Kev Hayes scored a brace as Stockton Town came from behind to claim a priceless three points at Ashton United.
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Harry Cook
Ashton had a first half lead through Enock Lusiama’s header, but the Anchors came back through a low strike from Hayes and then a penalty from the marvel winger.
Stockton headed into the game on the back of receiving a points deduction for the fielding of an ineligible player in the 3-1 win over Warrington Rylands back in November. That had moved the Anchors out of the Play-Offs ahead of Kick-Off with Gainsborough Trinity taking their place.
Michael Dunwell was forced into one change to his Starting XI. Arjun Purewal came in for the suspended Owen Gallacher.
Stockton had to make an early change when Ryan Barrett was stretchered off. He was replaced by Jamie Bramwell.
In the action, Ashton had made a positive start and were ahead on the quarter hour mark when Alex Byrne’s promising cross was headed into the net by Lusiama.
Stockton almost had an instant response but Arj Purewal’s goalbound header was turned wide by Tom Coulthard.
Lusiama came close to scoring a second but his effort from just outside the box was dragged wide.
Coulthard then put his body on the line to deny the hosts, and at the other end Kev Hayes drove up the field but saw his effort fall into Jordan Eastham’s gloves.
Half-Time: Ashton United 1-0 Stockton Town
Stockton came out positive in the second half and were rewarded for their early pressure within ten minutes when Hayes fired them level. Cam Painter held up the ball well on the edge of the box and played it back to Hayes who rifled in.
The Anchor’s second half resurgence continued. Josh Scott broke into the box and he forced a save from Eastham at a tight angle.
Still, Ashton did provide a threat. Captain Adam Nicholson had to be sharp to prevent a certain tap-in when the ball was cut across.
Stockton then missed a huge chance when Scott’s inviting ball from the right was headed narrowly wide by Jake Petitjean.
Minutes later though they had the opportunity from the spot. Hayes was pushed when the ball came into the box and the referee showed no hesitation. Hayes stepped up and confidently converted to put Stockton ahead.
The final moments were played out in torrential conditions, but the Anchors managed to hold on for a crucial three points.
Full-Time: Ashton United 1-2 Stockton Town