The Reds Youth side rued a string of missed chances against Ashton Town in their FA Youth Cup First Round Qualifying match at Borough Park this evening. The Reds youngsters had more of the possession and chances but failed to hit the target far too often.

Within the first five minutes the Reds side had squandered three chances with Shane Rooney firing wide in the first.  Stefan Scott having raced clear of the defence failed to beat the Ashton keeper Danny Bennett who made a good save with his legs for a corner. Stefan Scott had another chance from the resulting corner but his shot was blocked by the Town defence.

From Town's first push forward in the seventh minute they forced a corner and from this corner the Reds failed to clear the ball and Aidan Thomas headed in from close range.

The Reds missed further chances within the first half hour when striker Nick Holden hit a volley wide and also fired over the bar after good build-up play from his colleagues.  A good run from Adam Main led to a chance for Greg Mitchell but he also shot wide of the goal.

Ashton Town took a two goal lead on 31 minutes when the Reds lost the ball thirty yards from their goal and Ryan Puckering raced forward a hit a great strike from 25 yards into the corner of the net past the full stretch Alex Jones.

The Reds should have pulled one back 4 minutes later when a delightful chip over the Town defence had Stefan Scott racing clear. Stefan put his shot just wide of the advancing keeper but unfortunately also just wide of the post.

The second half started with the Reds dominating the possession like the first half and in the first minute of the second half Stefan Scott won a high ball that fell to Nick Holden who shot wide. A minutes later Stefan Scott also fired a shot wide.

On 70 minutes the Reds again should have scored but a very good double save by Town keeper Danny Bennett denied them and four minuted later substitute Aaron Roberts had a shot saved.

Ashton Town should have made it three on 80 minutes when Aidan Thomas had a powerful shot well saved by Alex Jones and the rebound was put over the bar by the supporting attacker.

The Reds finally pulled one back on 84 minutes from a corner from the left. The ball was swung into the near post and was flicked on to Stefan Scott who bundled the ball over the line from a yard out.

Ashton Town held out for the final six minutes to earn a game against either Padiham or Fleetwood Town in the next round.