By Michael Chatwin
Nantwich Town paid the price for a string of missed chances as their unbeaten five game stint came to an end at Ashton United.
A neatly taken goal by Dale Johnson saw Dabbers boss Danny Johnson’s former side take all three points.
Ollie Devenney rattled the woodwork with a header for Nantwich and had an injury time free kick saved by Ashton keeper Paul Phillips as the Dabbers failed to make their late pressure count.
Nantwich had started brightly and an adventurous formation of Ben Deegan, Steve Foster and Aaron Burns as a three-pronged strike-force almost paid dividends.
Foster, though, scuffed his shot when well placed while an audacious effort from Burns drifted wide as Nantwich looked to take a stranglehold on the game.
Johnson’s former charges gradually forced themselves into the reckoning and debutant keeper David Stevenson had to be alert when Kayde Coppin’s in-swinging corner eluded Andy White at the near post.
Dale Johnson should have broken the deadlock for the hosts after neat approach play but within minutes the Ashton centre forward made amends.
When Alex Frost failed to clear on the half hour, Johnson cut inside and curled the ball just inside the post from the edge of the area.
After the break Coppin and Martin Pilkington could have extended the Robins’ lead but as the half wore on the Dabbers took control and created a succession of chances.
Phillips saved from Ben Deegan’s downward header and minutes later the former Ashton striker powered his way into the box bamboozling four defenders before drawing another save from Phillips.
Devenney struck the post from Foster’s cross from the left and then a corner from the former Burnley youth should have been converted by Adam Jones who was unable to control his shot from close range.
Dabbers man-of-the-match Devenney deftly clipped the ball into the path of Foster but the former Witton man steered the ball wide as the visitors put Ashton under the cosh.
Then Nantwich had a last chance in added time but this time Devenney’s curling free kick bounced off Phillips and squirmed to safety.
Next up for the Dabbers is the visit of Evo-Stik Premier League leaders Skelmersdale United to the Weaver Stadium this Saturday (December 14).
Nantwich: Stevenson, Wilson (Courtney,40), White, M.Jones, Frost, A.Jones, Deegan (Davis,80), Davidson, Burns (Clayton,69), Foster, Devenney. Unused subs: Gardner, Abadaki. Att: 148
(pic courtesy of Simon J Newbury Photography)
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