Match Report Ashton United
It was a positive start from Brig, with several quick passes between Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews and Chris Churchman giving Callum Leigh an early opportunity seven minutes into proceedings, but his effort was struck just over the bar.
Leigh struck a powerful free-kick just outside the centre circle, stinging the palms of Paul Cooper in the visitors goal as he parried, moments before James Pradic was called into action, making a fantastic reaction save from close range following a set piece.
Another well worked move from Brig just shy of the half-hour mark saw Amadou Doumboya and Mullarkey-Matthews combine, before the ball eventually found Leigh at the edge of the area, his effort was blocked and out for a corner.
With under five minutes left to play in the first half the deadlock was broken when Doumboya pinched the ball from Newton, 30-yards from goal before driving into the area and rounding Cooper to calmly slot home.
Ashton started the second half on the front foot and soon found an equaliser when Alex Byrne’s low cross found it's way into the net two minutes into the second half.
The visitors then took the lead on the hour mark when Jason Gilchrist found the back of the net following a low ball in. Moments after Jack Baxter saw his effort saved before Doumboya also had two strikes blocked.
The introduction of Danny Edwards soon after the goal meant Brig took a more attacking approach as the dying embers loomed, but despite the numbers in the forward areas and seeing more of the ball once again, Brig found it difficult to open up the backline.
Ashton found a third with two minutes remaining when Jason Gilchrist fired home from a corner. All but confirming the outcome.
Report by Matt Grimshaw
