MATCH PREVIEW: We meet again
Ashton United will be hoping to inflict more misery on Billy Barr’s squad when they host Reds in the FA Trophy at Hurst Cross on Saturday.
Steve Cunningham’s side ended a long winless league run with a deserved 1-0 victory at the Fibrus Community Stadium last week and will be keen to come out on top in the first ever FA competition meeting between the two.
Last Saturday’s encounter was the thirty-third NPL clash between the clubs but the only cup-tie they have played was back in the ’93-94 campaign when Ashton edged a low-key NPL First Division Cup tie 2-1.
Despite their league woes, Ashton has enjoyed two positive afternoons in the Trophy. They drew their tie at Warrington Town (2-2) before progressing after winning the penalty shoot-out, then disposed of Redcar Athletic, at home, in the previous round.
Reds were drawn at home in both their ties and knocked out Blyth Spartans and Cleethorpes Town.
Although we recorded three successive victories at Hurst Cross between 2015 and 2018, it hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds over the years. In seventeen visits, since 1993, we have recorded just four wins there.
The prize money for the 2nd Round is £3,750 and £1,000, for the winners and losers respectively.
The manager will go with a similar squad to the one that was on duty in midweek with on-loan defender, Adam Fairclough, allowed to play for us in the Trophy on Saturday.
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Hurst Cross, Surrey Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Postcode: OL6 8DY
Mileage: 145
