Robins victorious in derby

Ashton United got one over on local rivals Mossley on Tuesday, knocking the Lilywhites out of the Manchester Premier Cup with a 2-1 victory at Seel Park. 

The Robins took the lead just after the half hour mark when Jason Gilchrist cooly converted from the spot, firing the ball down the middle following a foul on Leon Johnson inside the penalty area. 

Hosts Mossley fought back well after going behind and came close to scoring early in the first half when Obua Mugalula’s cross was turned goalwards by Joe Berks, only for the forwards effort to cannon back off the post. 

Despite Mossley having the best opportunities of the half, it was Steve Cunningham’s side who got the next goal with Sam Baird heading in a corner from Nathan Lowe to put the Robins in control. 

Mossley were finally able to break the deadlock late in added time when Joe Berks’ free kick was headed into his own net by Jak McCourt, but it was too little too late for the Lilywhites, and there was no time for an equaliser. 

Following the win, Ashton United manager Steve Cunningham was pleased with the defensive display from his side: 

“I thought we defended really well tonight with what was a makeshift centre half pairing of Sam Baird and Jak McCourt,” Cunningham told the Reporter. 

“I feel a bit sorry for Jak because he was outstanding tonight and scoring the own goal towards the end spoiled it a bit for him. 

“But we’re delighted to have gone through, we won the trophy last year and it’s a competition that’s very important to the club, so we want to try and win it again.” 

Despite the result, Mossley boss David Fish was pleased with how his side performed: 

“I thought it was it a good performance,” Fish told the Reporter. 

“We went toe to toe with them and created some big chances, we just didn’t take them. 

“We can’t be disappointed with with how we’ve performed, especially against a side from the league above, we’re just disappointed with the result.”