Midweek football round-up: Ashton crash out of FA Cup

Ashton United exited the FA Cup on Tuesday night after Runcorn Linnets produced a Third Qualifying Round upset at Hurst Cross. 

The NPL West side made it through to the Fourth Qualifying Round for the first time in their history after two early strikes sunk the Robins. 

Ex-Ashton midfielder Marcus Cusani had a huge part to play in the opener, setting Naim Arsan off down the left whose pinpoint cross was lashed home by former Celtic and Curzon man Scott Bakkor on six minutes. 

Arsan then turned from provider to goalscorer, finding space in behind once again before producing a deft chip to evade the onrushing Eastham and double Linnets’ lead. 

Steve Cunningham’s side did manage to halve the deficit when Saturday’s hero Jason Gilchrist turned in on the stroke of half time but failed to find an equaliser despite a barrage of second half pressure. 

Daniel Ogwuru came the closest to levelling the scoring when he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Harvey Bardsley only to see his effort cleared off the line superbly by Joe Ferguson. 

“I’m absolutely distraught,” said a devastated Cunningham following the loss. 

“I didn’t see that coming I’ll be honest. 

“When you score with 50 seconds to go on Saturday, you’re thinking 'is it meant to be?' 

“But I’ve got to apologise to the club, the chairman and the fans because I’ve got it badly wrong tonight.” 

Elsewhere, Stalybridge Celtic made it four league wins in a row after defeating Sporting Khalsa 1-0 at Bower Fold.  

Benni Smales-Braithwaite scored the only goal of the evening just before half time – his eighth of the season – reacting quickly after Jack Irlam’s initial effort was parried into his path.  

Celtic were inches away from a second shortly after the break when Ellis Horan’s superb solo run ended with the forward clipping the post.  

From there, Jon Macken’s side were able to hold onto their single goal advantage and take all three points.  

“I’m delighted,” said a jubilant Macken after the win.  

“It was a hard-fought game against a very good team, I was really impressed with their work rate and their football at times.   

“We’ve kept another clean sheet, and second half especially I thought we defended really well.  

“I’m a little bit disappointed we didn’t take a few of the chances we got in the second half, but I’m not complaining one bit.”  

The win leaves Celtic third in the NPL West table, but three points behind leaders Lower Breck, with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.  

Finally, in the NWCFL Premier, Glossop North End were unable to atone for Saturday’s Macron Cup exit, instead falling to a 2-0 defeat at home to Atherton LR. 

Second half strikes from Thomas Romano and Joe Bacon condemned the Hillmen to back-to-back defeats.