26th - 28th July Umbro International Tournament

Ashton Athletics’ entry into the International Umbro Youth Cup which is played annually at the Salford Universities produced our usual luck with the football gods throwing us into the group of death facing both finalists from last year, winners Manchester Boys and runners up Pro-Star from London.

Also last years semi finalists Stretford Victoria and the much fancied Hyde Park Knights, a team from Doncaster who although first time entries in the competition have gone almost two years unbeaten in all competitions, winning the Yorkshire F.A. cup in the process. Rounding off the group was a little known team from Ireland called Aquinas F.C.

The first game on day one saw us facing last years winners Manchester Boys and although Manchester scored early on Ashton soon got to grips with them and ran out winners 4-2 with goals coming from Daniel Bradshaw (2), Wayne Smith and Darren Meadwell. Our second game came later on that day and all the lads were feeling the heat, a staggering 34 degrees on the pitch. Hyde Park were our next opponents and again within minutes we were a goal down only this time there was no fight back to speak of, only a missed penalty. Hyde Park was down to ten men and still managed to give Ashton a football lesson scoring two more goals late in the second half. A poor 3-0 defeat and dejection, exhaustion and sun-stroke for Ashton.

The first game on day two saw Ashton facing Aquinas F.C. who had lost their opening two games, a rejuvenated Ashton Athletic soon got their act together and won the game 7-0, goals coming from Wayne Smith (2), Daniel Bradshaw, Alex Marrow, Robert Bodie and Darren Meadwell(2). Next was Stretford Victoria, a tough team who live locally to the area. The game once again started in the worst possible way, this time an own goal from Ryan Rennox giving the opposition a start, Ashton soon battled back and scored with a great header from Wayne Smith to bring us level, another penalty was won in the second half which Wayne slotted home then a late scramble in the Stretford box saw Dane Bolton smash the ball into the net to seal a 3-1 win and a successful days work.

Day three and the final group game beckoned, Ashton required a win or a draw to qualify for the quarter final, a tough prospect facing last years runners up Pro-Star. The first half ended in a stalemate with no goals scored, shortly into the second half Wayne Smith was brought down as he entered the box and Ashton were awarded a penalty which Wayne tucked away with ease. Pro-Star were soon on the attack and managed to scrape the ball over the line, a dubious decision from the referee who was thirty yards away ever though it was enough and Ashton were through to the quarters.

The final day came with the prospect of having to play and win two games to make the final, hot weather again being a factor making playing conditions difficult. Our quarter final opponents were Irish based St. Patrick’s, Ashton had most of the play and scored first with a well worked free kick from Robert Bodie finding Andrew Sharratt who placed the ball home to give a 1-0 win and a chance to seek some revenge on Hyde Park Knights in the semi-final.

The semi final kicked off with Hyde Park playing some good attacking football, Ashton broke through the Hyde defence a few times but to no avail. With ten minutes of the first half left Joe Mc Namara let go a thunder bolt shot that found the top corner of the net to put us 1-0 up. For the rest of the game Ashton defended like warriors in particular the back four of Gareth Peet, Ryan Rennox, Gavin Hayes and Chris Meadwell to keep Hyde at bay and seal our path to the final.

Our opponents were Stoke based Stone Dominoes and although both teams were obviously tired and nervous Ashton Athletic started the game well with chance after chance. The game finished 0-0 with Stone not even registering a shot on target and Ashton failing to kill the game off with missed opportunities all through both halves. No extra time in this game the lads were straight into a penalty shoot out. Stand in keeper Kahlid Daloub saved Stones first penalty giving us an early opportunity to capitalise, unfortunately we also missed our last and although Kahlid saved three more in sudden death we just couldn’t take advantage and ended up losing 11-10 in the shootout, a terrible way to lose a tournament but a great achievement none the less. Well done to all the lads who took part.


John Bentley
Academy Manager U17

Saturday 29th July 2006 Ashton Athletic 0 Howe Bridge Mills 2 Hindsford Trophy Group B Round 3

Ashton slipped to a first defeat in this year's Hindsford cup, with a lacklustre performance aginst Howe Bridge.

The first half was stalemate as neither team seemed capable of breaking the deadlock However Howe Bridge did score, capitalising on the linesman's failure to spot a blatant off side, which allowed the striker advance and finish well past the Ashton keeper Hickson.

A well worked goal then put the visitors two up, and their dogged defence limited Ashton to long range efforts and half chances.

Fortunately Ashton will get a second bite at the cherry as the team had already qualified for the semi final, and will now play Irlam MS from the Manchester Premier Division on Tuesday 1st August 2006 at their Silver Street ground, vying for a place in the final against Wigan Robin Park or Howe Bridge who meet in the other semi final.

MoM for Ashton was Andy Day whse organisation and general play held things together at the back for the relatively young Ashton side.

End

Saturday 29th July 2006 Squires Gate (Blackpool) 3 Ashton Athletic 2 Friendly

Ashton travelled to Blackpool for the third weekend in a row for a tough test against the NWCFL Division One outfit Squires gate.

The cooler weather and a heavy shower just before and after the kick off failed to wake up the Ashton team as two strikes in the first 5 minutes by Squires Gate, giving the initial impression that the visitors were in for a torrid afternoon.

This ended up being far from the truth as a tremendous fight back full of grit and determination was almost enough for Ashton to return with a share of the spoils.

The Squires Gate first goal came from a free kick awarded against Steve Rothwell when both he and the home tam striker were as guilty as each other of man handling. young goalkeeper Scott Waters carefully arranged his defensive wall only for it to evaporate as a thunderbolt from the Squires gate Captain pierced the flimsy wall.

further dismay just 2 minutes later as almost the next attack produced a strike on goal that the Ashton keeper found too hot to handle as the greasy ball squirmed through the gloves and into the empty net.

Despite this initial setback the team showed immense character to stem the tide and then work back into the game. The recovery was borne out of some excellent defending by centre halfs Steve Rotwell and skipper Mike Watson, well supported by full backs Gaz Weigh and Pete Hitchen, and all screened by the harder working Mike Winer and Danny Jarrett in the middle of the park.

As the teams confidence grew a first sight of goal resulted from great wing play by Peter Tarpey down the left and a switch of play allowed Paul Bohannon a free shot at goal from just inside the box, forcing a great save by the home keeper.

Ashton were now setting about the higher league opponents and Paul Mcveigh was unfortunate to receive a cooling down yellow card for an over exhuberant challenge on the Squires Gate right back.

The higher passing tempo and general play was suiting Ashton and this brought its reward from a powerful run down the right by Paul Bohannon, whose cross was well met by Paul Mcveigh in the six yard box to reduce the deficit in the 24th minute.

Ashton pressed on and after a corner in the 35th minute was over hit Mike Rhead regained posession near to the opposite corner flag before releasing Danny Jarrett in the box who squared the ball to an unmarked Mike Watson who in turn fired home the equaliser for his second goal in two games.

The second half saw the two team well matched with the defences generally on top and Ashton came close to taking the lead through Paul Mcveigh, firstly from a Peter Hitchen long throw and then off a speculative long range delivery into the box by Gareh Weigh.

Athe other end Scott Waters in the Ashton goal was growing in confidence, making a couple of sharp grond saves and generally coping well with anything thrown at him.

With both teams maikng several second half substitutionsthe game became somewhat disjointed with both teams failing to establish any rythmn.

However with 18 minutes remaining a misjudged back pass to the Ashton keeper was intercepted by the Squires Gate striker and slotted into the goal sharply as Waters tried to narrow the angle.

Ashton tried to fight back but could not find a way through the beefed up Squires Gate defence and eventually went down 2-3.

Ashton's man of the Match was Steve Rothwell who battled all afternoon always standing his ground against his physical opponent.

An excellent benchmark as to the teams progress in the pre season build up was achieved even, though the result could have been better.

Role on the next match

End

25th July 2006 Ashton Athletic 2 Prestwich Heys 3 Goldline Trophy Group D Round 2

A Prestwich rivival in the last ten minutes severely dented Ashton's push for qualification for the last 8 of the prestigious Goldline Trophy, as first slack marking in the box and then a slack pass across the 18 yard box allowed the visitors to overcome a 2-1 deficit.

The game had started so well for Ashton, matching the Manchester Premier Division Champs, and Goldline finalists last year. An even first half was tipped towards Ashton with a thunderbolt header in the 35th minute by Captain Mike Watson direct from a long throw into the box by Steve Rothwell.

Ashton's rythmn was then upset by the loss of Damon Martland with a dead leg and the home side had to re-organise through the midfield.

This gave Prestwich a foothold and as half time approached an overhit corner found the Prestwich winger Dale Fielding who drifted the ball back in the direction from where it came, and found the centre half Marven Walters in space at the back post to equalise.

The second half was also a tight affair and it was Ashton once again who took the lead in the 71st minute when good inter play between strike partners Mike Rhead and Paul Townshend allowed Townshend to break through the Prestwich back line and lift the ball over the advancing keeper.

Prestwich fought back with Fielding and striker Andy Sensale looking dangerous and making inroads into the Ashton defence, getting behind the back line on more than one occassion. The defence held out until the 80th minute when a counter attack down the left allowed Fielding and Sensale to combine, with Sensale eventually finishing a cut back cross as the two recovering Ashton defenders failed to pick up the striker in the box.

The game once again seemed too tight for further goals but a slack pass across the Ashton defence in the 84th minute allowed Sensale to intercept, and although the subsequent shot was well saved by the Ashton keeper, Hewitt, the rebound was blasted in by Fielding following up.

Ashton threw men forward in the closing minutes and Paul McVeigh and Danny Jarrett both came close to rescuing a point from the game. However the final whistle sounded with Ashton ruing the mistakes in defence, and Prestwich celebrating a great fight back.

MoM for Ashton was Mike Watson and the accolade for the visitors went to Dale Fielding, a constant thorn in the Ashton sides throughout the 90 minutes.

This result and a 5-o win for Charnock Richard against Breightmet on the same night has left Ashton needing a favour from Prestwich, to beat Charnock convincingly in their remaining match, whilst Ashton need to post a healthy score away to Breightmet on the 5th August.
End

Saturday 22nd July 2006 Friendly Blackpool Wren Rovers 6 Ashton Athletic 3

Whilst half the squad were on the way down the East Lancs to play Monton the other half were on the way up the M6 to Blackpool for a friendly match against former NWCFL high flyers Wren Rovers, who now compete in the West Lancs League.

Wren got off to a flyer with a 5th min goal as the Ashton defence failed to deal with cross and allowed the Wren striker to nip in with a close range finish
Ashton hit back almost straight wawy as a searching ball from the back by Keith Boulton was taken down and held up well by Martin Ormesher. Ormesher turned sharply and provided an inch perfect through ball down the left for Paul McVeigh to cut in and slot the ball to the right hand side of the advancing keeper.
This gave Ashton momentum and after 15 minutes took the lead as a speculative cross in from the left was superbly volleyed home ferociously by Paul McVeigh, with the keeper later admitting that he didn't even see it coming.
Shortly before half time Wren equalised with a sloppy goal to send the team in all square.

In the second half it was Wren who came out the stronger buoyed by the goal just before the break, and two quick strikes gave them breathing space until a great finish by debutant Tom Davies in the 8oth minute reduced the deficit.

The game was then put out of reach for Ashton and the assistant referee went to sleep and missed a blatant offside that left the home manager deeply apologetic after the game.

Damaged done and as Ashton pushed forward to peg back the score the opposite happened and Wren broke away to score again, and give them a more than flattering score.

Good performances were in abundance with several players having their first outing in the pre season build up, but for an excellent full back display throughout the game the Man of the Match was awarded to Pat Aspinall
END

Saturday 22nd July 2006 Monton Amateurs 0 Ashton Athletic 3 Hindsford Cup Round 2

Ashton breezed past Manchester Premier Division oufit, Monton in the second of the three Group games in the pre season Hindsford cup, thereby securing a semi final spot with a match in hand.
Ashton controlled the game from the start and took an early lead in the 6th minute with a fine looping header by debutant Richard Sharpe after a deep corner from Wallace.
This early strike woke up Monton who could have equalised had it not been for a sharp save to his left by Ashton keeper Aaron Cameron in the 14th minute. This warning spurred on the Ashton team and the lead could have been increased but for the cross bar denying Col Gillespie's effort after good work down the left by Pete Tarpey.
Midway through the half an ankle injury caused the premature withdrawal of striker Sharpe, replaced by another debutant Pete Woodcock. Despite the re-organisation the Ashton pressure grew on the Monton goal and just before the break a cross field run by Tarpey drew the defence and his intelligent pass found Gillespie in space on the right. The subsequent cross was finished off clinically by Mike Rhead at the far post.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with the majority of the chances falling to Ashton. Monton were restricted to sporadic attacks that were generally well handled by a solid Ashton back four, with another new boy Paul Bohannon settling in well at right back.
There were near misses as the game wore on for Woodcock, Tarpey, Rhead and 16 year old youth team player Gareth Peet, playing his first game in the senior team.
The result was then put out of reach by Rhead's second goal in the 82nd minute, converting a tricky one on one with great composure, following a defence splitting pass by Damon Martland.
Another satisfying performance from this mix of Ashton lads with more new faces once again fitting in very well with the players from last season. Man of the match was Mike Davids with an assured performance at the back throughout the game
The result from the other round 2 match in Ashton's group was Fives Athletic 1 Howe Bridge Mills 5 and the Group table shows Ashton on top with the final groups matches scheduled for Saturday 29th July when Ashton will take on Howe Bridge at Brocstedes Park vying for top spot in the group with a 2.30pm kick off scheduled.
Elsewhere in the competition wins for Irlam MS and Hindsford make things a little more competitive in the other group as the last series of group matches take place on Saturday 29th July, 2pm kick off unless stated. Full fixtures:-
Hindsford v Wigan Robin Park
Irlam MS v Bolton Wyresdale
Ashton Athletic v Howe Bridge Mills 2.30pm
Monton Ams v Fives Athletic

Group A P W D L F A Pts

Irlam MS 2 2 0 0 9 2 6

Wigan RP 2 1 0 1 8 6 3
Hindsford 2 1 0 1 7 5 3
Bolton W 2 0 0 2 2 13 0

Group B P W D L F A Pts
Ashton Athletic 2 2 0 0 6 1 6
Howe Bridge Mills 2 1 1 0 6 2 4
Monton Amateurs 2 0 1 1 1 4 1
Fives Athletic 2 0 0 2 2 8 0

The top two from each group play each other in the semi finals and the other teams play freindlies.

Thursday 20th July - Charnock Richard FC 2 Ashton Athletic FC 2 - Goldline Trophy - Group D - Round 1

This season Goldline competition has got underway with 16 teams from the Bolton, Wigan and Preston area competing in groups of four, and all vying for a top two finish in their respective groups that would enable progression to the knock out rounds in September.

For Ashton and Charnock it seems like deja vous having once again been drawn in the same group for the 4th time in five years.

The home side would be intent on repeating their excellent run in last seasons competition, which climaxed in a hard fought win against Prestwich Heys in front of more than 2000 spectators at the Reebok Stadium, to win the Trophy in extra time.

Ashton would also be hoping to get off to a good start after bowing out in the quarter finals last year, and would be quietly confident for their prospects in this match after earning a 3-3 draw at Charnock last year, and going on to top the Group in the qualifying rounds.

The game started with Charnock taking the initiative and pressurising the Ashton defence and midfield. This early pressure produced instant dividend when a free kick from just outside the box in the 5th minute found Andy Roberts, the Charnock captain unmarked at the back post for the easiest of headed finishes.

This rocked Ashton, and combined with continued pressure from Charnock the visitors were prevented from establishing any sort of passing rythmn, and with no obvious outlet upfront the play got bogged down in a crowded midfield.

Charnock then struck again in the twelfth minute as a free kick swung in to the back post once again found Dean Taylor who rose highest to head the ball into the top corner and giving Ashton's debutant keeper Aaron Cameron no chance.

Ashton fought back and finally got going through the midfield, exerting their own pressure on the Charnock 18 yard box with some fluent passing orchestrated by Danny McNamara. Indeed it was McNamara who came closest to reducing the defecit fro Ashton with a curling long range effort that struck the bar with the keeper beaten.

Unfortunately this was one of his last contributions in the game as a freak injury near the touchline ended up with him being carried off with a knee injury as his studs caught in the grass as he went into a challenge.

Ashton then had to reorganise and gave Paul Townshend his first game for the Club coming on up front to support lone striker Pete Tarpey, with Damon Martland dropping deeper into midfield.

The play from Ashton was still sporadic as half time approached, and possession was squandered needlessly with some sloppy passing, allowing Charnock to maintain the upper hand. Charnock also made an early substitution following the withdrawal of Damien Corcoran.

After the half time break Ashton came out of the blocks quickly and got Charnock on the back foot at last with more direct and higher tempo play. An error was forced from the Charnock keeper with excellent pressure from Danny Jarrett which allowed Pete Tarpey to nip in to score from close range just two minutes after the restart.

Ashton continued to drive forward with Townshend and Tarpey retaining possession to good effect in more advanced positions. A good passing move down the right found Townshend in the box, seemingly going nowhere before flicking the ball between defenders and volleying the ball into the roof of the net to put the teams on level terms.

Both teams probed for the winner making several substitutions but the defences held firm and with Ashton's No 5 Mike Watson and his opposite number for Charnock in outstanding form to cancel all efforts to give one of the teams full points and leaving the scores tied at 2-2, and all to play for in the other two group games.

Man of the Match for Ashton was skipper Mike Watson a stalwart in defence throughout however the tireless work rate of Danny Jarrett was also a highlight especially after losing his midfield partner so early in the game. Andy Roberts was the stand out player for Charnock on the night.

Elsewhere in Group D of the competition Prestwich Heys overcame Breightmet United by 3 goals to 1.

The next round of matches in the Group will take place on Tuesday 25th July, with Breightmet way to Charnock in a 6.30 kick off. Meanwhile Ashton entertain last years competition runners up, Prestwich Heys at Brocstedes Park, Ashton in Makerfield in a 7.45pm kick off.

Tuesday 18th July - Fives Athletic 1 Ashton Athletic 3 Hindsford Cup Round 1

Ashton's first game in the round robin section of this years pre season Hindsford Cup competition ended in success with a solid 3-1 win against Manchester League side Fives Athletic of Walkden.

The Group B game got underway in extremely hot playing conditions, which were a great test for the fitness levels of both teams.

Some good passing moves through the midfield early in the first half opened up the home defence on several occasions but some last ditch Fives defending prevented Ashton from posting a score until the 30th minute. A move down the right saw Andy Dawber break forward and drive the ball into the top corner from a narrow angle. This one of many forrays made down the right by Dawber who was a constant threat throughout the first half.

Ashton started well again in the second half with Fives constantly forced on to the back foot, and within 10 minutes of the restart the result was put beyond doubt. The second goal came from the spot in the 49th minute as Peter Hitchen's fast feet tricked the defender and he was brought down in the box. Steve Wallace slotted the penalty home with considerable ease.

Then after 52 minutes a superb strike from the edge of the box by Paul McVeigh found the bottom corner and gave the keeper no chance.

Fives did get some reward from the evenings toil in the sun as a goal was pulled back in the 62nd minute from the penalty spot as their striker was adjudged to have been fouled whilst hurdling a combined challenge from Peter Hitchen and Keith Boulton.

Any attempts to narrow the margin were dealt with by the Ashton back line, with keeper Scott Waters growing in stature as the game went on in his first full game for the Ashton.

A satisfactory nights work from all involved especially as the game gave 6 more new players their full debuts for the Club. Dan Frost and Gareth Cook both worked well down the right side, and Jon Parkinson tirelessly down the left. Martin Hastings put himself about in midfield whilst Mike Rhead held the ball up well in attack and showed quality distribution and link play throughout the match.

Man of the match was defender Mike Davids who was a calming influence throughout the match, producing a steady display for the full 90 minutes and setting up numerous counter attacks through his accurate distribution.

Elsewhere in the competition on the same evening the other two teams in Group B, Monton Amateurs and Howe Bridge fought out a 1-1 draw whilst in Group A the results were Irlam MS 5 v Hindsford United 1 and Wigan Robin Park 7 v Bolton Wyresdale 2.

The next series of matches will take place this Saturday 22nd July, with Ashton taking on Monton Amateurs at Granary Lane, Worsley in a 2.30pm kick off.

END

Blackpool Tournament win for Ashton

The Club's pre season build up got off to a winning start at the weekend in a three team competition in Blackpool.

Ashton defeated a touring Manx League side St Mary's 2-1 in their first match with two fine strikes by Man of the Match Damon Martland, one in each half to get the team off to a flyer. It could have and should have been more with a number of near misses and some excellent goalkeeping from the St Mary's keeper ensuring the match stayed competitive throughout. St Mary's were kept at bay by some good defending and only a dubious penalty decision prevented a clean sheet.

Good performances were plentiful, with debutants Danny McNamara, Danny Jarrett, Gareth Weigh, Richard Sharpe, Gary Woods and Paul Waring all blending well with the existing players. Young keeper Scott Waters also showed good handling and managed a second half clean sheet on his first start for the Club.

Competition hosts Norcross & Warbreck FC had already gone down 1-2 to St Mary's earlier in the day before coming up against a completely changed Ashton starting eleven in the final match.

A 100% return looked on the cards as Ashton pressed for the opening goal, with Martin Ormesher coming closest as a long range effort crashed against the cross bar, and then a fierce shot by Neil Wright forced the home keeper to pull off a tremendous one handed save.

Ashton finally took the lead midway through the second half with a Martin Ormesher close range strike, following good build up play down the left by Man of the Match Mike Winner and full back Peter Hitchen.

In the last minute however the home sides' concerted efforts produced dividends, as a lapse in concentration at a corner kick gave the Norcross striker too much space to fire home the equaliser, giving the home side some consolation.

The draw was nonetheless still enough for Ashton to claim top spot in the tournament and once again the debutants in the second game, Peter Hitchen, Jon Parkinson, Billy Haugh and John Cushen all showed up well alongside their new team mates.

The pre season matches now come thick and fast with several competitive matches in the next 7 days for the Club as below:-

Tuesday 18th July v Fives Athletic (Walkden)
AWAY in the Hindsford Trophy 6.45pm KO

Thursday 20th July v Charnock Richard
AWAY in the BWFC Goldline Trophy 6.30pm KO

Saturday 22nd July v Monton Amateurs
AWAY in the Hindsford Trophy 2.30pm KO
AND
Saturday 22nd July v Blackpool Wren Rovers
AWAY in a friendly 3pm KO

Chairman's Weekly News

I am pleased to say the week ended on a high with the news that our principal sponsors Haydock Park Race course and All Group Services have agreed to continue with support for this coming season which will see both teams starting the season looking the part in newly purchased kits.

A big thank you must be extended to our newly appointed committee member Steve Mansfield for his behind the scenes help and support securing these deals.

On a negative note once again the club was subjected to a mindless break in on Tuesday evening with the theft of the Clubs ground maintenance equipment. If anyone hears of the availability of this equipment please inform the club as a reward is on offer.

Thanks for all your support in readiness for the new season.

Management boost for Ashton Athletic

PRESS RELEASE 08.07.06

Ashton Athletic have moved quickly to gear up its team management with the recruitment of 4 new key members as the Club prepares for its return to the North West Counties league in the forthcoming season.

First on board is Steve Pilling, a long time past servant of the Club in his playing days. Steve left local neighbours Ashton Town at the end of last season and will work alongside existing first team managers David Powell and Geoff Aspinall.

Ashton's Chairman Steve Halliwell said "Steve's NWCFL experience over the last 5 years or so will be invaluable as our Club establishes itself at this level of football. Allied to the knowledge of our own Club and his outstanding commitment he is the ideal addition to the 1^st team management structure".

Also joining the Club as is Tony Ennion, the former Reserve manager of both Northwich Vics and Witton Albion in the last few seasons, who will take charge of the second string at Ashton. Chairman Halliwell sees Tony as the perfect man for the Club at this stage of the Club's development. "Tony's extensive knowledge of standards at the higher reaches of non league football will be invaluable in guiding our player development from our older youth teams, through the reserves and on to the first team".

In response the new reserve boss, also a qualified FA Coach is complimentary about the Club and comments "I am extremely impressed by the forward thinking views at the Club and amongst the players, and I am thrilled to be involved at such an ambitious and committed outfit".

Meanwhile on the Coaching front two coaches have joined the team to improve and guide the Coaching programmes at the Club.

Garreth Barker UEFA B licence Coach brings with him extensive experience at Preston North End and most recently at the Wigan Athletic Academy. First team manager, David Powell explains "Garreth brings a high calibre of professionalism and experience to the Club, and will

oversee the coaching and fitness regime of the senior teams at the Club. His expert knowledge alongside his attitude and enthusiasm has been very well received by the players and we are delighted to have secured his services, particularly in view of his heavy work schedule at the moment, as he progresses towards his UEFA 'A' Licence".

Working alongside Garreth is Mike Woodruff, as goalkeeping coach for the adult and youth teams. Having retired from the first team at the Club midway through last season, following a major shoulder injury Woodruff maintains involvement through this newly created position.

All the management and coaching staff are focused on the start of the new season on the 12^th August, and the build up starts this Saturday 15^th July with a trip to Blackpool to play in a triangular tournament against St Mary's from the Isle of Man, and the hosts, Norcross & Warbreck FC from the West Lancs League. The games start at 1.15pm at the Fleetwood Road South complex in Thornton Cleveleys.

Queries to David Powell 07770 696747

Non League birth secured by Ashton Athletic FC

Press release 26.06.06

Ashton Athletics' recent endeavours have been rewarded with a place in the North West Counties Football League for the forthcoming season.

The Ashton in Makerfield based football Club now joins the second tier of what is officially known as the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors League along with Bootle FC, and the re-incarnation of the old Runcorn Football Club, which has been re-badged as Runcorn Linnets FC.

Club chairman Steve Halliwell and General Manager David Powell attended the Leagues Annual General Meeting in Buxton on 17^th June to learn that the Club's two year campaign to achieve the required standards had been successful, and the Club had been re-admitted to the first rung of the non league ladder after an absence of 20 years. Chairman Halliwell said" we must record our gratitude for the excellent guidance from the League's Management Committee and for the support of Lancashire FA throughout this process".

General Manager David Powell, a player with the Club when they last competed in the league was clearly delighted " It has been a long and sometimes arduous journey to get back to this level of competition both on and off the field and everyone who has been associated with the Club throughout this time has contributed towards this achievement. There are a few dedicated people still involved with the Club from the time when we were relegated from the league, having failed the ground grading back in 1986; and for them it is a just reward for their sustained commitment." he commented.

Chairman Steve Halliwell highlighted the tirelessly work of the Committee to upgrade the facilities to a standard that will be one of the best in the new league, and added "it will not stop there, the Club remains committed to continue with developments of its facilities for the first team and equally as important to us, our blossoming youth section".

The Club will now embark on a new chapter with the Club's Management team keen to add to the existing squad and new recruits are being scouted to back up the existing playing staff. Powell explains "we will be recruiting players who have experience of playing at this level and above, or have potential to do so. We have some excellent quality within the existing teams but know we are in for a challenge and although the existing players are up for it, they know that the Club needs to bring in additional players to maintain the Club's progress and are fully prepared for the competition for places"

The Club Chairman also emphasises the Clubs commitment to developing the playing side adding "the Club has also entered a team in the Reserve section of the same league providing excellent standards and quality of facilities for all players at the club. We are currently seeking a manager to take on this position and a further announcement will be made in the near future"

Pre season training is now well underway at the Brocstedes Park Ground on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Saturday afternoons and details of pre season matches will be made available soon.

In addition to the adult team the Club is also seeking to add to its youth teams which range from under 7 to under 18. Anyone players wishing to become involved with the Club should contact David Powell on 07770 696747.

Further details from D Powell 07770 696747