Ashton United 1-1 Boston United

Qualter’s exquisite effort from 35 yards handed the Pilgrims a 12th minute lead at Hurst Cross but United’s afternoon took a significant downturn four minutes from time when substitute Brad Abbott was red-carded for apparent foul and abusive language.

Ashton substitute Liam Tomsett capitalised less than two minutes later with the Robins’ equaliser to seal the Pilgrims’ first draw of the season.

The Pilgrims, showing three changes to the side beaten by Brackley Town on Tuesday evening, took the lead in eye-catching circumstances.

QUALTER advanced into the Ashton half before blasting home an unstoppable effort from around 35 yards which hit the inside of Luke Pilling’s right-hand post and bounced in the net.

Ashton attacker Matthew Chadwick carried the home side’s greatest threat all afternoon and produced a mazy run across the box before smashing an effort too high on his left foot.

David Norris, making his first start since September 29, blazed a fine effort marginally off target as the Pilgrims threatened a second goal.

United pressed for a potentially game-clinching strike after the break but James Jones’ header was gathered by Pilling following Ben Davies’ free-kick.

Scott Kay’s header dropped wide for Ashton while Jordan Slew, making his first start for the Pilgrims, had an effort hacked off the line by Luke Ashworth following Gavin Allott’s cutback from the left.

Sebastian Malkowski, maligned for his midweek performance against Brackley, made important stops to deny Josh Askew and Matt Regan.

United were reduced to 10 men when Abbott, on the pitch for only 12 minutes, said something untoward to referee David McNamara and received his marching orders following a hotly-contested throw-in call.

Ashton took advantage and TOMSETT wriggled through to neatly finish beyond Malkowski and level the scores.

Ashton (4-5-1): Luke Pilling; Mark Lees, Scott Kay (Liam Tomsett 70), Lewis Baines, Matt Hill (Liam Martin 63); Bradley Jackson, Aaron Chalmers (Luke Ashworth 32), Matthew Regan, Sam Sheridan, Josh Askew; Matthew Chadwick. Subs (not used): Casian Anghel, Harrison Holgate.

Boston (4-4-2): Sebastian Malkowski; Ben Davies, Ryan Qualter, James Jones, Ashley Jackson; Max Wright, David Norris (Brad Abbott 74), Andi Thanoj, Nicky Walker (Spencer Harris 64); Gavin Allott, Jordan Slew (David Parkhouse 79). Subs (not used): Josh Hine, Gregg Smith.

Referee: David McNamara.

Attendance: 227.