Maclean cleans up for Flixton

A resurgent Flixton stopped Ashtons 4 match unbeaten run in its tracks as a first half stunning strike from Andy McClean enabled the visitors to take all three points in a close contest.

First half goalscoring opportunities were few and far between as defences muscled up. The Flixton goal in the 36th minute resulted from a left wing corner that was swung in hard and low, and with McClean escaping his marker he drove the ball first time into the near post top corner from 12 yards out.

The second half saw Ashton take greater share of possession but Flixton always looked dangerous on the break. In the 59th minute substitute Kev Kynaston broke clear and hit shot was tipped onto the post by keeper James Jowsey and although first to the rebound Ashton's Tom Potter blasted the ball over the bar.

Shortly after that Warren Dickenson unleashed a shot from 30 yards that flew over the crossbar and then a superb curling freekick by Craig Massey beat Brobbin but hit the post and was cleared to safety.

As the half wore on Ashton piled on the pressure, and Flixton were lucky to maintain a full compliment when Dave Sherlock broke clear and was cynically fouled inches outside the penalty box as he was about to bear down on goal to shoot. Fortunately for Flixton referee Hodkinson adjudged that it Sherlock was not denied a goalscoring opportunity and the defender escaped with a yellow.

As time wore on Ashton continued to ask questions of the rocking Flixton defence but from several goal mouth scrambles a defender always seemed to be there to block the Ashton efforts. Then in the 90th minute Kev Kynaston found space in the box and from 6 yards slotted the ball towards the corner of the goal but another finger tips save from Jowsey once again tipped the ball onto the post and his defenders cleared the rebound to guarantee the three points for the visitors.

Ashton now move on to play at the current League leaders AFC Fylde on Saturday whilst the reserves are at home to Colne FC, both 3pm KO