Saturday 7th April 2007 Ashton Athletic 1 Norton United 0

Two nervy teams made for a scrappy game in this basement encounter at Brocstedes Park. However it was Ashton who secured the three points, and deservedly so having the greater possession and many golden opportunities to have increased the lead.

After early pressure by Ashton openings were created for Paul McVeigh, Andy Smith and Steve Rothwell but none of the shots troubled Norton keeper Dean Latham. Norton responded as Steven Colclough shot wide after a good lay off by Liam Shotton.

As the half went on Ashton’s dominance became even stronger with a Richard Sharpe lob beating Latham but also clearing the bar by inches. A series of corners for Ashton also produced near misses, including two clearances off the line in quick succession denying Sharpe and White. Long range efforts from White and Smith were once again off target and then Paul McVeigh forced a tremendous save from Latham tipping a thunderbolt over the bar from close range.

Norton did however threaten throughout the match on set pieces with well delivered corners and free kicks around the Ashton penalty area keeping the defence on its toes.

Another Ashton corner just before half time finally brought Ashton the reward they deserved as a pin point cross was met full on by the head of Martin Rigby who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

HT 1-0

With both sides closing down in midfield the second half was as scrappy as the first, but with Ashton always having the upper hand in possession but Norton a threat on the break and on set pieces.

As a result several chances fell to Ashton but the inspired Latham denied the home side from increasing the lead, whilst debutant Danny Vickers in the Ashton goal had a relatively quiet afternoon.

Not the best afternoons entertainment but Ashton were satisfied with the three points that moves them back up to 14^th spot and more importantly puts 8 points between them and Norton, and with second from bottom Castleton losing on Friday night Ashton also now have a 7 point advantage over them.

FT 1-0

The result sets things up nicely for the Easter Monday derby clash with Ashton Town at Edge Green Street, for a 3pm KO.

Meanwhile the reserves travelled up to Nelson and goals from Louis Hughes and Martin Ormesher secured yet another drawn match 2-2 and will look to keep the 4 match unbeaten run going next Wednesday at Flixton 7.30pm KO.