After popping up with a last-minute equaliser on Tuesday, Ashton United forward Kielen Adams was the saviour once again on Saturday.

With his goal ensuring the Robins were victorious in a home clash against Morpeth Town.

Adams was crowned Ashton United player of the month for January and was presented with the award prior to kick-off, in front of the supporters. This set the tone for the afternoon, as the striker showed just why he deserved the accolade, scoring the winner and winning the man of the match award in the process.

The Robins started the game very strongly, putting the away side under pressure from the first whistle. A flurry of early chances for the home side was followed by the opening goal on 31 minutes. A stunning left-footed strike into the top left corner from that man Adams.

The attack began with a long ball up towards Adams, with the forward taking it in his stride, he then looked to have been dragged to the ground by Morpeth Defender Michael Turner but the ref waved play on. Turner was then quickly dispossessed by Ashton midfielder Dale Whitham, who cut the ball back for Adams to rifle home.

There was little to write home about for the remainder of the first half and Ashton went in at half-time one goal to the good.

The away side almost caused a scare early in the second half, with Brazilian shot-stopper Andre Mendes handing the visitors a golden opportunity from a corner, with the ball slipping through his gloves and falling to a Morpeth player in the six-yard box. Mendes atoned for his error though, producing a fine save to deny Turner from point blank.

The hosts then began to pile on the pressure, with new signing Jason Gilchrist missing two golden opportunities in quick succession.

The first, a tame effort on his weaker left foot which was easily dealt with by the goalkeeper Daniel Lowson, who had a fine afternoon. The second, a side-footed effort from inside the box, which forced a stunning save from Morpeth’s number one, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar.

Moments later, Lowson was in action again, this time denying Ashton full-back Sean Newton, who saw his thunderous 30-yard strike tipped over, this save was the pick of the bunch. Soon after, Newton was denied again, this time by the woodwork, with his free-kick crashing off the Morpeth Crossbar.

Midfielder Nathan Lowe also came close, with his left-footed strike flashing just past the far post shortly after.

It was a nervy end for the home side, with Morpeth coming back into the game towards the end. The Robins were camped inside their own 18-yard box for the majority of the four minutes of additional time, but they managed to withstand the late surge of pressure from the visitors and take all three points.

After the game, we got the thoughts of the goal scorer, Kielen Adams, who was happy with his performance, “It’s always nice to contribute with a goal, it’s just about building on it now”.

We also spoke with Ashton United manager Steve Cunningham, who was full of praise for his number nine, “Kielen was fantastic, he’s playing with a smile on his face, his confidence is high and he’s getting his rewards”.

The win puts Ashton United above local rivals Stalybridge Celtic and into 12th place, after Celtic failed to win their match against Bamber Bridge at the weekend, with the game finishing 1-1.

Next up for the Robins in the league is a tough test at home to fifth-placed Radcliffe Borough on Saturday (11 February) afternoon.

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

Want more local sport stories?

Head to https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/ to see more of our coverage - from community and non-league football to local and county cricket, boxing, athletics, basketball, Esports and golf.