery into the area broke kindly for Shaw and the league’s leading goalscorer fired his effort home from 6 yards out. The visitors could have struck back immediately but Tomsett’s lay off was placed well over by Nicky Platt but with ten minutes left Smalley made a great run down the right and put his cross on to the head of Evangelinos with Preston making a good block but the winger was on hand to knock home the rebound.

On the final whistle a quick break saw Shaw’s lay back lead to Lewis’s shot being blocked by Pritchard and a corner then saw Lewis’s header flicked wide by Batchelor.

Team: Carnell, Smalley, Pritchard, Lees, Chalmers, Roberts, Smith, Platt (Kaba 86), Johnson (Olapede 90), Tomsett, Evangelinos. SNU: Banim, Woodford, Ollerenshaw.