Ashton United's play-off hopes now hang in the balance

Ashton United’s play-off hopes took a huge blow on Monday after a 5-1 defeat away to Matlock Town. 

Hosts Matlock took the lead after just six minutes when Sean Newton’s skewed clearance ended up in the back of his own net. 

This lead was then doubled when Nathaniel Crofts rebound was smashed in just before the half-hour mark. 

Matlock then made it three early in the second half when George Wilkinson’s strike from the edge of the box found a way past Paul Cooper. 

Two minutes later the home side added a fourth through Harry Wood, before The Robins got a goal back through a stunning long-range effort from full-back Benny Couto. 

The match was then put beyond any doubt, with The Gladiators adding a fifth through forward Tavonga Kuleya who put the icing on the cake with a minute to go. 

A tough one to take for The Robins, who were in control of their own destiny prior to kick off, knowing that a win would’ve put them in the driving seat for that final play-off berth. 

If Steve Cunningham’s men were victorious, it would have meant a point in their final game this weekend would have secured their place in the play-offs. 

Instead, things are now a little more complicated, as Ashton must rely on other results. 

They must now better the result of promotion rivals Worksop Town in the season finale, though this seems unlikely as Worksop travel to already relegated Atherton Collieries while Ashton host third-placed Marine. 

For Worksop the task is a lot simpler, if they win in their final match against Colls then they will take the final play-off spot, which would see The Robins miss out.