ashton athletic first team

FA Cup and Vase draws

2009-07-01T13:13:00.002+01:00

The FA have, today published the draws for the early rounds of the national competitions. The ties involving Vodkay League Clubs are outlined below:-

THE FA CUP SPONSORED BY E.ON
EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND
SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2009
Silsden v Colne
Congleton Town v Dinnington Town
Abbey Hey v Hallam
Chadderton v Atherton Collieries
Parkgate v St Helens Town
Holker Old Boys v Padiham
Bacup Borough v Atherton LR
Maine Road v Alsager Town
Squires Gate v Staveley MW
Ashton Athletic v Bootle
Runcorn Linnets v AFC Emley
Nostell MW v Oldham Town
Ramsbottom United v Cheadle Town
Flixton v Winsford United
Formby v Glossop North End
Eccleshall v Tividale
Stone Dominoes v Cadbury Athletic
Norton United v Newcastle Town
Bottesford Town v New Mills

THE FA CUP SPONSORED BY E.ON
PRELIMINARY ROUND
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 2009
Clitheroe v Squires Gate or Staveley MW
Holker Old Boys or Padiham v AFC Fylde
Ashton Athletic or Bootle v Woodley Sports
Silsden or Colne v Abbey Hey or Hallam
Sheffield v Flixton or Winsford United
Maltby Main or Rossington Main v Formby or Glossop North End
Chorley v Nostell MW or Oldham Town
Colwyn Bay v Parkgate or St Helens Town
Maine Road or Alsager Town v Ramsbottom United or Cheadle Town
Bacup Borough or Atherton LR v Prescot Cables
Chadderton or Atherton Collieries v Radcliffe Borough
Bamber Bridge v Runcorn Linnets or AFC Emley
Witton Albion v Congleton Town or Dinnington Town
Heath Hayes or Lye Town v Eccleshall or Tividale
Stone Dominoes or Cadbury Athletic v Market Drayton Town
Nrton United or Newcastle Town v Westfields or Bolehall Swifts
Carlton Town v Bottesford Town or New Mills

THE FA CUP SPONSORED BY E.ON
FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2009
12 Silsden or Colne or Abbey Hey or Hallam v Burscough
13 Cammell Laird or Mossley v Colwyn Bay or Parkgate or St Helens Town
14 Maine Road or Alsager Town or Ramsbottom United or Cheadle Town v Bamber Bridge or Runcorn Linnets or AFC Emley
15 Clitheroe or Squires Gate or Staveley MW v Stocksbridge Park Steels
16 Bacup Borough or Atherton LR or Prescot Cables v Witton Albion or Congleton Town or Dinnington Town
20 Maltby Main or Rossington Main or Formby or Glossop North End v Chorley or Nostell MW or Oldham Town
21 Holker Old Boys or Padiham or AFC Fylde v Trafford or Rossendale United
23 Ashton Athletic or Bootle or Woodley Sports v Chadderton or Atherton Collieries or Radcliffe Borough
24 Sheffield or Flixton or Winsford United v FC United of Manchester
26 Norton United or Newcastle Town or Westfields or Bolehall Swifts v Sutton Coldfield Town or Meir KA or Tipton Town
28 Evesham United v Heath Hayes or Lye Town or Eccleshall or Tividale
33 Leamington v Stone Dominoes or Cadbury Athletic or Market Drayton Town
45 Glapwell or Holwell Sports or Ellistown v Carlton Town or Bottesford Town or New Mills

THE FA CARLSBERG VASE
FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2009
10 Formby v Chadderton
11 Padiham v St Helens Town
12 Ashton Athletic v Alsager Town
13 Atherton LR v Colne
14 Ramsbottom United v Wigan Robin Park
15 AFC Blackpool v Maine Road
16 Runcorn Linnets v Staveley MW
23 Leek CSOB v Biddulph Victoria
29 Wellington v Eccleshall

THE FA CARLSBERG VASE
SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2009
10 Silsden v Guisborough Town
20 Ramsbottom United or Wigan Robin Park v Nostell MW
21 Ashton Town v Worsbrough Bridge Athletic
22 Penrith v Squires Gate
23 Daisy Hill v Runcorn Linnets or Staveley MW
24 Flixton v Hallam
25 Rossington Main v Atherton Collieries
26 Winsford United v Parkgate
27 Whitehaven v Cheadle Town
28 AFC Blackpool or Maine Road v Oldham Town
29 Formby or Chadderton v Padiham or St Helens Town
30 AFC Liverpool v Dinnington Town
31 Bacup Borough v Holker Old Boys
32 Nelson v Abbey Hey
33 Irlam v Atherton LR or Colne
35 AFC Emley v Ashton Athletic or Alsager Town
38 Leek CSOB or Biddulph Victoria v Bardon Hill Sports
42 Brocton v Norton United
48 Gornal Athletic or Knowle v Wellington or Eccleshall

THE FA CARLSBERG VASE
FIRST ROUND PROPER
SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2009
8 Silsden or Guisborough Town v Eccleshill United or Norton & Stockton Ancients or West Allotment Celtic
12 Rossington Main or Atherton Collieries v AFC Emley or Ashton Athletic or Alsager Town
13 Irlam or Atherton LR or Colne v Flixton or Hallam
14 Formby or Chadderton or Padiham or St Helens Town v Maltby Main or Hemsworth MW
15 Ramsbottom United or Wigan Robin Park or Nostell MW v Bacup Borough or Holker Old Boys
16 Penrith or Squires Gate v AFC Liverpool or Dinnington Town
17 Daisy Hill or Runcorn Linnets or Staveley MW v Ashton Town or Worsbrough Bridge Athletic
18 AFC Blackpool or Maine Road or Oldham Town v Winsford United or Parkgate
19 Whitehaven or Cheadle Town v Congleton Town
20 Nelson or Abbey Hey v Selby Town
26 Gornal Athletic or Knowle or Wellington or Eccleshall v Dosthill Colts or Barrow Town or Coventry Copsewood or Pilkington XXX
32 Leek CSOB or Biddulph Victoria or Bardon Hill Sports v Brocton or Norton United
33 Heath Hayes or Bartley Green or Bolehall Swifts or Lye Town v Newcastle Town
34 Bourne Town or Graham St Prims v New Mills

ADDITIONAL FRIENDLY ADDED

2009-07-01T09:50:00.002+01:00

A second friendly has been arranged on Saturday 18th July against Manchester Premier League outfit Avro FC with a 2pm Kick off scheduled.

The match is in addition to the trip to West Lancs Premier side Fulwood Amateurs, which is a 3pm KO.

see below for full details.

FULL DETAILS OF TRAINING & PRE-SEASON ARRANGEMENTS

2009-06-22T07:25:00.005+01:00

ADDITIONAL FRIENDLY ON SATURDAY 18TH JULY ADDED

Ashton Athletic commence preparation for the new season at the Brocstedes Park Ground on
Thursday 25th June - 7.15pm meet for a 7.30pm start followed by
Saturday 27th June 2.15 for 2pm, and then
Tues, Thurs, Sat at the same times until the week of the first friendlies, as per below:-

MONDAY (yes Monday)13th JULY
TRNG at Club 7.15 for 7.30pm start

Wednesday 15th JULY
East Villa AWAY Friendly 7.30pm KO

Thursday 16th JULY
Trng 7.15pm for all except those playing at East Villa

Saturday 18th JULY
Fulwood Ams Away Friendly 3pm KO

Saturday 18th JULY
Avro FC Away Friendly 2pm KO

Tuesday 21st JULY
Burscough FC Home Friendly 7.30pm KO
Golborne Sports Friendly Away 7pm KO
No training

Thursday 23rd JULY
Daisy Hill Home Goldline 7.30pm KO
Trng 7.15pm for all except those playing v Daisy Hill

Saturday 25th JULY
West Didsbury Friendly Away 2.30pm KO
Light Trng 1.45pm for all except those playing at West Didsbury

MONDAY (yes Monday)27th JULY
Trng 1.45pm for all except those playing at Grappenhall

Tuesday 28th JULY
Grappenhall Spts Away 7pm KO
No training

Wednesday 29th JULY
Eagley Home Goldline 7.30pm KO

Thursday 30th JULY
Trng 7.15 for all except those playing at Eagley

Saturday 1st AUG
Airbus UK (Welsh Prem League) HOME 3pm KO
Garswood, AWAY 3pm KO

Monday 3rd AUG
Billinge Home 7.30 KO

Tuesday 4th AUG
Atherton LR Away Goldline 7.30 KO
No trng

Thursday 6th AUG
Light TRNG 7.15 PM START

Saturday 8th AUG
Vodkat League starts

There may be changes to these arrangements during pre season so players should check for revisions periodically

PRE SEASON TRAINING STARTS THURSDAY 25TH JUNE

2009-06-19T21:10:00.002+01:00

The adult squads will commence the build up towards the new 2009/2010 season with a series of training sessions at the Club, starting on Thursday 25th June 2009 7.15 meet for a 7.30 start.

The next session will be on Saturday 27th June, 1.45pm meet for a 2pm start and then there will be sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for the following 2 weeks at the same meet and start times.

The first friendlies have been arranged for Wednesday 15th and Saturday 18th July and full details of these and the rest of the pre season matches will be announced on the website in the next few days.

All players should bring both Boots and training shoes to the sessions.

Any new players interested in attending should first contact first team manager David Powell on 07770 696747.

Ashton Athletic host Goalkeeping Course

2009-06-15T06:14:00.000+01:00

Ashton Athletic is hosting a goalkeeping course which will run on Monday 22nd June, Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24th June 2009. The event will be held at the Club’s Brocstedes Park Ground from 7.45pm to 9.15pm and is for goalkeepers aged 15+. The course is in conjunction with Paxsport, a new goalkeeping brand based in the North West of England.

The training course will consist of 3 x 90 minute sessions with FA Qualified coach Phil Priestley – formerly of Rochdale and Bangor FC. The total cost of the three sessions will be £25, with each participant receiving a FREE pair of Paxsport goalkeeping gloves.

Details of the training course can be found at www.paxsport.co.uk

Anyone interested in attending the training course should contact Andy Paxton at Paxsport on: 07914 505055 / info@paxsport.co.uk

END

New Reserve Team Boss on Board at Athletic

2009-06-08T19:06:00.002+01:00

Ashton Athletic have appointed Pernell “Penn” Dunne (pictured) as the new Reserve Team Manager for the forthcoming season. Dunne arrives at Brocstedes Park having guided New Mills’ second string to 3rd spot in the Vodkat Reserve Division last season, just two points adrift of the runners up position.

First team manager David Powell says “ we are very pleased to have secured Penn’s services, who has sound experience at Reserve level of the Vodkat League and also comes with a terrific background in youth development over many years. His enthusiasm in developing and preparing the players for first team duties will be an essential part of our progress in future seasons.”

Dunne comments “I am delighted to be joining Ashton and hope that it will be a long and fruitful association.” He continues, “I am really looking forward to working with the first team manager David Powell and his recently appointed team of Ian Street and Steve Rothwell, and although I really enjoyed my brief stint at New Mills last season the travelling was becoming a drain and it is good to get the opportunity of joining another forward thinking Club, this time on my doorstep”

Preparations are in full flow with existing and new players due to report back for training on Thursday 25th June at the Club’s Brocstedes Park Ground. Full details about the subsequent pre season matches will also be announced shortly.

END

Ashton management additions

2009-06-03T09:30:00.004+01:00

Ashton Athletic manager David Powell has moved quickly after the recent departure of Assistant Manager Steve Pilling, with the appointment of two additions to the management team for the forthcoming season.
Rothwell
First in is Steve Rothwell who has agreed to take up the position of first team coach following his retirement from competitive football at the end of last season, after a long and successful non League Football playing career.
Steve will bring a great deal of experience and professionalism to the table and as our former Club Captain for the last few years will no doubt be continuing to build on his excellent relationship with the existing players and any new additions to the squad.
FA Coach Rothwell says “I am delighted to take up this new role at Ashton and will look forward to getting my hands on the lads at pre season training at the end of the month.”

Also on board and working alongside Powell will be Ian Street, the former Warrington Town, St Helens Town and Atherton LR manager, who spent last season as assistant manager at Southport and Bamber Bridge.
Powell adds “I am thrilled that we have been able to persuade Ian to join Ashton at this time. His higher league experience both as player and then in recent years as manager will be invaluable as we continue to progress our Club’s development within the North West Counties Premier League over the next few seasons.”
Street
As far as Street is concerned he is keen to build on the Club’s recent success, “ I have watched with some interest Ashton’s rise in the League’s over the last 4 years jumping from the local league football to the Vodkat Premier Division and you can only be impressed by the achievement” he says.
Street adds “I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity of developing Ashton with both Dave and Steve Rothwell and I am excited at the prospect of working with the existing lads ,and where necessary help with recruitment of a few new faces to improve what is already a very good young side”
Kenny Hopwood
Existing Physio Kenny Hopwood will continue with his excellent work at the Club and will hopefully be supplemented again this season by trainee physios via the Club’s link with Edge Hill University’s physiotherapy department.

The Club will also be appointing a new reserve Team manager within the next week or so to complete the management structure for the impending season, and a further announcement will be made in this respect as soon as possible, along with details of pre season arrangements.

Managerial changes

2009-05-25T08:58:00.003+01:00

Assistant first team manager Steve Pilling has stepped down from the position after 3 years working closely with David Powell. Steve has been an important part of the Club's progression to North West Counties football, and the Club would like to thank him for his tireless commitment and effort, and hope he will return at some future date.

An announcement about Steve's replacement will be made in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile Reserve Team Manager Chris Richardson has also decided to leave, and again the Club would like to thank him and recognise the efforts he has made in the past season and a half in the role.

The Club are now on the lookout for a replacement for the Reserve's forthcoming season.

The voluntary role will provide an opportunity to prepare and develop players for progression to the first team as well as building the success of the team itself, where last season the team finished fifth in the Vodkat League Reserve Division and were runners up in the Reserve cup final to double winners Glossop North End. The role will include close liaison with the successful youth section of the Club.

An FA coaching qualifications would be expected to fulfil the job and to support the Club’s ongoing application for FA Charter Standard.

The Club, based in Ashton in Makerfield near Wigan has excellent playing and training facilities, and interested parties should contact first team Manager David Powell on 07770 696747, or forward details by email to davmar@btconnect.com before Friday 5th June.

2008-2009 Brief Review of season and Player of the year Awards

2009-05-22T15:02:00.000+01:00

Congratulations once again to everyone who contributed towards a tremendous season following the Club’s promotion into the Premier Division of the North West Counties Football League.
The 6th place has been a remarkable achievement and appropriate reward for the hard work and commitment showed by all involved.
The Atherton Cup once again proved a success for us, retaining the trophy for the second time to add to the previous 2 victories. Early exits from the Goldline, Wigan Cup and more crucially the Lancs FA Cup, FA Cup and FA Vase were a disappointment which will certainly be an area for improvement next season.
The reserves also had a great year with an improvement in League position from 10th last year to 5th this season. A tremendous cup run unfortunately saw the rezzies fall at the final hurdle, missing out to league and cup double winners Glossop North End 1-3 in the final of the Reserve Division Cup.
New players have once again joined the Club and along with youth players from last year integrated successfully with the existing playing staff and at the end of the season the Club is well placed to continue to move onward and upward.
Individual awards for the players were presented to the Open Age players. Roll of Honour:-

Golden Boot – Kev Kynaston (27 goals)

Presidents Award – Mark Court for outstanding commitment to the Club
Chairman's Award (Young Player of the Year) – Dave Sherlock for the second season in succession
Reserve Team Player's Player of the Year – Mark Court
Reserve Team Player of the Year – Peter Hitchen.
First Team Players Player of the Year – Mike Burke
First Team Manager’s of the Year – Steve Rothwell

Special awards were also given to Steve Bennett, Steve Rothwell and Steve Bennett for outstanding service to the Club over the last 4 seasons. All 3 have been ever presents during the clubs rise from Step 8 of the non League pyramid in Manchester League Division 1 through to making invaluable contributions this season in the Vodkat Premier Division (Step 5).
Recognition also to three more players Paul McVeigh, Col Gillespie and Peter Tarpey who have also contributed greatly in the early progress but due to injury, and work commitments did not manage to complete this season.
Finally, the Club Captain Steve Rothwell on behalf of all the players thanked the many volunteers at the Club and then went on to announce his retirement from competitive football with immediate effect. The club reserved the biggest ovation of the night for “Rothy” acknowledging the dedication and commitment that he has given to Ashton Athletic and football in general in his long successful career in non league and amateur football – an example to all!

Triple success for Ashton

2009-05-11T15:58:00.002+01:00

ATHERTON CHARITY CUP FINAL
SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009
ASHTON ATHLETIC 5 WESTHOUGHTON RANGERS 0

Ashton Athletic retained the Atherton Charity Cup to make it three trophy’s in the last three years of this long established competition, with a resounding 5-0 win over Westhoughton Rangers on Sunday Afternoon. A healthy crowd contributed handsomely towards the local charities and saw Ashton take the lead in the 13th minute as a Chris Lawton pass was flicked on by Dave Sherlock in to the path of Jon Bathurst who beat the off side trap and lofted the ball over the advancing keepers head and into the top corner.

Westhoughton fought back but could not find a way through the resilient Ashton defence and as the half wore on Ashton became increasingly dominant. Bathurst again burst through the Rangers defence and although the Rangers keeper saved well Sherlock followed up and blasted the ball into the net from 12 yards after 35 minutes, to give Ashton breathing space at half time.

Rangers battled hard for a foothold in the game but the result was effectively settled in the 60th minute as concerted Ashton pressure allowed Neil Davies to find space and time in the Westhoughton penalty area, and from the angle he curled a delightful right foot shot into the top corner.

Ashton were rampant and further increased their tally in the 83rd minute as a great piece of individual play by Simon Gallanders allowed the winger to ghost passed 2 defenders before slotting the ball into the corner from close range. Richard Sharpe made it five for Ashton 4 minutes later as Gallanders curled in a free kick to the far post for the easiest of headed goal’s for the Ashton Striker.

Quality photos available to view and purchase by following the link http://www.celebritypixuk.co.uk/slideshow56498.html

A great end to the season for Ashton and with 6th place secured in the Vodkat Premier League the team can look forward to a well earned rest before they go again with the start of a new season on the 8th August 2009.

The Ashton Reserve Team however continue in action and complete their season this Thursday when they will play their delayed League Cup Final against the winners of the Atherton LR v Glossop North End semi final. The semi final was postponed last week due to Heavy Rainfall just before kick off. The final against the winners of this outstanding tie will take place on 14th May at Ashton’s Brocstedes Park Ground with a 7.45pm KO.

2009-05-05T16:08:00.001+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 2nd May 09
New Mills 1 Ashton Athletic 0

On Saturday Ashton travelled to Derbyshire to face title chasing New Mills in their last league match of the season, looking for 3 points that would secure a 6th place finish.

It was however the home side that maintained their push for the top spot adding to an impressive 20 wins in consecutive matches before today’s match. A Matty Smith strike early in the second half settled this game and forced a title decider next weekend when the Millers will travel to second placed AFC Fylde three points to the better but with an inferior goal difference so a win from the home side would snatch the title away from New Mills.

An excellent match was however soured by a serious facial injury to Ashton Club Captain Steve Rothwell, midway through the second half as an aerial clash with Millers centre forward Matty Smith led to Rothwell having to leave the field with a fractured Cheekbone. A disappointing end to a terrific season for Rothwell, and even more as the game also marked the last in a distinguished playing career for the Ashton veteran defender.

Ashton started the brighter of the two teams as the Millers made a nervy start in front of a bumper Bank Holiday weekend crowd and showed commitment and determination throughout the match, typified by Rothwell who recovered from earlier knocks in the first half from the giant Millers striker Smith.

Dave Sherlock, Jon Bathurst Simon Gallanders and Kev Kynaston all looked lively against the hesitant home defence, as Ashton midfield duo Adam White and Neil Davies took the game by the scruff of the neck in the early stages. Gradually however New Mills worked their way into the game with the ever threatening Carlos Meakin driving his side forward. The Ashton defence was forced into overtime on several occasions, with the back four and keeper Alan Fitzpatrick in top form to repel the attacks.

New Mills did have the ball in the back of the net just before half time as Matt Smith pulled the ball back from the dead ball line for Gary Kharas to finish but the linesman rightly adjudged that the ball had crossed the line for a goal kick, taking the teams in at the break all square.

The second half got underway with both teams seeking the breakthrough but it was the home side that struck when in the 56th minute Garry Kharas collected a Carlos Meakin through ball and although looking marginally offside no flag came. A superb finger tip save at the feet of Kharas by keeper Alan Fitzpatrick denied the Millers top scorer, but his partner Matty Smith followed up to tuck the ball into the net despite the best efforts of Ashton skipper Mike Burke.

Moments later Rothwell was felled by a stray elbow from Smith which disrupted Ashton for a while but as soon as replacement Mike Winer got to the pace of the game Ashton settled back into their stride and started to exert pressure on the Millers back line. The introduction of powerful striker Carl Grimshaw for the last 15 minutes almost brought dividends for Ashton and as the game went on the nerves started to affect the home side again. In the last throws of the game Ashton almost caused an upset as David Sherlock was twice denied by the upright after finding time and space in the penalty area, with keeper Liam Higginbottom well beaten.

So New Mills move on to a cup final date against Runcorn on Tuesday night before their title decider next weekend at AFC Fylde. Meanwhile Ashton, at the end of a terrific first season at this level of non league football must settle for the 7th League spot unless, playing catch up, Bacup Borough drop 4 points in their last 3 games and if they do Ashton will retain 6th spot.

PHOTOS APLENTY AVAILABLE FOLLOWING THE FOLLOWING LINK - www.newmillsafc.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album44

The season, unfortunately over for Steve Rothwell is not for his team who will now prepare for a Cup final date on Sunday 10th May 2009 in the Atherton Charity Cup. The opposition will be Westhoughton Rangers at Atherton Collieries’ Alder Street Ground, 2pm Kick off and Ashton will be hoping to retain the trophy for the third year in succession.

Ashton’s reserves signed off their league season in a 2-2 home draw against Chadderton, with goals from Paul Hynes and Ben Cartwright. The result guarantees the team a 6th place finish, and possibly even 5th spot if Padiham lose their last 2 games against title chasing Bootle and New Mills.

The reserves also have a Cup final date to look forward to on Tuesday 12th May when they will face the winners of the outstanding semi final between Atherton LR and Glossop in a 7.45pm kick off at Brocstedes Park, Ashton.

Atherton Charity Cup Final date and opposition confirmed

2009-05-01T15:36:00.004+01:00

Ashton will attempt to secure the Atherton Charity Cup for the third season in a row when they face Westhoughton Rangers at Atherton Collieries Ground on SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009, 2PM KICK OFF.

Previous success came in the form of a nail biting penalty win after extra time against Atherton Town last season, preceded by a narrow 1-0 victory over Ashton Town at the end of the 2006/7 season.

This year Ashton have seen off local rivals Ashton Town in a 1-0 semi final win whilst 4-0 and 5-0 wins against Bolton Lads Club and Breighmet United complete Ashton's route to the final.

Westhoughton have also impressed in the earlier rounds easing past Stoneclough by three goals to nil in last Thursday's semi final, whilst a 1-0 win at Hindford United and a 3-0 win against the competition hosts Atherton Collieries started their progress to the final

With both teams yet to concede a goal in the competition and with Both teams free scoring in the earlier rounds an intruiging final is in prospect and the organisers are hoping for a big crowd to roll up to support the Charity competition.

Ashton's Reserve cup final date fixed for 12th May

2009-04-29T11:13:00.002+01:00

Ashton Athletic Reserve team's season will come to a climax on Tuesday 12th May 2009, when they will play at Brocstedes Park in a 7.45pm kick off against the winners of the outstanding semi final between Atherton LR Reserves and Glossop North End Reserves.

Kynaston clinches cup final date for Ashton Athletic in local Derby

2009-04-29T11:11:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 28th April 2009
Atherton Charity Cup Semi final
Ashton Town 0 Ashton Athletic 1

Ashton Athletic secured a place in final of the Atherton Charity cup for the third season in a row with a late winner from Kevin Kynaston against local rivals Ashton Town, despite having been reduced to 10 men for the majority of the game.

Before the controversial sending off Athletic had started brightly with Dave Sherlock forcing a brave save from keeper Peter Collis in the 4th minute and then a minute later Jon Bathurst latched onto a through ball and with keeper Collis advancing Bathurst’s attempted drifted wide.

Athletic Midfielder Neil Davies was then shown two yellow cards in the space of as many minutes, the first after 15 minutes for questioning a decision, and the second a minute later for a mistimed tackle that was at worst worthy of a verbal warning. Instead, and showing no signs of charity referee Nigel D’Arcy somewhat gleefully brandished the consequential red card leaving Athletic with reduced compliment for the rest of the match.

Further controversy followed shortly afterwards as a Town player hotly disputed another erroneous referring decision against his side however despite using the foulest of language directly at the referee the man in the black this time chose to ignore the comment. This inconsistent reaction enraged the Ashton bench, and resulted in the management team being expelled from the dugout.

Despite the setbacks the 10 men of Ashton more than held their own creating a string of chances with Bathurst, Sherlock and Gareth Peet coming close. Meanwhile the Town forward line were struggling to find a way through the dominant Athletic defence.

Second half chances were few and far between until the deadline was broken in the 85th minute as half time substitute Kevin Kynaston judged a Dave Sherlock flick to perfection, gained a yard on the edge of the box and curled the ball low and hard into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

Town surged forward in the dyeing minutes but could not grab an equaliser and it will be Ashton Athletic that progress to the final in Mid May. The opponents in the final will be winners of the other semi final between Stoneclough Fc and Westhoughton Rangers FC, to be played this Thursday night at Atherton Collieries Ground 7.30pm KO.

Before the Final Athletic will play their last League match of the season this Saturday , travelling to Derbyshire to face Vodkat Premier League Leaders New Mills FC in a 3pm KO. Meanwhile Ashton Town play their penultimate Vodkat Division One match when Norton United are the visitors to edge Green Street.

Late rally draws a blank for Ashton

2009-04-29T10:03:00.000+01:00

Saturday 25th April 2009
VODKAT Premier Division
Ashton Athletic 3 Alsager Town 4

Ashton signed off their last home match of the season with a disappointing reverse against Alsager Town at the weekend, with slack defending presenting the visitors with a 3 goal lead at half time. Despite a second half rally the challenge proved too great and Alsager held on for the 3 points with the odd goal in seven.

Numerous opportunities were spurned by Ashton in an eventful first half, before poor marking in the box allowed Alsager striker Joe Roberts two chances that he put away with ease in the 17th and 27th minutes. Ashton continued to dominate and further chances came and went as a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Luke Hebblewhite kept the visitors lead intact. With the exception of the two goals Alsager failed to muster a further goal scoring chance until the dyeing moments of the half, whilst Ashton’s dominance created opportunities running into double figures without the necessary composure being shown to reduce the deficit.

To add insult to injury Ashton’s first half misery was completed in the 44th minute as a long ball out of defence caught the Ashton back line square. As Matt Wooley broke through he was forced wide by the advancing Ashton keeper Fitzpatrick who then toed the ball away before colliding with Wooley in the process. A half hearted call for a foul from the visitors struck a chord with referee Johnson who pointed to the spot for a penalty, which Wooley himself converted.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with Ashton in the ascendency and 2 minutes after the restart a great Mike Burke header from a corner was cleared off the line. This was a short reprieve for the visitors as Burke was first to another Sherlock corner and this time he powered a header into the roof of the net to reduce the arrears in the 60th minute. Alsager were being pressed all over the field and rode their luck on several occasions, whilst also working tirelessly to close down Ashton’s options on the edge of their box.

In the 69th minute Ashton reduced the deficit further as a long range effort from Dave Sherlock found a way through a crowded box to nestle in the corner of the Alsager goal. Ashton poured forward for the equaliser but a smart break down the left by Alsager caught out the Ashton defence again and when the ball was cut back from the byline Matt Wooley pounced with an unstoppable shot from just inside the box into the top corner to complete the perfect counter attack in the 78th minute.

Ashton continued to press and in the last ten minutes further good openings failed to be converted by Ashton. In the closing minutes the intense Ashton pressure brought its reward as the referee spotted an infringement in the box during an Ashton corner, pointing to the spot for an Ashton penalty that was eventually converted by Jon Bathurst.

A disputed throw in then saw the referee brandish a straight red card to Ashton’s Adam Hallam for a misplaced comment, and despite the fact that far worse had gone before and after the incident, which the man in black chose to ignore. Further controversy involving the officials during stoppage time as substitute Richard Sharpe burst through the Alsager back line only to be dragged back by a defender. Clean through on goal Sharpe would have gone on to test the Alsager goalkeeper but the referee deemed that this was not an obvious goal scoring opportunity and chose to be lenient in this instance.

A more one sided match you could not have seen but Ashton were left ruing sloppy defending allowing the visitors to score 4 goals from just 5 goal scoring chances, whilst at the other end dominance of possession produced well in excess of 20 clear goal scoring chances returning just 3 goals, ratios that at both ends of the pitch must be significantly improved in the last few games of the season.

Athletic are in cup action on Tuesday night with a local Derby match against Ashton Town in the Atherton Charity Cup Semi final, 7.30pm Kick off. Then on Saturday a trip to New Mills to face the current League Leaders in the last game of the season, a game that could have a large bearing on the eventual league Champions. Ashton however will be keen to grab the three points to hold on to claim 6th place in the league which would be an excellent return for their first season at this level.

Ashton’s reserves maintained their excellent league form with a 3-2 win at Colne as a brace of goals from Carl Grimshaw and one from Kev Kynaston secured maximum points. They play their last league match of the season on Saturday against Chadderton before looking forward to the Reserve Division Cup final against the winners of the outstanding semi final between Atherton LR and Glossop North End, the date and venue for which will be announced this week.

Bathurst blast secures semi final place.

2009-04-23T10:52:00.002+01:00

Ashton Athletic 4 Bolton Lads Club 0
Atherton Charity Cup Qtr Final
Tuesday 21st April 2009

Ashton coasted through to the Atherton Charity Cup semi final on Tuesday night with a comfortable 4-0 win against Lancashire Amateur Leaguer’s Bolton Lads Club. A hat trick from Jon Bathurst and one from Paul Hynes was enough to secure the semi final birth. Athletic will now travel to neighbours Ashton Town next Tuesday 28th April for a 7.30pm kick off looking to make it through to the final in May and the chance to win the trophy for the third season in a row. Town will have other ideas and their much improved form in the last few months will test Athletic’s determination to the maximum.

Before that Ashton Athletic now prepare for their penultimate league match, and the last home game of the season when they face Alsager Town at Brocstedes Park on Saturday 25th April in a 3pm Kick off. With both teams pushing hard for a 6th place finish in the league a competitive encounter is anticipated.

END

First team falter in the League as Reserves make it to Reserve Division Cup Final as

2009-04-20T12:19:00.002+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 18th April 2009
Colne FC 3 Ashton Athletic FC 1

Ashton's inconsistent end to the season continued with an away defeat at Colne, a defeat made all the worse by the dismissal of defender Chris Lawton 5 minutes from time for a reckless tackle.

Ashton started slowly and fell behind in the 11th minute as Kieron Roberts beat several Ashton players to the ball in the midfield before releasing Andy Tinker down the left flank. Ashton keeper Clayton was quick to narrow the angle but the superb driven shot arrowed into the bottom corner, beyond Clayton’s reach.

Ashton came to life after the goal and restored parity 3 minutes later. A long ball from Clayton reached striker Jon Bathurst who was first to the bouncing ball heading over the advancing Colne keeper before sliding the ball into the unguarded net.

Unfortunately for Ashton the recovery was short lived as the defence went to sleep on a Colne corner allowing Tinker to grab his second with a close range finish in the 16th minute.

Ashton ploughed forward for the remainder of the half but half chances were not converted and the usually effective attacking set pieces were being repelled with ease by a determined home defence.

The second half saw Ashton very much in the ascendency as the search for a second equaliser of the match intensified, with Colne forced to defend deep and play on the counter attack. However this territorial advantage could not be converted into goals as several efforts from Jon Bathurst, Adam White Dave Sherlock and Neil Davies all failed to find the net, with Colne keeper James Kenyon a composed figure for the home side.

In the final 10 minutes Ashton threw caution to the wind in search of a goal with centre half Chris Lawton pushed forward to add further numbers to the attack. Despite increasing pressure it was however the home team that found the net with a clinical break that allowed substitute Liam Blades to take advantage of Ashton’s depleted defence to score from close range in the 83rd minute.

Ashton’s frustrations peaked as Chris Lawton was shown a red card for a high tackle moments after the Colne 3rd goal leaving Ashton to battle on for the rest of the game with ten men.

Despite the setback Ashton maintain their position in 6th place in the league with two games remaining and are in cup action on Tuesday night as Bolton Lads Club are the visitors to Brocstedes Park for an Atherton Charity Cup quarter final tie, 7.30pm KO. Then it is back to league action as Alsager Town are visitors to Brocstedes Park on Saturday 25th April 3pm KO.

Ashton’s reserve team were celebrating however as they won through to the Reserve Division Cup final with a fine semi final extra time win over New Mills Reserves. A Phil Williams 95th minute strike proved the difference between the sides but the team must wait a while to find out their opponents, as weather affected earlier rounds have yet to be concluded. On Monday evening the Ashton Reserves make the short trip to Atherton Collieries for a league match, 7.45pm KO

Mixed Easter weekend for Ashton

2009-04-14T11:05:00.003+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 11th April 2009 Ashton Athletic 1 Atherton Collieries 2
Monday 13th April 2009 Silsden AFC 0 Ashton Athletic 2

Ashton produced arguably the worst performance of the season on Saturday, losing at home to basement Club Atherton Collieries, before producing one of their best 90 minutes at Silsden on Easter Monday.
Fighting relegation, Collieries commitment outweighed Ashton’s below par endeavours on the day as goals from Rick Ratcliffe after 35 minutes and then a Troy Hayder goal midway through the second half punished slack defending by Ashton. A late rally by Ashton was not enough with a Neil Davies penalty mere consolation 4 minutes from time.
Match photos are available to view and purchase at http://www.celebritypixuk.co.uk/photo2391790.html#photo

On Easter Monday, Athletic then bounced back in style on their travels again as Jon Bathurst gave Ashton the lead with a close range finish in the 21st minutes, after a great run and cross by Gaz Peet. Although Ashton had the best of the possession Silsden had several chances to get back into the game but debutant keeper Phil Pantlin, a late change after Lee Novak was injured in the warm up, stood his ground to deny the home side.
Ashton’s dominance continued in the second half with a Neil Davies effort cleared off the line and a Simon Gallanders long range effort well saved by Silsden’s keeper Danny Thorpe representing Ashton best of several chances early in the half. Then with 15 minutes left a speculative through ball found Richard Sharpe clear on goal and Ashton’s speedy striker won the race for the ball to head over the advancing keeper Thorpe..
The win at Silsden consolidates Ashton 6th league spot, with 3 league games remaining in a challenging season. Next up for Ashton is an away match At Colne FC on Saturday 18th June 3pm Kick off.
Meanwhile after being held to a 2-2 draw at Daisy Hill last weekend Ashton’s reserves look forward to a league match at Atherton Lr on Tuesday 14th April 7.45pm KO and then a Cup Semi final on Saturday when they face New Mills FC at home at 3pm.

Sherlock screamer scuppers Silsden

2009-04-14T11:04:00.000+01:00

Ashton Athletic 2 Silsden AFC 1
Vodkat Premier Division
Tuesday 7th April 2009
Ashton posted a 3rd league win in a row on Tuesday night with a terrific 2-1 win against Silsden AFC, the highlight being a 25 yard strike from Dave Sherlock.

In a high pace high quality first half Sherlock struck after 12 minutes when receiving the ball in the centre of the park he put his foot on the ball looked up and powered a shot over Silsden keeper Danny Thorpe into the top corner.

End to end flowing football from both sides had the defences working overtime and it was Ashton that created the clearer chances as Jon Bathurst first had an opportunity in the 15th minute, but he miscued his shot from 12 yards out, and then 5 minutes later put a header inches wide after a superb cross from Simon Gallanders.

On the counter attack Silsden’s Lee Reilly had a sight on goal latching on to a through ball but he dragged his shot wide before a long range effort by Luke Richardson forced Ashton keeper Alan Fitzpatrick into a save.

Sherlock was in the thick of the action looking to improve his tally of 4 goals in 4 games and tested keeper Thorpe in the 30th minute but this time he was up to the challenge and held on to the effort.

As half time approached a defence splitting ball from Neil Davies found Bathurst in behind the Silsden defence but a Thorpe came out his attempted toe poke was read by the keeper who gathered safely.

The second half continued at high tempo as Silsden fought to get back in the game and skipper Martin Packer broke through but his shot was placed wide. Then in the 50th minute Ashton crushed Silsden’s determination when Richard Sharpe pounced onto a mistake by Thorpe to head into an empty net from 6 yards.

With a cup semi final on the horizon for Silsden at the weekend the second goal diluted their enthusiasm for the fight and with the exception of a few long range efforts, dealt with in composed fashion by Ashton keeper Fitzpatrick, failed to seriously threaten the Ashton goal until the last minute of the game.

A head injury to Alan Fitzpatrick in the 89th minute clearly affected the judgement of the Ashton keeper moments later as he tried to come to collect a hopeful free kick into the box at the death. However with bodies in the way he missed his catch and the ball dropped to Lee Reilly who shot toward goal from 14 yards out. Cover defender Chris Lawton attempted to clear the ball off the line but only assisted the ball’s passage over the line for a consolation goal for the visitors.

The win consolidates Ashton’s position in 6th place and now look forward to a home match on Saturday against Atherton Collieries, followed by a game on Easter Monday at Silsden both are 3pm KO.

The previous night an Ashton second string crashed out of the Wigan Cup at the Quarter final stage, deservedly beaten 3-0 by a spirited and hard working Standish St Wilfrids side.

The Ashton reserves are on their travels in the next two matches and face Daisy Hill this Saturday, 3pm KO and then go to Atherton LR Reserves on Tuesday 14th April for a 7.45pm ko.

Ashton Athletic 4 Atherton Laburnum Rovers 1

2009-04-05T21:46:00.000+01:00

Saturday 4th April 2009
Vodkat Premier Division
Ashton Athletic 4 Atherton Laburnum Rovers 1
Ashton blew away their visitors with a 3 goal blast in a 5 minute spell in the first half to knock the stuffing out of Reebok Stadium bound Atherton Laburnum Rovers. Rovers probably had half an eye on the imminent Goldline Trophy final to be played at the home of Bolton Wanderers on Monday, but strangely it was Ashton that looked the more tentative in the opening exchanges.

The game started with a northerly wind blowing in Ashton’s favour but it was LR that made a dream start and within two minutes were a goal up. Sloppy passing across the Ashton back line ended up with Adam Hallam being dispossessed by Josh Stott just outside the box. Stott threaded the ball to Stephen Edwards who appeared to be in an offside position but without a flag from the linesman Edwards slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.
On 4 minutes Ashton were endeavouring to recover from the early setback of going a goal down and a headed effort by Richard Sharpe went over the bar. After 16 minutes Athletic could have drawn level as Simon Gallanders cut in from the left to release Mike Douglas through on goal but his attempted lob, although beating keeper Andy Hewitt also cleared the bar.
The first corner of the game was conceded after 18 minutes by Rovers and the cross was met by Jon Bathurst but his shot went wide of the target for a goal kick to LR.
Ashton pressed to get back on equal terms and on 23 minutes won a free kick and from 25 yards out Chris Lawton played the ball to Simon Gallanders wide on the right and his cross was deflected by a Rovers defender into the grateful arms of the Atherton keeper Andy Hewitt.
A minute later a marauding run by Gaz Pet opened up the LR defence and his deep cross was met by Chris Lawton who headed down for Dave Sherlock to shoot powerfully to force another good stop from ex Ashton man Hewitt.
On 28 minutes LR skipper Ross McNair sustained an ankle injury following a foul committed by Neil Davies who had already been spoken to twice by the referee, and Davies received a booking.
In the 32nd minute Ashton put themselves back into the game when Richard Sharpe laid the ball on to Neil Davies and from just outside the 18 yard area he arrowed a shot into the bottom left corner of the net to put the home side on level terms.
A minute later Athletic were again on the score sheet when again Rovers failed to deal with an attack down the left. Another Simon Gallanders cross was helped on by Jon Bathurst and the ball was headed from close range into the top right corner of the visitors net by Dave Sherlock.
Then in the 36th minute Ashton gave LR a mountain to climb when they scored a third goal. The ball was delivered into the penalty area from deep by Mike Burke and was acrobatically flicked over Andy Hewitt into the net by Jon Bathurst.
Two minutes later Atherton, firmly on the back foot after conceding three goals in five minutes, conceded another free kick from the same spot, but the direct shot was placed too near the LR custodian and was easily dealt with by Hewitt.
Half Time Ashton Athletic 3 Atherton L R 1

Ashton maintained momentum early in the second half and 5 minutes after the restart could have sealed the game, as Jon Bathurst shot over the bar from close range after Dave Sherlock pressured Hewitt.
On 52 minutes the visitors were awarded a free kick from which Josh Stott forced Fitzpatrick into a low save. Two minutes later the hard working Bathurst could have bagged his second, but his shot from just outside the LR 18 yard box went wide.
Midway through the second half Ashton conceded a corner on the left and the Jake Patton cross found Ross McNair, but his instinctive close range effort went over the bar.
Then in the 76th minute Ashton rapped up the game, as the LR back four appealed for offside Richard Sharpe played to the whistle and left his markers standing. His effort took a wicked deflection and the ball looped over advancing keeper Andy Hewitt to notch up Ashton’s fourth.
With ten minutes of normal time remaining Atherton striker Phil Howard had an opportunity to bring some respectability to the scoreline, but his shot was blasted over the bar. On 83 minutes Jake Patton hit a powerful shot from the left but his effort drifted into the side netting and the visitors were denied any consolation.
Full Time Ashton Athletic 4 Atherton Laburnum Rovers 1

As Atherton move on to their date at the Reebok stadium, Ashton have a busy week ahead with two midweek home games. The first, in the Wigan Cup on Monday evening Standish St Wilfrids are the visitors to Brocstedes for a Quarter final tie kicking off at 7.15pm, whilst on Tuesday night Silsden AFC from Yorkshire provide the opposition in the League, 7.45pm.

Second half blitz bags 3 more away points for Ashton

2009-04-02T10:08:00.001+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Wednesday 1st April 2009
Nelson FC 1 Ashton Athletic 4

Ashton maintained their excellent away form with a third win in a row when they breezed past Nelson four goals to one on Wednesday night.

Ashton had already beaten Nelson on two previous occasions this season and the home side would have hoped for better this time round. However, Ashton had other ideas and exerted early pressure with Dave Sherlock and Richard Sharpe having attempts saved by goalkeeper Matthew Pilkington before John Bathurst slipped through the Blues defence and turned the ball past the advancing keeper and into the unguarded net after 15 minutes.

The visitors showed plenty of attacking ideas and linked well to find openings in the Nelson defence. Last ditch tackles by Darren Wright and Marc Taylor were needed to prevent Ashton from extending their lead, whilst keeper Pilkington took down Richard Sharpe just inside the box but the referee waved play on. Nelson's attacks by comparison were disjointed.

Isaac Kusaloka was bundled off the ball by two defenders as he tried to make a run into the penalty area and Marc Berry saw his well struck shot blocked by team-mate Alex Mugan as Nelson desperately tried to get on level terms.

The Blues must have felt that the tide had turned after 41 minutes when Krystian Liptrot rose high at the far post to head Luke Hargreaves' curling free kick back across goal and into the net via the woodwork to equalise.

The second half began with Nelson on the attack and Kusaloka chipped the ball just over the visitors' crossbar after Mugan's header had released him for a run on goal. But Ashton were quickly on the counterattack and again the Nelson defence were at full stretch with Darren Wright denying Adam Hallam with a vital tackle and Marc Berry heading the ball out of the Blues' goalmouth from Dale Sealey's deliberate chip to the far post.

After 56 minutes, an attacking move on the left wing resulted in a diagonal cross into the Nelson goalmouth and David Sherlock met it perfectly to sidefoot in Ashton's second goal from six yards out. Three minutes later, Matthew Pilkington made an instinctive save to knock Adam Hallam's shot over his crossbar as the Blues defence came under more pressure.

In the 62nd, an Ashton corner found Dale Sealey in front of goal and his downward header into the net gave Pilkington no chance as the visitors stretched their lead to 3-1.

Four minutes later, Richard Sharpe's run took him past Pilkington but Darren Wright got back to block his shot in the Nelson goalmouth. After 75 minutes, David Sherlock cut into the Nelson penalty area from the right wing and was tripped by Luke Hargreaves as he went past him. The resultant penalty was driven home by Neil Davies to give Ashton a 4-1 lead.

Luke Hargreaves almost atoned for his mistake with a 30 yard free kick which keeper Alan Fitzpatrick turned round the post with an excellent save. Adam Hayton was pulled back by defenders on the edge of the visitors' penalty area but the free kick was given just outside the box and Marc Berry's shot looped wide of the post as the Blues tried to reduce the deficit.

But in the last minute, Simon Gallanders looked set to add a fifth goal for Ashton when his run took him past Matthew Pilkington before Krystian Liptrot made a brilliant tackle to dispossess him eight yards from goal.

Ashton return to action at home with 3 games in quick succession. On Saturday Atherton LR are the visitors in a 3pm KO and then Ashton face Standish St Wilfrids in the Wigan Cup Quarter Final on Monday 6th April 7.15 KO, followed by a league encounter the following night after against Silsden FC 7.45pm KO

Success as well in midweek for Ashton’s Reserve team, as they progressed to the Reserve Division Cup Semi final with a fine 3-1 win against Cheadle Town Reserves on Tuesday night. Mike Rhead was on target twice with a first half penalty and then an extra time tap in after good work by Kev Kynaston. Then it was Kynaston who was on hand to seal the victory and set up a semi final tie against New Mills FC in two weeks time. Before that the Reserves travel to New Mills this Saturday for a league match, 3pm KO.

Cup success for under 17's

2009-04-02T10:07:00.000+01:00

WILF HICKSON CUP QUARTER FINAL

PENLAKE UNDER 18/S - 1
ASHTON ATHLETIC UNDER 17/S - 4

Ashton travelled to Penlake under 18/s in the quarter final of the Wilf Hickson cup. The pitch was in top condition and with a strong squad to choose Ashton approached the game in confident mood
Started very well Ashton passed the ball around on a large pitch and within 5 minutes Josh Taffe raced onto a through ball to narrowly shoot wide. Ashton created another couple of half chances before Penlake realised they were in a game, and with some crunching tackles combined with a bit of intimidation from home side Ashton knew this was going to be a tough game.
After 20 minutes Penlake were on top but the lack of quality in the final 3rd didn’t really threaten our goal. Ashton fought back and from a corner the ball was played out to Ross Sheppard who struck a great left shot onto the crossbar, and from the rebound Jake Leyland was quickest to respond heading the ball into an empty net 1-0.
After a few more tasty challenges from both sides Ashton hit them on the break again After dancing skilfully past 3 challenges, Daniel Ferguson fed Adam Brown with a perfect thru ball and with a good first touch he coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. 2-0
Penlake upped the tempo and nearly replied when their striker shot over the bar, and with more tasty challenges and a bit of pushing and shoving the game became a challenge for the referee to keep control. H/T 2-0

Penlake started fast and furious, knocking the ball around and pinning Ashton back in their own half. A couple of chances came to nothing for Penlake but the home side were in the ascendency.
A foul by an Ashton defender ended up with a free kick being given on the left hand side of the box. Penlake sent everyone forward, and the ball was delivered into a packed penalty area, deceived everybody and ended up in the net. 2-1
This was now a battle, all the Penlake players upped their game, a few more challenges by both teams ended up in a bit of a scuffle which the referee had to sort out. A breakaway down the left sent Adam Brown through on goal again, showing good strength he shrugged the defender off and once again rolled the ball coolly into the net. 3-1
Penlake then pushed 3 strikers up front which played into Ashton’s hands, as open spaces in the home side’s back line allowed Ashton to play effectively on the break.
On one such counter attack, and with 10 minutes to go Josh Taffe made it 4-1 with a cool finish, to kill the enthusiasm of the Penlake players, as their heads went down, Ashton could have increased the margin of victory with better finishing.

However the victory was secured against a tough and committed Penlake team and 1-14 everyone in an Ashton shirt played their part today in a very intimidating game, well done lads. Southport Vulcan in the Semi Final will be even tougher!!

Saturday 28th March 2009 Ashton Athletic 1 Maine Road FC 1

2009-03-30T15:00:00.001+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 28th March 2009
Ashton Athletic 1 Maine Road FC 1

Late strikes from both teams produced a share of the spoils at Brocstedes Park on Saturday, as both team keepers worked overtime to keep their opponents at bay.

Ashton started well, playing into the teeth of a strong wind, and Neil Davies forced the visiting keeper Andrew Jones into early action with a shot that was bound for the bottom corner before Jones’ timely intervention pushing the effort around the post in the 15th minute. Shortly afterwards a swift break from Richard Sharpe opened up the Maine Road defence before finding Mike Douglas who was brought down in the box by clumsy challenge but referee Davies was not convinced that it warranted a penalty.

Chris Lawton then tried a shot from 25 yards and with the keeper struggling to cover across his goal the effort slid agonizingly wide of the mark for Ashton. Moments later, a great low drive through a crowded penalty box from Mike Douglas was superbly saved again by Jones at full stretch.

In the 29th minute Maine Road also had a shout for a penalty as Liam Beckford went down in the box but referee quite rightly waved play on. Moments later the visitor’s best effort of the half, as Greg Hall got in between the Ashton defence and the advancing keeper Alan Fitzpatrick to head the ball against the foot of the post and away to safety.

The second half was mostly one way traffic as Ashton dominated territorially, with Maine Road playing on the counter attack, but doing so very effectively. A series of chances came thick and fast as Richard Sharpe’s downward header was saved at the foot of the post by Jones, then from a corner Jones turn a Chris Lawton header onto the post before the rebound was cleared. Simon Gallanders then produced a superb cross from the right that Jon Bathurst flicked wide with keeper Jones rooted to the spot.

After 53 minutes the visitors claimed for another penalty when Greg Hall fell to the ground but referee again rejected the calls. Steve Rothwell then volleyed inches over the bar from the edge of the box before another cross from Gallanders reached Sharpe whose low shot was again collected by the inspired Maine Road keeper.

A rapid break by Maine Road had the Ashton defence scrambling and a Luke Mack shot from the edge of the box was well blocked by Fitzpatrick who parry the ball against the post and then reacting quickly re-gathered bravely at the feet of the onrushing Hall.

Gallanders was in the thick of it again judging the flick from a long throw to perfection but his shot was pulled wide from 12 yards out, and three minutes later the same player shot wide again after a great cross from Sherlock was flicked on by Sharpe.

Ashton’s pressure was relentless and yet another corner almost produced a goal as Mike Burke header inches over the bar from 8 yards out. The visitor’s defence was creaking but holding out through sheer hard work and determination. Then just when all at the match were predicting a blank score line a speculative punt from Ashton keeper Fitzpatrick in the 89th minute picked out Jon Bathurst whose flick on reached Dave Sherlock who beat keeper Jones to the ball to toe poke the ball into the empty net.

Maine Road drove at the Ashton defence directly from the kick off, forcing an injury time corner . A superb delivery was met by Steve Mason who beat his marker and guided his bullet header into the top corner despite the best efforts of Neil Davies on the line, to snatch a point with a last gasp equaliser.

Ashton’s Reserves won the local derby against neighbours Ashton Town 3-1, with goals from Danny Taylor, Martin Rigby and a superb long range effort from Mark Court to maintain their push for a top four finish.

Next week the reserves entertain Cheadle Town FC in the quarter final of the Reserve Division cup on Tuesday 31st March, whilst on Wednesday 1st April the first team travel to Nelson FC for a league match, both games will kick off at 7.45pm.

On Saturday 4th April Atherton LR are the visitors to Brocstedes Park and the reserves travel to New Mills Reserves for a crucial top of the table clash.

END

Ashton leave the Gate open

2009-03-23T22:34:00.000Z

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 21st March 2009
Ashton Athletic 0 - 1 Squires Gate

A smash and grab denied Ashton a third victory in a week as a strike from Squires Gate winger Dave Cram 9 minutes from time was enough to take all three points for the visitors.
On a lively Brocstedes Park pitch, and with a strong wind blowing down the field, Ashton were left regretting a handful missed chances throughout the game, failing to take advantage of long periods of dominance especially in the first half.
Ashton started on the front foot and after just 2 minutes Simon Gallanders threaded a ball through the Gate back line to Richard Sharpe and as the ball sat up nicely for Ashton’s recent signing the visiting keeper Andy Speight was lucky to see his attempted close-range lob fall comfortably into his hands, when anything like a composed effort could well have dictated the course of the game.
At the other end, Gate looked lively on the break, with Chris Bennett and Steve Hibbert both being denied by last-ditch tackles by a determined Ashton defence
Gate were forced into defending, with Sharpe and Sherlock both coming close for Ashton but with centre half Wayne Maden outstanding for the visitors Ashton could not force a breakthrough. Despite Ashton’s early dominance clear sights at goal were at a premium as Gate’s midfield worked overtime to support their under pressure defence.
Squires Gate had a penalty shout turned down towards the end of the half when Hibbert fought his way through and into the hosts' area, but off balance the big striker stumbled to the floor and the referee correctly waved play on. Then Gate had to resist another spell of concerted pressure, and although they were able to occasional break clear, their final ball, like their Ashton’s, was frequently misplaced.
The second half saw Gate come into the game more, exploiting the wind which was now in their favour. A long ball from Speight forced the Ashton keeper to fumble, and Cram was dispossessed in the act of firing into the empty net.
Midway through the half Ashton stepped up a gear, and Gate were again forced to defend desperately for quite a while. Si Gallanders, cutting in from the left could have played in Mike Douglas but took the responsibility to shoot from 20 yards, an effort that was sliced off target.
Gradually, Gate fought free of the shackles, and with 15 minutes left the decisive moment came on 81 minutes, when an uncharacteristic error of judgement from Mike Burke, allowing a long clearance to run beyond the Ashton back line, which proved costly. A well timed run from Dave Cram beat the offside wide on the left, and cutting inside the box Cram slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the angle.
Despite the setback Ashton poured men forward in search of an equaliser but committed defending denied the home side. Ashton’s best chance fell to Sharpe but a superb last ditch block from Tome Benfield prevented his keeper from having to deal with a Sharpe volley from 10 yards out.
Moments later, Cram had another chance to make the game safe when he latched onto Bennett's low cross, but the ball flashed the wrong side of the post. Gate were forced to endure a nail biting final few minutes, before the final whistle which saw them leapfrog over Ashton into 6th spot in the league table.
Ashton’s Reserves also suffered a setback against local rivals Wigan Robin Park, going down 3-1, a loss that brings a 13 match unbeaten run to an end.

Both teams are in action on Tuesday evening as the first team start their defence of the Atherton Charity cup with a first round tie at home to Breightmet United FC, 7.30pm KO. Meanwhile the Reserves travel to Bootle FC for a league match 7.45pm KO

Runcorn Linnets 1 Ashton Athletic 3

2009-03-18T10:10:00.000Z

Tuesday 17th March 2009
VODKAT Premier Division
Runcorn Linnets 1 Ashton Athletic 3

Ashton posted a third win in four away matches on the bounce on Tuesday night with a terrific performance that also brought to an end Runcorn’s 9 match unbeaten run.

It was the home side that took the lead in the 4th minute as possession was lost in Ashton’s defensive third. A shot by Stuart Telfer could only be parried by keeper Andy Paxton allowing Matthew Rigby to steal in at the back post and slot the ball into an empty net.

Ashton responded as a through ball found Paul Prescott who attempted to chip the Runcorn keeper but Gavin King was up to the challenge and a finger tips save denied the Ashton striker. A minute later Paul Crewe burst clear for Runcorn and his powerful shot hit the inside of the post and rebounded kindly for Paxton.

The pace of the game was fast and furious with both sides slugging it out to gain the initiative. After 31 minutes a superb break down the Ashton left by Joe Fielding allowed Steve Rothwell to cross for Paul Prescott who beat his marker but could only head directly at king who saved with some ease.

Ashton continued to press forward and got their reward in the 33rd minute as a great through ball from Neil Davies reached Joe Fielding whose early shot looped over King and into the net for a deserved equaliser.

The second half continued at pace and Dave Sherlock almost put Ashton ahead with a volley from 8 yards out, latching on to a great cross from Steve Rothwell. Runcorn also had some half chances to take the lead with the lively Paul Crewe at the point of most advances by the home side.

After a period of sustained pressure Ashton finally got the break through as Mike Douglas was put in by Dave Sherlock only to have his progress halted by a clumsy challenge from Scott Dignan, giving referee Jones no option but to point to the spot. Paul Prescott stepped up and made no mistake with the penalty.

With tails up Ashton continued to press for more goals and a terrific passing move got substitute Gareth Peet free on the edge of the box and his first time shot nestled into the top corner of the goal to put the game beyond the home side after 80 minutes.

Ashton came close to making it four as another passing interchange released Mike Douglas and his effort from 18 yards out rattled the cross bar and was gathered by a relieved Runcorn keeper.

Another top draw performance from Ashton lifts them into 6th position in the league and sets things up nicely for the home match against 7th placed Squires Gate on Saturday 21st March 3pm KO.