At long, long last!
Denney's pace continually created confusion in Brig defence and he headed home on 7 minutes after Miller flicked on and it could have been two shortly after when Riordan's effort was disallowed after he was narrowly judged offside. Brig had plenty of pace but little invention and a hard working home midfield got little reward from shot shy forwards.
Controversy shrouded the second as Brig appealled for a dead ball as it span across the goal area, Denney headed it back from the deadball line and with Miller threatening, Pryers attempted header clear obstructed his own keeper and Sharrock juggled the ball over his own line. Johnson's header came back off the bar shortly after, from a Cornelly corner, as Ashton could have sealed the tie.
Ashton looked in no real danger with Brig mainly shooting from range until a penalty converted 15 minutes from time gave the visitors cause for alarm. However the Robins' defence held superbly to seal a well deserved victory.
Cue scene of real delight at the final whistle and thoughts of trips to Celtic, Hyde and the Bloods next season, a fair swop for Gretna, Workington, Eastwood and Lincoln (nothing againt those clubs except their geographic positions)
Thanks to everyone at Irongate who made us welcome last night. Ashton's going up!
Long overdue and the only redeeming feature of the shambles that has been the first set of play-offs. Hope to see Ashton do well in the Premier next year.
Like I said to the Alfreton supporter yesterday, welcome to premiership. I hope to get to the away game between Ashton and Gateshead and visit yet another new ground.
Very well done to Ashton and I for one will be glad for the renewal of our rivalies on the pitch. With 4 tameside teams in the division it should be interesting to see who finishes top dog....although we all know it should be 3..................