Ashton Athletic 0 Eagle Sports 2

EAGLE Sports turned in their best performance of the pre-season campaign to defeat North West Counties Premier Division Side and current League Challenge Cup holders Ashton Athletic.

The home side started quickly, with some slick passing and speedy play but the Eagle rearguard held firm early on, working hard at the back and in midfield to halt their opponents.

The Cheshire League side then started to edge their way into the game 25 minutes in and began to gain more possession and a grip on the game.

They proved more than a match for an Ashton side two divisions above them on the non-league ladder.

Chris Quirk had the best opportunity for Eagle in the first half when Stuart Wellstead found him in the box but after a perfect touch, Quirk missed the ball with the goal gaping.

The teams went in goalless at half time, although both managers will have been happy with their side's performances.

Ashton started the second half brightly and were the better side for the first 10 minutes, with some resolute Eagle defending keeping the scores level.

However, it was Eagle who went closest when Stuart Wellstead's shot came back off the post.

The visitors then took the lead when Craig Bishop charged down a pass from the defender and the ball fell kindly into his path, resulting in the midfielder drilling the ball into the net.

Eagle from that point began to control the game, despite their opponents having some possession. On a good surface, Eagle played the ball around and offered a lot of attacking threat.

They made the game 2-0 when Danny Burthem chipped a pass through to Stuart Wellstead, who saw the keeper off his line and lifted the ball into the Ashton net.

Eagle continued to exert more pressure on the home goal, with the hosts restricted to counter attacking when possible.

Neil McDermott pulled off a late save to keep Eagle's clean sheet intact but the visitors were more than deserved winners as they now look to win their first ever CFL Memorial Cup when they take on Garswood United at The Wooders this saturday, kick off 3pm.

Eagle: McDermott, R.Bishop, Chinn, Hall(c), N.Williams, Nixon, C.Bishop, Burthem, L.Boardman, Wellstead, Quirk Subs: Waldron, Bruce, Robinson, Cook, Stratulis