Report

Ashton wrapped their campaign with a sparkling 3-1 victory against Sale Utd to guarantee them 5th spot in the table.

It was without question one of their best performances and fully avenged the 4-2 defeat suffered at the hands of the same opponents in October.

One can only wonder how much higher Ashton could of finished if they had shown more belief in themselves.

On their day Coach Tony Reddington's squad are capable of beating anybody - and this was one of those days.

Third place Sale can have no complaints.  They were out-fought and out-gunned by an outfit who dominated the game for long periods.

Not for the first time this season it was the strike force of Jack Reddington and Joe Crookes that proved the cutting edge.

Man-of-the-match Joe broke the deadlock midway through the first half.  Latching onto a James Flack pass he danced round the keeper and flicked the ball into an empty net.

Sale didn't help their cause by missing a penalty before the break - a harsh award in the opinion of most of the home side.

Ashton made light of being without inspirational skipper Will Hall (holidays) and the loss of James who missed the entire second half with a leg injury.

The set backs didn't affect the side and they continued to call the tune.  They were assured and confident in nearly everything they did.

Ashton were finally rewarded with ten minutes left.  Deadly duo Joe and Jack linked up in fine style and "Redders" did the rest from close range.

Crookes who came in for a bit of rough treatment was later unceremoniously hauled down and Jack smashed home the penalty that put the finishing touches to a fine display.

To Jack went the spoils and for the third year running topped the goal chart with 17 strikes against Joe's 16.  Exciting stuff!!

Sale did manage to pull one back in the dying minutes but this was a fine team effort and midfielder Oliver Matthews the unflappable Tom Baxter and tireless Jack Padbury put in five star performances.

Special mention must go to the uncomplaining and loyal Dan Acton-Smith for his dual role as Keeper and out player.  He has been magnificent throughout an up and down season.

With a couple of new signings Ashton would have the potential to be a team challenging for honours.  The framework is there.  They just need to show more of that vital ingredient - BELIEF.