Gainsborough Trinity secured their third consecutive victory at Hurst Cross with a 2-1 win over Ashton. The match featured two first-half goals from Trinity, giving them a strong advantage early on.
Ashton made an unexpected change before kickoff when Darius Osei, who was scheduled to start, was replaced by Kurt Willoughby due to an injury sustained during the warm-up. Mikey O’Neill received his first start of the season for Ashton.
The opening goal came in the seventh minute when Jack Leckie’s deep cross found Gainsborough captain Lewis Butroid on the left wing. Butroid controlled the ball and volleyed it beneath the reach of Ashton goalkeeper Taylor to put Trinity ahead. Ashton responded with an effort from Willoughby, who struck a 35-yard free kick that tested Gainsborough’s keeper, David Robson. Dan Turner attempted a shot following a return pass from Nathan Okome but sent the ball wide.
Butroid remained a significant threat throughout the first half, outpacing Ashton defender Spencer Knight before narrowly missing a chance at the far post. He doubled Gainsborough’s lead just ten minutes before halftime, converting a penalty after Harry Flowers fouled Theo Williams in the box.
In the second half, Ashton pushed to reduce the deficit. Around the 60-minute mark, Mikey O’Neill had a chance to score but fired over the crossbar. Ashton eventually found a goal in added time when Mo Doro advanced down the left wing and set up substitute Justin Johnson, who finished with a precise low strike to bring the hosts closer.
Ashton’s best opportunity to level the match came late when Willoughby had a chance from a loose ball following a header from Flowers but failed to convert. Gainsborough held on to secure the win, extending their winning streak to three matches.