Ready to rock after washout!

The Robins - leading the National League outfit through top scorer Martin Pilkington and ex-Macclesfield man Will Haining - were in the driving seat at Moss Rose and seemingly heading for a famous giant-killing before Saturday's incessant rain forced the referee to call off the first round clash at half-time.

Ashton's Jeff King is pictured sliding through a puddle to challenge Macclesfield's Danny Rowe before officials brought proceedings to a close. Despite their disappointment, the Premier Division club's officials say they are determined to pick up where they left off and more than ready for a fast start from the Silkmen.

A club spokesman said: "It's always disappointing to see a game abandoned part way through, more so when you're winning and doubly so when leading a team two divisions higher by a two goal margin.

"The incessant rain made the referee's decision inevitable as the Moss Rose pitch got wetter and wetter throughout the first 45 minutes, with the ball sticking in puddles on some parts of the pitch within the first ten minutes.

"The Silkmen will have more of an idea what high standards EVO-STIK League teams are capable of and will come out determined not to be outplayed again. We will be ready and are looking forward to showing what we are capable of again."

Following Monday's draw for the second of the FA Trophy, whoever goes through to the last 32 of Non-League's showpiece competition will face a long trip to the South West to take on either Cirencester or Truro City.

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