Stockton Town slipped to defeat in their home opener against Ashton United.
Kurt Willoughby’s strike was enough to send the Robins past the Anchors who were down to ten men after Lewis King saw red.
Michael Dunwell named two changes to his side from Saturday’s defeat at Ilkeston Town as Aaron Brown and Michael Sweet came into the side. There was a place for Frank Nouble on the bench.
Stockton had the game’s first opportunity when Layton Watts sent a freekick narrowly wide.
Ashton moved the ball neatly and they had a chance when Hednesford loanee Dan Turner had a strike from the edge of the area which sailed over.
Close to the half hour mark a slick from Ashton saw the ball come into a promising position in the box but they were denied by a vital foot in from Cam Painter.
Another chance came when an inviting ball from Alex Byrne was headed on goal by Turner but Nathan Harker was equal to it.
Stockton ended the half strong. Michael Sweet drifted in unmarked and had a strike which struck the post.
Then persistence from Stockton saw Nicholson have a shot which was well-blocked.
Half-Time: Stockton Town 0-0 Ashton United.
The second half began in the worst way for Stockton. After Jake Petitjean had a freekick which went over, Willoughby swept Ashton ahead after a counter-attacking move.
Dunwell turned his bench and brought on Stephen Thompson for his return and Nouble on for his debut.
Nouble made an instant impact as he slid a neat pass into Scott who fired narrowly wide.
Another chance came for Scott who drew a sharp save from Tommy Taylor who remained assured all evening.
Stockton continued to push as Watts sent in an encouraging cross which Petitjean sent straight at Taylor.
The Anchors were reduced to ten-men when King was dismissed after a late challenge saw him shown a second yellow card.
Even after the sending off, Stockton created a chance to level. Nouble held the ball up well for Thompson but his effort didn’t have enough on it to really trouble Taylor.
A minute later, Harker kept Stockton in the contest when he stood strong to deny James Hardy.
In the end, Ashton held on to condemn Stockton to back-to-back defeats to start the season.
Full-Time: Stockton Town 0-1 Ashton United
There’s a great chance for the Anchors to get their season up and running when they welcome Leek Town to the MAP Group UK Stadium.
