Robins fail to find the net

NPL Premier Division: Basford United 0-0 Ashton United

Ashton failed to register for the third game running and could have slid to defeat at Greenwich Avenue as the hosts saw a late first half penalty saved by Greg Hartley.

On Basford’s plastic pitch the visitors were playing against the wind in the first period and started the brighter as Matt Sargent progressed through midfield before cutting back onto his right foot and steering wide.

Ben Hardcastle then sent in a wild shot after Michael Brewster’s pass had put Liam Tomsett away and midway through the half something of a pantomime in the visitors’ defence saw Courey Grantham tee up Tyreace Palmer for a low finish which was ruled out by the linesman’s flag.

On the stroke of the interval Ryan Wilson’s free kick into the area saw Matt Thornhill felled by a high kick from Sargent and after the home captain had been helped off Palmer saw his low penalty saved at the second attempt by Hartley.

Just past the hour Harry Coates needed to make a good block as the ball fell kindly to Grantham and Sargent’s volley following a free kick was unconvincingly palmed away by Preston.

Kane Richards then squeezed past Brewster at the by line with Hartley needing to block well and Grice’s touch was too strong allowing Coates to intercept after a loose pass from Sargent.

With time running out Carr picked up a booking for fouling Yonsian just outside the area, Lonsdale’s free kick bringing a good save out of Preston and after Hartley had held Hearn’s header low down Jordan Simpson won a free kick which saw Jack Redshaw’s delivery clip the right hand post.