Ashton hit for four by play-off chasing Nantwich

BetVictor Premier Division: Ashton United 0-4 Nantwich Town

Nantwich ran out convincing winners at Hurst Cross as Ashton’s recent poor form continued. The hosts were giving a full debut to recent signing Andrew Howarth and it was he who went close on 3 minutes as a hooked volley from a throw-in was held by Gregory Hall. Howarth’s afternoon was to turn sour 7 minutes before the break as he was dismissed for an over the ball challenge on James Lawrie. It was Lawrie who had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after 18 minutes after Gianluca Havern had clattered into Callum Saunders.

Sean Cooke had already beaten Clee & Lufudu following a swift break but could only shoot straight at Worsnop and Cooke then fired  Walsh’s pass just past the near post after another rapid attack. Saunders then beat the offside trap but also shot straight at Worsnop before Jordan Slew moved onto Howarth’s pass and brought a sharp save out of Hall. Cooke then cut into the area and saw his shot deflected through to Worsnop and Walsh’s pass to Saunders resulted in Casper Hughes’ effort being saved.

After the restart Lufudu’s overlapping cross saw Chris Rowney’s shot deflected over for a corner but Troy Bourne’s right wing cross was then allowed to reach Saunders who headed home from close range and after he had been booked for diving when trying to round Worsnop, with 18 minutes left a quick break from a goal kick saw William Saxon’s cross converted at the far post by Saunders. 3 minutes later and ex-league striker Ricardo Fuller tricked his way to the by line from where he squeezed his effort home from a tight angle.

Town could have added to the score line as Valdemar Schousboe twice shot wide before his layoff was fired past the far post by fellow sub Saxon.

Ashton Utd: Worsnop, Lufudu, Clee, Havern, Hunt, Field (Tomsett 46), Howarth, Rowney, Slew (Wilson 46), Sheridan, Hughes (Tames 68). SNU: Carr, Obeng

By David Robinson

Picture by John Porter