REPORT: UNITED 1-2 ASHTON UNITED

Jack Thomas’ late goal wasn’t enough as United suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Ashton United on Saturday afternoon.

After Nathan Lowe opened the scoring with a fine effort from distance, Jason Gilchrist ended a fine passing move to double the visitors advantage early in the second half.

Thomas pulled one back halve the deficit, but ultimately his side couldn’t find the equaliser despite late pressure.

Basford started the contest with the land-share of possession and chances, with Jordan Hallam seeing an early big chance blocked brilliantly from close range by a sliding Sam Baird after just four minutes.

Youngster Tyler Dacres was next to receive an opportunity soon after, latching onto a loose ball in the box before smashing one into Luke Simpson’s mid-section as the game remained goalless.

Simpson was in action twice in quick succession moments later as he turned around a fine strike from Hallam, before an awkward cross by Dom Roma looked like it was sneaking in the bottom corner and the busy Simpson was forced to turn behind.

Ashton woke up soon after, as Kieran Preston was called into action for the first time to tip over a looping header from Marcus Cusani, just before Gilchrist missed a golden chance to head home from the resultant corner.

The stalemate was eventually broken in remarkable fashion, as Lowe went for the speculative from all of 45-yards out. In swirling winds, the high, looping effort held up and planted into the far corner, much to the surprise of everyone.

Toby Ritzema had the chance to restore parity soon after, racing onto a set-back from Thomas before smashing a low drive onto the foot of the post.

The second half resumed in similar fashion, and one became two for the visitors within ten minutes of the restart. Gilchrist latched onto the end of an impressive team move in the box before dispatching beyond the onrushing Preston.

Basford didn’t give up their work ethic, and soon saw it bear fruit as a fine cross from Kieran Fenton found the head of substitute Massiah McDonald, who caused chaos with his movement to divert it towards Thomas, making no mistake in flicking the ball home with his left to reduce the arrears.

Late pressure followed, with Fenton smashing a volley from range over the bar, but the biggest chance to equalise came with the last kick, as a gorgeous delivery from Hallam was met by substitute Jonathan Wafula, but Simpson held on as the referee called time.

Next up, we make the long journey to Northumberland and Morpeth Town next Saturday (3pm).

UNITED: Preston; Roma, Frizelle, Fenton ©, Wilder; Ritzema, Thomas, Dacres (Wafula 45’), Campbell (McDonald 45’), Hallam, Barnes (Lewis 66’)
SUBS (not used): Wade, Goddard,

ATT: 259