Weekend football round-up: Robins' unbeaten run goes on

Ashton United continued their unbeaten run in the NPL Premier on Saturday with a 1-0 win at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels. 

With the scoreline still level after 76 minutes it looked as though The Robins were heading for back-to-back goalless draws, but a late goal from the unlikely source of defender Sam Baird turned one point into three. 

Baird found himself in the right place at the right time as Al Byrne’s reverse pass set Mikey O’Neill off down the right who cut the ball back for the defender to tuck home. 

“I’m very happy,” Robins boss Steve Cunningham told the club following the win. 

“Today was a really productive day today in stifling conditions, the pitch was bone dry. 

“The ground staff do a great job, but we’ve not had much rain recently which has been a problem. 

“It can slow our tempo down at times, and we want to be a high tempo side.” 

In the same division, Hyde United came from two goals down to earn an impressive point away to last season’s play-off semi-finalists Stockton Town. 

Jamie Bramwell was on hand to nod the hosts in front on 17 minutes before Jake Petitjean tapped home a second at the back post five minutes later. 

Jordan Scanlon then pulled one back for The Tigers following a swift counter before skipper Jack Redshaw levelled things up just before the break. 

“I’m really pleased,” said a delighted Nick Spooner at full-time. 

“They [Stockton] were up there last year for a reason, and their home record is excellent. 

“We were excellent for the first 20 minutes and then we had a bit of a wobble, and I thought here we go again, but I was really pleased with how we reacted.” 

Elsewhere, in the NWCFL First Division North, Droylsden got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win at home to Squires Gate. 

A brace from Nelson Van saw The Bloods over the line in a match which was overshadowed by an injury to Squires Gate goalkeeper Joel Sargeant. 

The shotstopper required medical attention following a collision in the second half, which led to a lengthy stoppage, before he was forced to leave the field. 

Squires Gate have since confirmed Sargeant has recovered well and has not sustained any serious injuries. 

In their FA Cup Preliminary Round tie with Bury, Stalybridge Celtic were unfortunate not to see off The Shakers at a packed-out Bower Fold. 

Over 1,500 spectators were in attendance for the fiesty affair which ended all square after 90 minutes. 

Kai Evans fired the visitors ahead early on through a ferocious volley which flew past the despairing dive of Charlie Monks. 

Jack Irlam then restored parity early in the second half with a perfectly placed free kick, which skimmed across the turf and curled just inside the far post. 

Irlam looked certain to add a second just before the hour mark after beating the Bury offside trap and finding himself 1v1 with the goalkeeper, but the forward could only direct his lob over the crossbar. 

“I thought we were outstanding.” Celtic boss Jon Macken told the Reporter following the draw. 

“We created opportunities, and caused them a lot of problems, but if you don’t take your chances, you don’t win games.” 

The tie will now be decided by Tuesday's replay at Gigg Lane. 

In the National League North, Mark Bradshaw’s wait for a first win as Curzon Ashton boss goes on after a 1-1 draw at Telford. 

Both sides had chances to go ahead early on, but it took until the 85th minute for the deadlock to be broken. 

It looked as though The Nash had done enough to win it when Ben Darby nodded in a cross from Jack Stobbs, but the hosts would have the final say, with Orrin Pendley’s diving header rescuing a point in stoppage time. 

“It’s very disappointing from our point of view,” said a frustrated Bradshaw after the final whistle. 

“When you go 1-0 up away from home with five minutes to go, you should get the victory. 

“With our inexperience, we allowed them to put the ball in the box too many times and eventually they got on the end of one of them.” 

Likewise, in the NPL West, Alex Craddock is still on the lookout for his first win as Mossley boss after a goalless draw at home to Clitheroe.