RUNCORN TOWN 1-3 ASHTON ATHLETIC

The Yellows travelled to Runcorn Town looking to bring them back down to earth after Saturdays FA Cup win. There was one change from Saturdays defeat to Nelson Captain Ian Rowlands replacing joint gaffer Ben Kay in the heart of the defence.

In what is becoming the norm the away side were 1-0 down after 4 minutes, a run down the right saw the ball crossed to the back post were Houghton hit a sweet half volley to open the scoring. The Yellows reacted well pushing Runcorn deep into their own half. Martland looking sharp closing defenders down won the ball but fired over the bar. The new striker didn’t make the same mistake on 17 minutes, good build up led to Small breaking down the left before crossing low for Martland to equalise from 6 yards. All the pressure was now from the away side with Rowlands heading straight at Priestley and Martland hitting a low shot just wide. Winger Regan should have put the Yellows in front when Downing played a lovely defence splitting pass but the youngster dragged his shot wide.

HT 1-1

The second half started slow with both teams battling it out in centre midfield. Runcorn brought on Manager Si Burton which then resulted in the home team hitting long balls to the front man. This seemed to play into the hands of the yellows with Rowlands and Edwards comfortably dealing with the aerial threat. Town did have half chance to take the lead when a long ball saw Foulds come out his area to head clear. The ball fell to Irlam but his weak chip was easily dealt with by the retreating Rowlands. On 67 minutes the Yellows took the lead and what a strike it was, a foul 25 yards was awarded and up stepped Small to thunder a shot that gave keeper Priestley no chance. Again the pressure was constant and Martland thought he had scored his second of the game. Downing broke down the right and crossed to Martland, his first touch was heavy but he lifted the ball over Priestley and the goal line by about 2 yards but the linesman failed to acknowledge the goal. The game was put to bed with 5 minutes to play. Again another free kick this time 20 yards out was hit hard and low by Small to send the away support crazy. Runcorn huffed and puffed but failed to test Foulds and earn a much needed 3 points.

FT 1-3