Ashville Through On Penalties!
A back and forth encounter was settled via a penalty shootout
Wow, what a cup game for the neutral!
Ashville started on the front foot and nearly took advantage on 22 minutes when Ben Greenop was given far too much time in the box. The striker turned and shot, the ex Manchester United Academy forward's effort parried away by Bower.
Just a minute later though and Ashville did find the back of the net. Greenop this time turning supplier when he lifted a deft cross in for Parrington who headed home to continue his hot streak in the competition.
'Paggastuta' nearly added to his and Ashville's lead just 3 minutes later when he got a shot off from the edge of the area but Bower was equal to it.
Parrington nearly turned supplier on 36 minutes when his cross was met by Toby Jones who headed goalwards but it was brilliantly tipped over by Bower.
On the stroke of half time Ashville once again nearly doubled their lead. Parrington fizzed a tempting ball across goal and despite his best efforts, Greenop was millimetres away from turning the ball home.
It took Villa just two minutes into the second half to double their lead. A brilliant team build up finished by Toby Jones. The defender turned striker smashing the ball home at the near post.
The two goal lead was halved just three minutes later when a deep free kick was headed goalwards only to be saved by Dixon. Unfortunately for Ashville it fell right at the feet of Bernard who poked home from 4 yards out.
From that point on it was Glasshoughton Welfare in control and they nearly got their reward on 76 minutes when Gray hit a first time volley just wide of the host's goal.
It would be 2-2 on 81 minutes however, a brilliant ball playing Jamie Simpson in behind. The striker calmly slotted past Dixon to bring the scores level and complete the comeback.
'Glassy' would completely turn the game on its head on 89 minutes when they buried their third for an unbelievable turnaround. Another deep free kick, this time poked home by Ashley Bell.
Hope was not lost for Ashville however and despite a sluggish second half performance, the hosts dug deep.
Five minutes were added on but Ashville only needed two as Shaun Parrington fired home from the edge of the area to make it 3-3.
To penalties it went...
Glasshoughton took first and were perfect until the fourth penalty which was excellently tipped on to the post by Dixon.
Ashville had matched 'Glassy' with penalties from Hartley, Courtnell and Parrington. The man responsible for giving Ashville the lead in the shootout was Nathan Haynes who slotted home brilliantly.
A save or a miss for Glasshoughton's final penalty would secure victory for Ashville but it was put home with confidence to leave the game to be decided by the final kick.
Substitute Tom Davies stepped up for the hosts and smashed it home to send Ashville through to the second round and capped off a fantastic cup tie.
Ashville will host Holker Old Boys in the second round at Ray Parker Stadium. Tickets can be bought for that tie online now via the club website.
Ashville are next in action on Monday when they travel to Brantingham Road once again to take on Maine Road in the replay of the Edward Case Cup first round. The original game was abandoned due to "foggy conditions". Villa will then welcome Maine Road to Ray Parker Stadium in the league next Saturday in a 3pm kick off. Tickets for that game can be bought on the club website.