Report & Pictures John Hopkins
PROMOTION pushing Ashton United were held to a 1 – 1 draw against Warrington Rylands at The Quickline Logistics Arena on Tuesday evening.
Steve Cunningham has put together a strong squad of players and they came to Gorsey Lane intent on travelling home with all three points, but they hadn’t taken into account the resolute defence of Rylands. Straight from the kick-off they pushed forward but The Blues’ rearguard action stood firm. Wave upon wave of yellow and grey swept up field in search of the goal but to no avail.
The Warrington squad has been struggling with injuries recently and once again two players were forced to leave the game: Matt Regan took a knock to the head and Jake Burton aggravated a reoccurring knee injury.
In the end the pressure told as Jason Gilchrist tapped home from close range to give The Robins the lead. A low, wet and spinning ball to the near post bounced out of the hands of Pilling and met Gilchrist after ‘pinballing’ around the goalmouth.
Manager Neil Reynolds told his players to make amends for this mistake in the second half but it was Luke Pilling, himself, who saved the day. The keeper made a number of stunning saves with Reynolds stating he still believed Pilling to be the best goalie in the league. There were some amazing goal-line clearances by the defence and a touch of luck as the ball rattled the cross-bar and flew back into play.
‘Reno’ made a few changes during the second half and with just eight minutes left of normal play Guy Hall made a powerful run down the left. He was brought down and the referee instantly pointed to the penalty spot with the opposition arguing that the foul was outside the box. Ben Hardcastle stepped up to take the kick, with the thought of his missed penalty at Rushall now a distant memory, and coolly scored the equaliser.
Despite the efforts of Ashton, the final chance went to Warrington when substitute Tunde Owolabi was through on goal. In an attempt to round Jordan Eastham in goal his first touch was too strong and went wide of the target, leaving the Rylands’ spectators questioning why he didn’t have a shot.
The Robins’ players and supporters went home feeling they had lost two points whereas Rylands’ were happy to take a point from such a one-sided match.
Warrington Rylands are back at home on Saturday 20th September when they host Hyde United with a 3.00pm kick-off.
