SALTASH United ended 2011 on a high with this unexpected victory over a Sticker outfit whose East Cornwall Premier League title aspirations took a huge knock.

The visitors were first to the ball as they dominated the opening period, though Sticker striker Chris Kitson missed a sitter in front of goal.

The Ashes came out for the second half determined to push for goals, and when the ball was given away a minute

after the restart, James Moriarty fed Lee Jackets, who crossed for Aaron West to score with a powerful header.

Saltash continued to dominate the contest, with wingers Moriarty and Mark Toms continually putting their hosts under pressure.

The visitors almost increased their advantage when James Scott had a header cleared off the line.

They did eventually grab a second goal when, following a succession of corners, the ball was only cleared to Jackets, who fired the ball through a pack of players and into the net.

Sticker never gave up and reduced the arrears seven minutes from time when Martin Giles headed in a corner – but it proved too little, too late.

Said Ashes manager Joe Pulley: 'This was a great performance.

'We set out our stall early and the players stuck to the script – I'm very proud of them all.'

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