Match Report

19th February 2000 - Warrington Town 4 - 0 Ashton Town

A Warrington Guardian report:

Seventh Heaven

WARRINGTON Town stretched their unbeaten record to seven matches as they breezed past a miserable Ashton on Saturday. Playing against the side with the worst defensive record in North Western Trains League Division Two they were always likely to run away with this tie and possibly should have won more emphatically after going in 3-0 ahead at half-time.

They took the lead on 16 minutes when Mark Ashton drove a low shot into the bottom corner after Neil Marsh's effort was blocked on the line. Gavin McDonald then doubled the lead on 35 minutes after 'keeper Phil Lomax did well to parry his initial effort. Outstanding striker Neil Holden was rewarded for a hard-working display in first half injury time when, after breaking clear of the defence, he had his first shot blocked but kept his cool to slot home at the second attempt.

The second half was a dismal affair as Town struggled to motivate themselves having effectively already won the match. New signing Steve Bate, who has joined from Fearnhead, made a steady debut and almost set up a goal for Dave Pick, whose looping shot was heading for the top corner until Lomax stretched superbly to keep it out. On 76 minutes the scoring was completed when Ashton put substitute Kevin Tyrell into the box with only the 'keeper to beat.

But the unselfish forward calmly slid the ball wide for McDonald to stab home. Goalkeeper Neil McCormack matched his teammates' attacking prowess by ensuring a clean sheet with a string of fine saves from Ashton striker Mike O'Neil.