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STANDIANS were unable to repeat their Cup victory over Ashtonians earlier in the season in a game they badly needed to win.

If proof were needed that luck was against them it appeared that when the referee blew his whistle for full-time just as Steve Critchley put the ball in the net for what would have been a last- gasp equaliser.

Perhaps the appalling conditions had something to do with the result, but the omens looked good for Standians, who were the livelier of the two sides early on.

It took a penalty from Dan Perkin after Mark Denham had been brought down in the box to get them in front before the home side hit back twice carving the Standians defence open to take the lead.

To the visitors' credit, they never let their heads drop and Paul Jones smashed home a powerfull drive past the excellent home keeper to level.

It was thanks to the home keeper's outstanding saves that Old Ashtonians were able to be on level terms at the interval.

Standians were more determined after the interval and it only looked a matter of time before they regained the lead. But worsening weather suited the bigger and more physical home side, although it was still Standians who played the more neat and tidy football.

That was until a break from Ashtonians produced the winning goal. Once again Standians rallied and looked to have equalised, when Steve Critchley's strike was ruled out cruelly as the referee blew the final whistle.

10:55am Thursday 13th March 2008

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