More Cup joy for Ashton

Ashton progressed to the second round proper of the Carlsberg FA Vase with a hard earned win against Vodkat Division One side Colne FC, building on the wins in the preceding rounds against Congleton Town and Rossington Main.
A solid first half was followed by a backs to the wall performance second half, that could have been much more comfortable for Ashton had two perfectly good goals not been chalked off for offside.
Ste Wallace creates Ashton's 1st
on way to MoM performance
Ashton started in positive mood taking confidence by the Goldline quarter final over Atherton LR in midweek and took the lead in the 14th minute as Steve Wallace pierced the Colne defence before cutting back a cross with pace that struck defender Richardson and ricocheted between keeper Pinder's legs and into the net 1-0.

Tom Potter scorer of Ashton's
crucial second goal

Ashton continued to threaten and Paul McVeigh played in Tom Potter who cut infield and blasted the ball into the gaol to give Ashton a two goal lead. 2-0.
Colne fought back as Jamie Longley headed over from a Liam Garbutt cross and then a moment of controversy as Steve Bennett broke through shaped to shoot but instead laid a perfect square ball into the path of the advancing McVeigh who finished with ease. As Ashton celebrated a late flag was spotted by the referee and the goal was disallowed for off side. HT 2-0
Colne came out in the second half much in more determined mood and got on top of the home side with some good passing football however two outstanding reflex saves by Ashton keeper Hewitt kept Colne at bay.
Then on 66 minutes Colne got a break through as good work down the left wing produced a cross that was met superbly by Longley to reduce the deficit. 2-1
Sharpe replaced Potter in the 70th minute and was in the action straight away as a powerful run from Pat Aspinall got him to the by line and a hard low cross was spilled by the keeper. Sharpe stepped forward to put the ball into the back of the net but once again a late flag was raised despite the fact that Sharpe had been behind the ball when the cross came in.
This could have settled the game but with a single goal difference Colne could press on, and did so with some effect as Michael Cruz and Liam Garbut came close but in the end the Ashton defence held firm to secure the place in the draw for the 2nd round proper. Ashton's MoM was right back Steve Wallace whilst Colne skipper Kieron Roberts was outstanding for Colne.
Ashton's reserves got three valuable away points with a 1-0 win at Atherton LR with a goal from Mike Hamilton proving to be the winner.

Midweek sees Ashton in cup action again, this time in the Coop Lancashire Cup first round, with an away tie at Daisy Hill 7.45pm KO.