Last-gasp pain

Reporter: John Gilder
Date published: 27 February 2015


AFC Oldham 2005 1, Old Ashtonians 2

AFC OLDHAM’S season of inconsistency continued at the Tameside Stadium when they slumped to a disappointing defeat at the hands of Old Ashtonians in the Premier Division of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

The absence of key players Teddy Stafford, Andrew Walker and Grant Marshall didn’t help Oldham’s cause as they attempted to climb to fifth in the table.

Oldham manager Paul Marshall said: “We played well in the first 20 minutes or so and created a lot of chances, but we just couldn’t take them.”

Ashtonians nosed ahead shortly after that initial Oldham flourish, but Marshall’s side levelled matters midway through the first-half when neat build-up play involving Carl Beamish and Dominic Hallam ended with Michael Shepherd hammering home a low dive from 18 yards.

Oldham’s dominance continued, but still chances went begging, with Hallam, Ryan Gibson and Eden Goldie each spurning opportunities.

Oldham was left to rue its profligacy in front of goal when Ashtonians stormed upfield to snatch their late winner.