SALTASH manager Andrew Hatch took a gamble on the inclusion of goalkeeper Matt Mulroney – and was rewarded with a man of the match performance by the Australian.

A series of first half saves by Mulroney enabled Saltash to frustrate Sticker and the Ashes went on to extend their six-match unbeaten run under Hatch.

"We were looking for a goalkeeper because Lee Carew has been forced to retire as a result of a broken leg from a couple of seasons ago," said Hatch.

"I had an approach from Mulroney, who came over from Australia recently. Although I had not seen him play, I decided to give him a chance and he did really well for us."

Sticker manager Phil Dingle felt his forwards might have made better use of three one-on-one situations during the first half, but conceded that some credit was due to the work of the Saltash goalkeeper.

"We were punished for some poor defensive work and were guilty of some abysmal finishing," said Dingle.

"It was a poor performance by us. We had given away only one goal in recent games and then we get five against us in one game."

The loss of Jordan Dingle with a knee injury in the pre-match warm-up did not help the Sticker cause, but Saltash were also without a key man at the back with the non-availability of Lee Withey.

The game remained goalless until midway through the first half when Adam Nickson put Saltash ahead from close range following a corner.

Further goals from Stuart Taylor and Ben Philp had the Ashes in command at the interval.

Any threat of a Sticker revival was denied by some sound Saltash defensive work aided by the experience of Jamie Manuel.

Taylor wrapped up the scoring when he completed his hat-trick with a couple of goals in the closing stages.

Man of the match: Matt Mulroney (Saltash).