TOWN CRASH OUT OF FA CUP

Simon Burton's 100th game in charge of Runcorn Town did not go to plan as Town crashed out of the FA Cup after a 5-1 loss against EvoStik Premier League side Ashton United.

The score was a harsh reflection of the game, with Town deservedly taking the lead after 11 minutes having already rattled the crossbar through Warren Bellew. Jason Carey lost his marker down the right and delivered a perfect low cross for James McShane who made no mistake.

The lead lasted just nine minutes with Matty O'Neill threading the ball through to Peter Wright in the box with the striker making no mistake. The turning point came after 29 minutes with Ashton awarded a penalty after a challenge from Darren Kinsey. If there was contact it was certainly minimal, with Wright finding the corner of the net, just beating Karl Wills' despairing dive.

Town enjoyed the better chances throughout the first half, with Terry Smith making a number of good saves, but the tie was over within 13 minutes of the second half starting after Ashton scored twice in two minutes.

First a good move from Ashton down their left ended with Ian Bennett drifting into the box before striking the ball past Wills. Two minutes later Ben Smith crossed from the left to the back post, with O'Neill putting the ball back across the box where Jon Bathurst slotted home.

The final goal arrived after 79 minutes with Chris Amadi's cross from the left flying straight into the far top corner - Ashton's substitute looking suitably embarrassed with the effort.

The home side comfortably saw out the game with little to worry them, inflicting Town's biggest loss for over six years in the process.

Posted at 20:44 on Saturday 17th September 2011 - Viewed 412 times