ashton athletic youth teams

HAYDOCK UNDER 17/S - 2 ASHTON ATHLETIC UNDER 17/S -1

2009-03-09T08:26:00.002Z

A local derby away to Haydock is always a tough match and today was no different. With all the teams around the top of the league taking points from each other this was our big chance to go 2nd and keep the pressure on the leaders Appley Bridge.
After explaining to the lads why this match was so important the Managers felt confident of a good result.
Within 5 minutes of the kick off though Ashton were 1-0 down, the 2 Haydock strikers combined well and when the ball got put in the box Ashton were to slow to react and the ball was in the net.
The amount of time spent in training and before matches telling the players, to start better, to react quicker and concentrate for 90 minutes doesn’t seem to be sinking in, for large parts of the 1st half Ashton looked lethargic. The lads didn’t work hard as a team and failed to get the ball down and play the quality of football they are capable off.
Haydock then scored again when the defence switched off from marking duties and the Haydock striker turned and hit a good shot into the top corner. 2-0
With half time approaching Ashton finally woke up and created a couple of good chances, Adam Brown and Jake Leyland combined very well but the Haydock keeper made a great save. H/T 2-0
Ashton started the 2nd half by playing in a 3-4-3 formation, with the wind at their backs and had Haydock on the back foot, creating chance after chance but with a mix of bad finishing and lucky bounces for the Haydock defence the breakthrough eluded the visitors.
The introduction of Josh Taffe who was on the bench due to slight injury made Ashton look more dangerous. After good work from Brown and Taffe the ball was put through to Tom Starr who rifled the ball into the bottom corner 2-1.
With time running out Ashton through more players forward whilst Haydock were aleays dangerous on the counter attack, but with Ant Burns in top form he made two crucial saves to keep them at bay.
minutes before the final whistle Ashton had another chance to equalise but it was not going to be their day, and failed to recover from the mistakes in the 1st half denting the team's League aspirations.

All the hard work we have put in throughout the season is slowly being thrown away, we are still in the quarter finals of the cup, and we can still win all our remaining league games, but only if we start listening to instructions and concentrating for 90 minutes.

09.03.09

2009-03-09T08:25:00.000Z

test 09.03.09

Sunday 15th February 2009 South Lancs League Youth Division

2009-02-16T16:32:00.002Z

ASHTON ATHLETIC UNDER 17/S - 3 SOUTHPORT VULCAN UNDER 17/S

Ashton entertained a very good Southport Vulcan team on Sunday in another very important match. A win today would have put the team on top of the league which got off to the best possible start when with only two minutes on the clock Josh Taffe broke clear of the Vulcan defence and coolly slotted past the goalkeeper.1-0
After a few more exchanges Southport settled down and started passing the ball about very well, in fact Ashton were chasing shadows for 15 minutes!! A couple of chances for both teams came to nothing but Southport always looked like scoring.
Then a silly tackle from Barto in the penalty box left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. The Vulcan player struck the penalty well but Ant Burns made a terrific save and the danger was cleared Southport were not going to give up and after another break away they scored when the Vulcan striker struck a screamer into the top corner.
Ashton couldn’t get their passing game going and struggled to control the enthusiastic Vulcan team. With half time approaching Ashton eventually put a couple of passes together and found Tom Starr in the box with a neat first touch he got away from the defender and struck a good shot into the goal. H/T 2-1
Ashton set out in the 2nd half to keep the ball better and settle into a passing game and much like the 1st dominated the early period of the half but after about 55 minutes Vulcan started to get back on top, passing the ball around but couldn’t quite get through the Ashton defence, being well patrolled by Shaun Davies and Ross Sheppard and even if the back line was breached they found goalkeeper Ant Burns in top form.
Ashton got pinned back on the back foot for long periods and had to rely on the counter attack. The introduction of Wes Patterson helped Ashton to keep the ball better, and then created a couple of half chances but the Vulcan defence stood firm.
Into the last 15 minutes Southport went on the attack, a good cross from the left hit Daniel Ferguson on the arm and the referee again pointed to the spot. Ant Burns got his hands to the ball but the penalty was well struck and just managed to go in 2-2.
With time running out Ashton’s Adam Brown could have scored and then another fine save by Burns kept Ashton in the game.
A ball into the Vulcan box then reached Connor Callahan with a chance on goal, before a desperate lunge by the Vulcan defender fouled the would be scorer, resulting in the referee awarding another penalty. Tom Starr stepped up to put the penalty away and with only 4 minutes to go Vulcan’s goalkeeper swapped shirts with an outfield player and went up front – a secret weapon?!!
A few high balls into the box left Ashton hanging on kept as Vulcan pushed for the equaliser.
And into added time another ball into the box left Ant Burns stranded and a Vulcan attacker crashed the ball into the net to earn a share of the spoils
F/T 3-3.
Ashton’s management said” considering we didn’t play that well today we were happy with the result, against a very good Southport Vulcan team, probably the best team we have played this season.

5.10.08 - Ashton Athletic U17's 7 Aspull U17's 1

2008-10-08T15:29:00.000Z

Ashton Athletic U17’s continue to make steady progress this season with a great 7-1 win over Aspull Juniors on Sunday. After a mixed opening 10 minutes, Ashton started to dominate the game with some good movement and interchange play. Midway through the 1^st half after some good work on the right wing between Daniel Ferguson and Tom Starr, the ball was played inside to Adam Brown who was lurking on the edge of the box, with a good first touch he then sent a shot which looped over the goalkeeper into the the roof of the net.1-0.

With Daniel Barton, Adam Brown and Jake Leyland bossing the midfield, we then created another couple of chances which we should have scored from but our striker didn’t have his scoring boots on!! 5 minutes before half time from a defensive mistake, we gave away a needless corner, the Aspull player put in a great ball which the Ashton defence failed to deal with, and bang it’s in the back of the net.1-1. Switching off from defensive duties is a not an option this season, and after some strong words from the Ashton manager we started to play football again. Back on the attack, Connor Callinan collected the ball on the right wing, he waltzed past a couple of defenders and produced a quality cross which was headed in at the near post by the on rushing Tom Starr.2-1.H/T. A very frustrating half because the game should have been dead & buried but at 2 – 1, Aspull were still very much in the game. A quick start in the second half was essential & hammered home to the team at half time.

Straight out of the blocks in the in 2^nd half we scored our 3^rd goal, Tom Starr on the left wing crossed for Adam Brown to score a fine looping header for his second of the game 3-1. The game was now over as a contest and with that in mind we changed a few players to give the subs a good run out, with his first touch of the ball Tom Haywood coolly slotted the ball past the advancing Aspull goalkeeper into the corner of the net 4-1.After another 10 minutes of good football and passing moves Josh Taffe broke into the Aspull box, under pressure from the Aspull defence he showed good strength and speed to make it 5-1.

Aspull were now playing for pride and to their credit they didn’t give up, they had a couple of half chances but struggled to breakdown our defence of Shaun Davies and Martin (Pazza)Latham. Back on the attack we then made another break through when Adam Brown played a great ball over the Aspull defence to Tom Starr who passed it into the net 6-1. Aspull once again refused to give in and after a good run and cross from their winger, our right back Mike Hinnigan somehow managed to handle the ball in the penalty box, the referee who was having a good game had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. With our goalkeeper Anthony Burns waving his hands, jumping up and down he did enough to unsettle the Aspull penalty taker who blasted the ball over the bar. Once again a defensive lapse or bad decision making could have cost us a goal, we need to cut out silly mistakes or giving cheap free kicks away. With only a few minutes left Adam Brown who has had a great start to the season completed his hatrick when he got on the end of another good move 7-1F/T.

The players are now starting to listen to what is being asked of them and we are playing some good football. Backed up by hard work & a settled formation in which all players know their roles we are improving game on game & bonding well as a team!!

FA Youth Cup action for Ashton.

2008-09-24T15:50:00.002Z

This Thursday 25th September sees the Ashton's youth team face Conference North side Burscough FC in the first Qualifying round of the E~On sponsored FA Youth cup.
Kick off at Brocstedes Park is 7.30pm

OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW PLAYERS

2008-07-08T10:17:00.001Z

Ashton Athletic Football Club is looking for new players for their Youth Section for the 2008/2009 season, and will be holding an open day for interested players and parents at the Brocstedes Park ground in Ashton in Makerfield this Sunday 13^th July 2008 at 1pm

The Club’s Youth Co-ordinator Jimmy Whyte explains “we currently have teams competing in the Wigan & District Youth League on Sundays at under 9’s, 10’s, 11’s, 14’s, 15’s & 16’s age groups. The Club also has an Under 17s team in the South Lancs Counties League as well as an Under 18s in the prestigious North West Youth Alliance League, the standard in which is very high with the best facilities. We have a number of places available in the various teams and would be delighted if we could strengthen all the squads and give new players as well as the existing players the opportunity to progress through to higher youth leagues and in due course the senior teams.”

Whyte adds “we would also like to hear from anyone who is willing to try and start up teams at under 8’s, under 12’s & under 13’s level for the forthcoming season, or for that matter any existing team of those age groups not already associated with a larger Club that may wish to come on board with our progressive developing Club. Our club probably has the best facilities in the Wigan area for children to play their football in a safe environment with excellent changing facilities, ample car parking and pitches maintained to the highest level.”

Ashton’s first team compete in the lower echelons of the non league football pyramid have just been promoted to the North West Counties Premier Division. With youth development high on the Club’s agenda there is a clear opportunity for players to eventually come through from the youth teams to play at this level.

Anyone with queries, or not able to attend the open day but interested in becoming involved at the Club can contact Jimmy Whyte on 07780 955157

END

Queries Jimmy Whyte on 07780 955157

Blackburn Rovers sign Ashton’s teenage prospect

2008-02-25T15:10:00.001Z

Ashton Athletic player Alex Marrow has been snapped up by Blackburn Rovers having impressed during an extended trial period with Rovers since the New year.

Having previously made a number of first-team appearances for Ashton Athletic in Vodkat League Division Two, and starred throughout the last two seasons in the Club’s youth team Marrow will now look to follow in the footsteps of Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire, who was plucked from now defunct North West Counties League outfit Great Harwood Town several years ago after slipping through the local scouting network as a schoolboy.

The 17-year-old midfielder - a part-time plasterer from Astley, Greater Manchester - has already played for Blackburn's Under 18s, and he earned a 20-minute run-out in the reserve team victory over Manchester United last Thursday. Blackburn have moved quickly to offer Marrow a contract until the end of the season

Teenager Marrow was handed his big chance at Rovers by manager Mark Hughes after commendations from Blackburn’s scouting network and following a recommendation by Rovers reserve team boss Glyn Hodges. With Rovers fighting against the Premier League's top clubs for the best local talent, Blackburn have admitted that they are being diligent to explore every opportunity to uncover a potential hidden gem.

Meanwhile Ashton Athletic General Manager David Powell acknowledges that “from Ashton Athletic’s point of view he will be sorely missed especially by our youth team who have made it to the final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup at the end of the season and are still currently pushing for League honours. Alex has also shown his prowess in the North West Counties League and will also be a loss to the Club in the future as we endeavour to climb the league pyramid. “

“However he is a great lad and his teammates and managers, John Bentley and Paul Cunliffe have supported him all the way. Everyone at the Club is delighted for him and keeping fingers crossed that he gets a full contract in the Summer”

Youth team reach Lancs Cup final with 6 of the best

2008-02-04T13:30:00.000Z

Congratulations to the Club’s Under 18 youth team which has progressed to the final of the prestigious Lancashire FA Youth Cup Final, the premier competition for Under-18 teams in the County.

Ashton beat Colne FC on Sunday afternoon with a superb 6-1 victory with goals from Andy Marsh(2), Rob Bodie, Chris Docherty, Andy Sharratt and skipper Danny Bradshaw. The other finalists are Lancs Evening Post League Youth Division One side Bolton County FC who booked theie place in the Final by overcoming the much fancied Darwen based outfit AKZO Nobel FC 3-1.

The showcase final will take place on Monday 21^st April 2008, 7.30pm KO at LFA headquarters in Leyland.

Narrow win at Prescot in FA Youth Cup

2007-10-18T10:32:00.000Z

Ashton progressed to the third qualifying round of this years e-on sponsored FA Youth Cup with a solid 1-0 win away at Unibond League side Prescot Cables.
The result sets up a home tie against another Unibond outfit in the guise of Marine FC and both sides will be keen to progress to the first round proper of the competition as this triggers the introduction of the football league Clubs.
Kick off is at 7.30pm at Ashton's Brocstedes Park ground.

E-on FA Youth Cup

2007-10-08T21:28:00.000Z

Ashton's youth team are back in FA youth cup action this Wednesday 10th October as they travel to play Prescot Cables in a 7.45pm kick off at Valerie Park Prescot.
The winners will secure a place in the second qualifying round and a match against the winners of Atherton LR and Marine FC, playing the same night.

Lucky Seven again for youth team

2007-09-26T21:42:00.000Z

Ashton's under 18 youth team successfully navigated the Club's first ever FA Youth tie with a resounding win over the Lancaster City Youth team. The win, by 7-2 was the second match on the run that the team struck "lucky 7" after the previous weeks win against Leigh RMI.

The vistory enables the side to move on and can look forward to a trip to either Colne FC or Prescot Cables in the next round, to be played week commencing the 8th October 2007.

FA double date for Ashton

2007-09-20T06:56:00.000Z

Ashton Athletic have a double date in national FA competitions in the few days as the Club's first team travel to Vodkat North West Counties Division 1 side Congleton Town on Saturday 22nd September for a FA Vase match kicking off at 3pm. Meanwhile the Club's Youth team makes its debut in the e-on sponsored FA Youth Cup on Monday 24th September.

The FA Vase second qualification round match on Saturday follows hot on the heels of the 6-0 demolition of Doncaster based Rossington Main in the first round, and comes with the team experiencing a superb start to the season, settled in third place of the Vodkat North west Counties League Division 2

Two days later Brocstedes Park hosts its first ever FA Youth cup tie when Ashton's under 18 youth side take on Lancaster City Youth, 7.45pm kick off. This match is the first step on a road that could see Ashton pitting their wits against the professional Club Academy's, and will be a great challenge for the Club.

The Youth team also go into their game in confident mood having won their first three North west Youth Alliance league games, and capped off the build up to the Youth Cup with a tremendous 7-0 hammering of the Leigh RMI youth team last Sunday.

It is hoped that the high profile competitions will attract interest from Ashton and Wigan's sporting public to watch the Club's progress in these knock out competitions and then in the bread and butter league campaigns on Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the season.

Meet the Team U15's

2007-05-16T13:03:00.000Z

Season 2006/07

Back Row L To R: Ben Rigby, Josh Pennington, Connor Callinan, Anthony Burns, Martin Latham, Matthew Bebbington, Nathan Williams, Tom Starr.Front Row L to R: Daniel Ferguson, Matthew Savage, Carl Fairclough, Ryan Neafcy, Matthew Rochford, Matthew Parkinson, Michael Taylor.

PLAYERS REQUIRED
Ashton Athletic are looking for new players to strengthen & improve their Squad for the 2007/08 Season to play Sunday Football in the Wigan & District Youth League in the Under 16s Division 1.
If you are interested in playing for Ashton Athletic, please contact Dermot Neafcy

(Team Manager) using dermotneafcy@blueyonder.co.uk

Role of Honour Season 2006/07

2007-05-14T19:23:00.000Z

Academy/Youth:
Having brought the curtain down on another successful season yesterday, I feel it is appropriate to thank all the teams, managers and supporting backroom staff for all there efforts in the creation of this success and the image of Ashton Athletic Football Club.
Under 8 A Team:
Divisional Winners
Divisional Cup Runners Up
Under 8:
B Team:Divisional 3rd Place
Under 9:
Divisional Winners
Divisional Cup Runners Up
Divisional KO Cup Winners
Under 13:
Divisional KO Cup Semi Finalists
Under 14:
Divisional Runners Up
Divisional KO Cup Winners
Under 15:
Divisional KO Cup Semi Finalists
Lancashire Cup 4th Rd
Under 16:
Divisional Winners
Divisional KO Cup Winners
Under 18:
Divisional Runners Up
Divisional Cup Semi Finalists
League Open Cup Runners Up.
Lancashire Cup Quarter Finalists

To all our other age groups thank you for all your efforts, many of the divisions where closely fought and left many of our remaining age groups just outside the honours.Next season will see you return stronger and wiser and honours will be achieved.

Sponsorship Appreciation

2007-05-14T19:10:00.000Z

The Under 8's have gone from strength to strength, the A Team are pictured with the Soccer Zone trophy having secured the title going 12 games unbeaten.The B Team are pictured after being presented with their new kit, Paul from MTR Autos has kindly provided the kit. MTR Autos, located off Wigan Road in Bryn, opened in June 2004 and offers a friendly and reliable service. Paul has over 17 years experience in repairs, servicing and diagnostics on all makes and models and offers a collection and delivery service.For further details call Paul on 01942 724494. The B Team are now giving the A Team a run for their money in relation to honours as they secured 3rd spot in Section B of the Soccer Zone League. The team left the league wide open when they beat top of the table Highfield 4-2.

The Future is Bright

2007-05-14T18:51:00.000Z

The next time you are asked what do I get back in return for sponsoring a football team, take a look at the joy on these players faces and the answer is self -supported.
Thankfully Alpha Motors had the belief and give the boys the right image to allow them to look the part and perform accordingly.
Andy Richardson ( U10 team manager) was pleased at the commitment and achievements shown in there first season, this has been continued into this season 2006/07 with a 3rd place secured in there division and only narrowly going out of the KO cup to the eventual winners Highfield Grange.

U15's GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

2006-10-26T19:43:00.000Z

10th Sept. Ashton Athletic 6 v 0 Brierfield Celtic
The 1st Round saw Brierfield Celtic of Burnley meet Ashton at Brocstedes Park where Ashton looked comfortable, taking a 2-0 lead at Half time with goals from Connor Callinan and Matty Rochford, then with the introduction of substitute Michael Taylor (“Tay”) for the 2nd half, went on to dominate the game, with great finishing from Tay who scored 4 goals to end the match 6-0 to Ashton.

1st Oct. Moston Brook 2 v 4 Ashton Athletic
The 2nd Round took us to an away tie with Moston Brook A.F.C., of Manchester,
Ashton dominated for much of the game, went 2-0 up in the first half, both goals from Tay, only to allow Moston back into the game conceding just before half time to go in 2-1 up. Had a good start to the second half, Tay scoring early from a long range effort to make it 3-1, but another lapse in concentration allowed Moston to bring it back to 3-2, before Tay wrapped the game up with a well worked 4th Goal."Tay`s" Lancs. Cup form continues with 8 Goals! in 2 games, thanks to good support play and team work from the whole squad.

Ashton Athletic U-15s in the last 16 of Lancs. Youth Cup

22nd Oct. Southport 1 v 2 Ashton Athletic
The 3rd Round saw us drawn away again, to Southport F.C. Juniors for what appeared to be sterner opposition, their website statistics shown that they were so far unbeaten in cup and league this season. The first half produced a fairly even game with chances from both teams, with Ashton probably creating the more chances but coming up against some good defensive work from Southport’s No.5, a dominant strong Centre Half who restricted our Strikers efforts and kept Southport in the game, while Ashton defended well against Southport’s efforts. Goalkeeper Anthony Burns making good saves and handled the ball well from Southport’s mainly long range efforts and Ryan Neafcy cleared off the line from a Southport corner.
The first goal from either side looked to be crucial.
Late in the first half the breakthrough finally came for Ashton, Tom Starr picked up the ball in central midfield, and with a defence splitting pass, picked out Michael Taylor who was playing on the shoulder of the last defender, Tay received the ball, took a touch to bring it down and with good control slotted it past the keeper to make it 1-0 to Ashton.
Early in the 2nd half Tay made it 2-0 running onto a long ball with only the keeper to beat. Ashton created more chances, but again Southport’s No.5, centre half and captain made it hard for our attackers. As the game went on, legs tired, and Ashton gave away a free kick on the edge of our box, Southport hit a hard driven free kick which broke our 4 man wall and squeezed in to the net at the near post with 15 mins. to go.
The goal lifted Southport, and they believed they could get another, throwing everyone forward in search of the equaliser. With about 5 mins normal time to go Southport won a corner, their Goalkeeper stormed up field Peter Schmichael like, in search of a goal, the corner was cleared up field with the keeper stranded, Tay ran onto the ball just over the half way line and as he passed the ball into an empty net, the referee blew his whistle to bring the play back and award a free kick to Ashton for a foul on the edge of their own box. The players and spectators appeals for advantage were dismissed, robbing Tay of his hatrick.
The remaining time plus stoppages saw a hectic, end to end finish to the game with tired players from both sides giving their all, with Ashton getting a deserved 2-1 win.

A good solid performance throughout the squad, who are working hard for each other, improving in confidence, with a good defensive unit and playing some good passing football and creating good chances, scoring 12 goals in the three ties.
Michael Taylor benefiting from some good play with 10 Goals to his name so far in the competition.

Ashton U-15s now face Euxton Villa or Barrow Celtic at home in the last 16 stage of the competition.

The U-15s have made a good start to the season, with some good performances in the League, notably the 2-0 win against last seasons champions Springview and scoring 10 goals against Golborne Sports.
Hopefully we can be consistent with our current good form and have a successful season.