CALLAM Gardner converted a penalty with time running out last weekend to earn for Winsford United a share of the spoils following a six-goal thriller.

There were three minutes left when he sent goalkeeper Martin Pearson the wrong way from the spot after Michael Koral was pushed to the floor.

As they had done against Charnock Richard when they visited St Luke’s Barton Stadium for a league fixture, Blues had to rally from 2-0 down.

Adam Howard teed up Paul Watson to put Ashton in front before Winsford custodian Ben Chapman prevented Matthew Reid from doubling the away side’s lead.

Koral had a shot blocked on the line, while James Rothwell diverted a ball headed his way by Koral over the bar.

Josh Nicholson volleyed in a second goal shortly after the interval, and Joel Brownhill fluffed a chance to put the game out of Winsford’s reach when he went clear.

Will Foster’s header, from a Gardner corner, sparked Blues and they were given a boost when Watson was sent off after being cautioned twice.

Rothwell drilled past Pearson to make it 2-2, and youngster Declan Daniels missed a glorious chance to put Lee Duckworth’s men ahead following Koral’s approach play.

Daniel Regan then provided an assist for Howard to score after breaking the offside trap.

Blues did not give in though, and Gardner’s 15th goal of the campaign was a reward for their persistence.

Winsford | Chapman (GK), Fowles, Skolorzynski (Bircumshaw 51), Rothwell, Lee Duckworth, Foster, Scott Taylor (Manko 82), Hopper, Koral, Gardner, Daniels Subs not used McLellan, Osborne (GK) Goals Foster 56, Rothwell 65, Gardner 87 (penalty) Booked Fowles, Gardner

Ashton | Pearson (GK), Rowe, Howard, Wilson (Cringle 77), Cartwright, Webster, Nicholson, Watson, Brownhill (Korie-Butler 83), Regan, Reid (Munro 65) Subs not used Johnstone, Pitts Goals Watson 15, Nicholson 48, Howard 75 Booked Wilson, Munro Sent off Watson

Referee Dale Baines

Attendance 188