26th August 2006 Ashton Athletic 0 Blackpool Mechanics 2 NWCFL Div 2

Ashton unable to breakdown the Mechanics

Resolute defending from the visitors prevented Ashton from scoring whilst two sharp finishes at the other end secured 3 more points for the Blackpool team, maintaining their 100% return from the first three league matches, without conceding a goal.

Ashton had the lion's share of possession throughout the match, and played some good passing moves through the midfield and in the defensive third. However this could not be converted into clear scoring opportunities as the visitors backed off to their own 18 yard box, and packed this defensive third with 9 and sometimes 10 men behind the ball.

Blackpool also showed great pace on the counter attack causing the Ashton defence a few problems, whilst also working hard to restrict the speed of Ashton's build up play.

Chances for both teams were at a premium especially in the first half, with Aaron Cameron saving well for Ashton from a deflected free kick whilst at the other end Paul Mc Veigh went close with a header for Ashton which just cleared the bar from a corner.

The one clear chance of the half fell to Blackpool's hard working striker , Steven Hibbert in the 25th minute when Ashton lost possession in the midfield and an early through ball caught out the Ashton back line. A moments hesitancy allowed Hibbert the chance to break clear one on one with the Ashton keeper and with the Ashton defence slow to pressurise the ball carrier he was given too much time to produce a straight forward finish and put the visitors one up.

The second half was much the same as the first with Ashton frustrated by the Blackpool defensive pattern, whilst at the other end another lapse in concentration cost the home side dear. A somewhat inoquous delivery into the box was not dealt with properly, allowing Wilding to pounce in the 57th minute and head home Blackpool's second goal. Blackpool's only other noteworthy effort in the seconhalf came when a David Booth long range shot was comfortably save by Cameron.

Credit to the Ashton team however as they did not let heads go down and with fresh legs introduced they continued to probe for an opening. Good efforts from Danny Jarrett and Paul McVeigh were just off target whilst another towering header from McVeigh also finished on the wrong side of the crossbar.

Tried as they did the Ashton lads could not break through the Mechanics defence and even longer range efforts late in the game from Simon Gallanders and Mike Rhead, whose shots forced good saves from Blackpool's young keeper Josh Woods, could not give Ashton any sort of platform to stage a comeback.

A lesson in good defending was very much in evidence on the day with Blackpool skipper Josh Simmons organising his troops well, however for the key first strike and with some great effort in defending from the front the Blackpool Man of the Match was awarded to Steven Hibbert.

For Ashton Mike Rhead was outstanding, putting in a great Captain's performance keeping the side going when frustration was the order of the day for his team.

End

22nd August 2006 Oldham Town 3 Ashton Athletic 2

Ashton went down for the second match in a row by the odd goal and were denied a point, and perhaps all three by two critical decisions by one of the assistant referees within the last twenty minutes of the match.
The first intervention persuaded the otherwise faultless referee, Mr Hussain not to award Ashton a penalty as Paul McVeigh was pulled down in the penalty box . Despite the referee being closer to the incident he allowed the assistant's views to take precedence and awarded the free kick to Oldham, leaving all and sundry scratching heads.
The second error in the dying minutes by the same linesman was to flag McVeigh offside moments after he thought that he had scored the equaliser, despite in the opinion of ALL observers that he had been at least a yard on side when the ball was played to him.
Had either of the decisions been in Ashton's favour it would have capped off an incredibly second half revival after going in at half time 3 goals down. The team can nevertheless take heart from the team work and spirit in the second half that got them in a position that almost salvaged a point.

The game had started with Ashton playing a fast passing game that created chances for Tarpey and Rhead who both shot wide from promising moves in the first 15 minutes. Tarpey was then in action in defence doing well to hinder the Oldham striker, Darren Scanlon and forcing him to head over the bar from a deep cross.
Ashton's best chance in the opening stanza fell to Mcveigh who work well to find space just in side the box but his shot was too straight, allowing the goalkeeper to gather.
This seemed to ignite Oldham into greater effort and penetrated the left hand side of the Ashton defence with great speed on several occassions. From one such attack the influential Curley and Melia combined and a deep cross was well met by left winger Die to head in the opening goal after 21 minutes.
Chances fell to both sides with a Curley shot just clearing the bar for Oldham, whilst a great cross from Dean Callaway was missed by the keeper, but Mcveigh could not capitalise having been blocked off by the Oldham defence.
Lost possession in midfield and a slow recovery by Ashton allowed Oldham to break again on the Ashton back four and the dangerous Curley rifled home from just inside the box in the 35th minute to increase the lead.
Oldham scored again in the 37th minute, as a good one/two on the edge of the penalty area allowed Curley to grab his second goal slotting the ball into the corner of the goal and giving Ashton keeper Cameron no chance.
Unfortunately for Oldham, the influential James Curley was then replaced following a knock to his knee, and following which Oldham lost some momentum. Ashton almost pulled one back on the stroke of half time when a Tom Potter free kick was sliced just wide by an Oldham defender.

The second half was all Ashton, with Oldham limited to a handful of counter attacks, and only one real chance to increase the lead. Ashton on the other hand were rampant, driven forward by a powerful midfield display by half time substitute Danny Jarrett. It was Jarrett who reduced the deficit after 55 minutes with a perfect left foot looping shot over the keeper to give the visitors some hope.
With Rhead running the show in midfield, alongside Jarrett and McVeigh combining well up front with Gallanders, the wing play of Callaway and Potter started to bring dividends as Ashton repeatedly got around the back of the Oldham defence. Good efforts by Jarrett, Simon Gallanders, Dean Callaway almost found the net whilst the introduction of Pat Aspinall at left back, for the injured Frost after 60 minutes added to the attacking dimension for the visiting team.
Oldham were forced to play on the break and striker Scanlon did well in the 66th minute by eluding Rothwell, who then had to resort to a clumsy challenge from behind to prevent him breaking one on one with Keeper Cameron. This earned Rothwell a yellow card for his trouble but fortunately for Ashton the resultant free kick was cleared.
From the next attack Ashton's McVeigh was dragged to the floor by defender Olungade but were denied a clear penalty, following unjustified intervention by the assistant referee.
Ashton continued to drive forward with Potter particularly influential down the left. Jarrett released Potter on one such forray and a deep cross from the by line found McVeigh at the back post to head home in the 70th Minute to peg Oldham back further.
Oldham then upped their game for ten minutes with a couple of long range efforts and a disallowed goal as Scanlon headed home when 2 yards off side However the Ashton defence were in much more determined mood than the first half and preventedOldham from releiving the pressure.
Ashton continued to press, searching for the equaliser with decent chances falling to Bohannon from a corner, Gallanders with a couple of blocked shots and McVeigh who almost poked the ball home after the Oldham keeper dropped a terrific strike by Potter.
With the game slipping away and as time ran out Ashtons' hopes were quashed by the assistant referee once again as Paul McVeigh was flagged offside after slotting home what he thought was the equaling goal. None of the home side players claimed for off side AND all the home side management agreed that the player had been on side and the goal should have stood, but the referee took his assistants view and disallowed the goal.
The MoM for Oldham was central defender Tim Buxton who made several crucial blocks in the Oldham back line under immense pressure throughout the second half.
Ashton had many excellent second half performances but for playing at consistently high level with great ball retention for the full 90 minutes it was Dean Callaway who claimed the award for Ashton.
Ashton Athletic will now return to Brocstedes Park for two home games on the bounce against Blackpool Mechanics this Saturday 26th August and then Runcorn Linnets the week after, both are 3pm Kick Off.

END

19th August 2006 Ashton Athletic 1 Bootle 2 NWCFL Div 2

Ashton failed to build on the excellent midweek win against Daisy Hill, going down to fellow league newcomers, Bootle in an end to end match that could have gone either way.
Bootle took the upper hand in the early exchanges with Ashton forced to concede a series of free kicks around the box in the first 10 minutes. However Bootle showed little invention and spurned the set pieces which provided minimal threat to the Ashton goal.
Ashton fought back and good efforts by Tom Potter and Gaz Weigh stretched the Bootle defence, whilst Bootle were also creating chances of thier own the best being two efforts by Jamie Rainford, following in on two excellent blocks by Ashton keeper Aaron Cameron.
Bootle's first half ascendency was stemmed in the second half as possession and chances were equalised. Ashton stepped up the work rate led by MoM Danny Jarrett who took the game to Bootle with his solid ball winning challenges and driving runs. Jarrett also came very close to opening the score with a powerful header which forced a good save from Robin Miles in the Bootle goal.
Paul Townshend also rose to the challanged as his shot was denied by the upright. This spell of pressure from Ashton finally brought its reward when recently introduced substitute Tarpey cut in from the right to drive the ball left footed into the corner of the goal, giving Ashton the lead in the 56th minute.
The margin was however immediately reduced as Bootle went straight down the other end to force a corner kick. Although Ashton cleared the corner, it only found Jamie Rainford on the edge of the box, and a failure to close down allowed him to much time to pick his spot with a well timed strike into the top corner.
The next 20 minutes was end to end with Eammon Price blasting over the top for Bootle when clean through, and a long range effort by full back Garry Parr forcing a great save from Cameron. Ashton also pressed forward with a strike by Simon Gallanders well saved by Miles.
The game was decided in the last 10 minutes with both sides having chances to seal the win. The best chance for Ashton came from a deep cross from the left wing which found Tarpey at the back post, but the Bootle left back just did enough to distract tarpey from heading in, and the resulting effort was glanced past the post.
From Bootle's next attack defensive hesitation on a clearance allowed substitute Paul McDonald to pounce and drive the ball into the top corner, leaving Ashton's Keeper stranded, and securing the three points for the visitors.
Ashton dust themselves off for another midweek outing at Oldham Town, and then return to Brocstedes Park next saturday 26th August for a home game with Blackpool Mechanics, whilst the Reserve team travel to play FC United Reserves. Both matches are 3pm kick off.

END

15TH AUGUST 2006 ASHTON ATHLETIC 3 DAISY HILL 1

Ashton celebrated their first win back in the North West Counties League against local rivals Daisy Hill, as a first half strike by Paul McVeigh, a second half own goal and a cool finish from Simon Gallanders secured the three points for the Latics.

The opening goal was the pick of the bunch with a tremendous through ball from Danny Jarrett that found gareth Weigh on the right, who delivered a pin point cross for Mc Veigh to finish left footed across the keeper

Daisy Hill had suggested a possible revival after a cross come shot found its way into the top corner minutes before half time but this did not dampen the determination of Ashton to push forward in the second half to claim the win.

Man of the Match for Ashton for the second game on the bounce was skipper Steve Rothwell, whilst the Daisy Hill top man was striker Craig Naylor.

The only drawback on an excellent victory was the loss of centre half Mike Watson with ankle ligament damsge half way through the second half and it is hoped that Mike will make a speedy recovery.

On Saturday Ashton welcome Bootle FC to Brocstedes Park for a 3pm kick off.

End

12th August 2006 Eccleshall 3 Ashton Athletic 0 NWCFL Div 2

A dissapointing result from Ashton's first game back in the NWCFL after a 20 year absence, but there was no disappointment with the general performance as the team's passing and ball retention allowed the league newcomers to dominate possesion for large periods of the game.
However clinical finishing from Eccleshall and a lack of the same from Ashton, along with a little help for Eccleshall from the officials with a couple of key decisions against Ashton, contributed toward Ashton's downfall.
Ashton started brightly with 2 good efforts from Pete Tarpey and one from Gareth Weigh which gave the visitors confidence whilst knocking that of the home side.
A soft free kick after 17 minutes, conceded on the edge of the Ashton box turned the tables, as the resulting set piece found the Eccleshall captain, Dematteo in too much space on the edge of the six yard line, flicking the ball into the net and giving the keeper no chance.
Eccleshall took confidence from the goal with effective passing through midfield, orchestrated by Mark McDonald but the Ashton defence held firm.
Ashton fought back with effective play down both flanks and after 30 minutes Paul Townshend got on the end of a good passing move and his shot just cleared the crossbar.
Then came a contoversial moment that could have changed the game as two minutes from half time a cross from the Ashton right was punched in to his own goal by the 6ft 4" Eccleshall keeper, only to be let off the hook by the referee who claimed that 5ft 7" Pete Tarpey had blocked the keeper - even though he only stood still!

At half time Paul McVeigh replaced Mike Winer and joined Paul Townshend up front, with Mike Rhead dropping into midfield. This allowed Ashton to stretch the home defence and led to a period of domination for 30 minutes that unbelivably failed to reap dividends despite being amost permanently camped in the Eccleshall half.
A Danny Jarrett cross shot found the wrong side of the upright after a good move down the right; Pete Tarpey also shot wide, cutting in from the left.
In the 61st minute Eccleshall cleared off the line and then two more crosses fizzed across the 6 yard box but failed to be converted.
Eccleshall were forced to play on the break during this period of domination by Ashton and their front two always looked dangerous when latching onto direct play, with Jimmy Dunn coming close to increasing the lead on two occasions.
Another incident of some controversy came in the 65th minute as Paul McVeigh burst through, and was clipped by the advancing keeper but instead of going down to take the penalty he tried to finish the chance However the keepers foul forced McVeigh too wide and the off balance effort failed to find the net.
A Steve Rothwell thunderbolt was deflected for a corner and several goal mouth scrambles could not be forced in by Ashton.
Fresh legs in the midfield were then introduced wisely by the Eccleshall management and this gave Eccleshall a foothold and seemed to spark greater effort. After 70 minutes a good effort by Mark McDonald was well saved by Aaron Cameron, but the Ashton keeper could do nothing about the Eccleshall second goal as De matteo pounced again in the 18 yard box to score his second.
Ashton continued to play despite this set back and can count themselves very unlucky, first to receive a booking for Paul McVeigh for an innocuous challenge and then in conceding a third goal seconds before the final whistle when Mike Rhead was fouled from behind in the build up.
Many positives can be taken from Ashton's endeavours in this first game and these must be taken forward to the next game, and coupled with goalscoring it should produce a result for the team.
Man of the match for Ashton was Steve Rothwell whilst former Leek CSOB man Mark McDonald won the award for Eccleshall
END

8th August 2006 Ashton Ath 6 Wigan Athletic Past Players 2

Thanks to the match summary by our new friends from the Old Tree and Crown web site/fans forum ( http://www.yeoldetreeandcrown.34sp.com/wigan-athletic-news-090806.htm )which caught the upbeat mood of the night perfectly, this report will be kept relatively short and sweet.

Suffice to say that many on the Wigan old boys can certainly "still kick it" and efforts to persuade a few to don the yellow kit of Ashton will be persued by the management! The quality of the Latics' first touch and passing, especially in the first 25 minutes was pleasing to the eye and it was only when Ashton started to pressurise around the ball carrier that youth and fitness eventually overcame the "nouse".

The Ashton opening goal in the 25 minute was scored by Martin Rennox after good wing play from Andy Dawber down the right. Shortly after, an excellent passing move from back to front was eventually finished off by defender Mike Davids after an incisive pass from Paul Townsend.

After half time tiredness and advancing years started to take its toll in the Wigan legs and the pressure built on the visitors' goal. Three goals in 12 minutes from Steve Rothwell, Steve Bennett and an own goal from Colin Greenall then put the result beyond doubt but credit many of the latics men for continuing with their efforts to make the most of the night.

Just reward for these endeavours finally came with John Doolan finding the net from the penalty spot after 68 minutes. The Ashton lads once again showed how seriously they were treating the match upping the work rate again, and despite the late introduction of Coach Garreth Barker and manager David Powell to proceedings, for 15 minute cameo roles, Mike Winer powered through to increase the lead again.

The latics' continued to press and in the 86th Minute another dubious penalty was awarded by referee John Leach as Paul Santus was up ended in the box(alledgedly). The impressive Carl Furlong slotted the resulting spot kick into the net for the Latics to make the final score 6-2 to the youthful Ashton team.

Well done to all the Latics chaps who can all be assured of a warm welcome at Brocstedes whenever they fancy taking in a match.

END

8th August Wigan Athletic Past Players and Ashton Athletic's Team Photo's

8th August Chairmans First Guest Jimmy Martin " Everton's Kitman"

LATICS OLD BOY'S CAN'T COMPETE AGAINST THE YOUTH OF ASHTON ATHLETIC!

Wigan Athletics’ past players visited Brocstedes Park last night to take on North West Counties League, Division Two side Ashton Athletic. Also popping along was myself, ADMIN, Bar Staff and Lady J, and I must confess that an enjoyable evening's football was served up for us and all the other Latics and Ashton fans who braved the elements to take in the official opening of the Ashton club's floodlights.

The setup at Brocstedes Park took me back by about thirty odd years and I must admit that the club house does this little football club proud.On arriving at the ground the Ashton staff was courteous and showed me the best place to park the car, bearing in mind I then had to find the Catholic Club to meet ADMIN and his mate for a pre match drink. The car park attendant/club house mon directed me to a superb place which meant I had a two minute walk to the club over a field instead of a half hour one retracing the route that I took to get to the ground!After a Kaliber in the Catholic club with ADMIN and his hollow legged mate, it was time to sample the delights of the club house at the ground and it was there that Bar Staff, actually put his hand in his pocket and got a round in!

All of us were impressed with the layout of the place and the friendliness of the staff. Food and warm beverages were available at proper prices, (ask Hollow Legs), the beer was cheap and there was a genuine feeling of warmth and sportsmanship in evidence, and you sensed that the Ashton officials and various volunteers had looked forward to this occasion for a while. To their great credit things ran very smoothly indeed and I hope that all their efforts were rewarded by the end of the evening.

As for the game itself the team, managed by David Glenn and Peter Catterall, with Kenny Morris as team coach, was a combination of players who played for the club from quite a few era's of the club's history. The oldest being Tony Lydon who first played for the club when Allenby Chilton was manager in 1959! Looking around me I was sure that a few Latics past players were also present at the game as I thought I recognised Jack Richardson in passing, (a former Latics goalkeeper in the very early sixties and someone who I last spoke to almost 15 years ago!) The youth of the Ashton team, who I believe were missing quite a few regulars, was just too much for a tired looking Latics outfit and the only surprise at half time was the fact we were only trailing by two goals. "Bloody Rubbish Wigan!"

Lady J brightened up considerably when, an acquaintance of hers, Paul Bohannan, took to the field for Ashton, almost immediately wondering why his shorts were shorter than anyone else's. She lost all credibility with me after that statement, proving beyond doubt the true reason why women watch football!
To be fair though, after his introduction, Latics then conceded two quick goals, the second of which was a comical own goal by Colin Greenall! The introduction of Simon Farnworth didn't help matters either as Ashton gleefully took their tally to six, whilst Latics goals were both scored from dubious penalty awards!It's just a pity the weather was so awful, as I suspect a few more people would have turned out had it been a bit brighter. However, this didn't spoil the enjoyment of everyone present and after Lucozade or two in the club house afterwards, myself and ADMIN came to the conclusion that Ashton Athletic were definitely worth a visit or two this season, Latics fixtures permitting.
Courtesy of The Olde Tree and Crown

5th August 2006 Ashton Athletic 1 Howe Bridge Mills 0 Hindsford Cup final

Ashton bagged the first silverware of the season by overcoming Howe Bridge in the final of the pre season Hindsford Cup, in front of a more than decent crowd.
Ashton started very strongly and controlled the early phase of the game with some excellent passing and movement through midfield, without really testing the Howe Bridge defence with a killer punch.
The patient play then gave way to too many failed attempts to find through balls which led to a sustained period of unnecessary surrendering of possession.
This allowed Howe Bridge to get a foothold in the game and started to exert pressure on the Ashton defence, which then led to a number of cheap freekicks being awarded to Howe Bridge. The resulting set pieces where however well dealt with by Ashton's defence, whilst keeper Brobbin was solid between the sticks.
As half time approached the midfield finally adjusted its tempo of play and one/two touch passing allowed Ashton to retain better possession and finish the half in the ascendancy.
This better quality play continued in the second half and as a result Ashton took the lead after 60 minutes through Paul Townshend for his 3rd goal in 4 starts, pouncing on the knock down after a Steve Rothwell long throw.
Paul McVeigh almost increased Ashton's lead as a superb break from Gaz Weigh down the left and the resulting one on one shot was parried by the keeper before a last ditch cover tackle denied McVeigh a tap in.
As the final minutes approached yet another soft free kick was conceeded and the long range effort sailed into the top corner only to be disallowed for offside, as two Howe Bridge players were deemed to have been influential in the Ashton keepers misjudging of the flight of the ball.
This incident unnerved the Ashton back line momentarily and a defensive mix up almost proved fatal before last ditch defensive cover blocked out the threat of an equaliser by Howe Bridge, and the final whistle enabled Ashton to claim the spoils.

Man of the match for Ashton was adjudged to be captain Steve Rothwell, once a gain a rock at the back whilst a faultless performance from right back Paul Bohannan, and the improving work rate of Paul Townshend up front is also worth recognition.

Bring on the Latics Old Boys on Tuesday night.

End

5th August 2006 Breightmet 4 Ashton Athletic 2 Goldline Trophy Grp D Round 3

Following the loss to Prestwich the previous tuesday by the odd goal in 5, and the subsequent defeat of Prestwich by rivals Charnock meant that neither Ashton nor Breighmet could progress to the knock out round of the competition.

It was nevertheless disappointing that the Ashton team could not return from Bolton with a win, as a largely lacklustre performance failed to produce the goods.

The game started badly for Ashton going down to two first half goals, however a major plus on the day was the terrific spirit shown in the fight back during the second half with Jon Parkinson and then Martin Ormesher scoring to level the match for a time.

Breighmet then raised their game whilst Ashton lost their rythmn and two late strikes by Breightmet secured the three group points for the Manchester Premier Division team.

Man of the Match for Ashton was awarded to Simon Mcguire who kept the team going to the end, whilst the midfield endeavours of Andy Dawber and Jon Parkinson are also worthy of mention.

END

3rd August 2006 Billinge 1 Ashton Athletic 2

With the majority of the players who triumphed in tuesday's semi final rested the chance was given to several others in this hurriedly arranged freindly against Mid Cheshire League neighbours Billinge.

The lads did not dissapoint with some excellent performances posted by several players throughout the game, no more so than Man of the match Paul McVeigh whose excellent all round play was duly rewarded with both of Ashton's goals on the night.

Simon Mcguire and Simon Gallanders were extremely influential and combined particularly well, whilst Mike Davids was outstanding at the back.

END

1st August 2006 Irlam MS 0 Ashton Athletic 2 Hindsford Trophy Semi Final

Ashton travelled across to Irlam for the semi final of the Hindsford Cup in determined mood and took the game to Irlam from the start, with young Goalkeeper Joe Brobbin having little to do, easing into his first game for the Club.

The defence was sound throughout the game and even the loss of skipper Mike Watson from the heart of the defence did not affect the teams confident start, as another debutant Gary Crompton got back into competitive football with a solid performance in his first game for Ashton in the pre season build up.

Concerted pressure on the Irlam back line during the first half finally produced dividends as Mike Rhead produced an excellent finish for his third goal in four games.

The second half saw Ashton once again take the initiative and good defensive work through the midfield and back line prevented any clear chances for Irlam.

It was only in the dying minutes that Irlam threw caution to the wind pushing everyone forward on a corner, even the keeper. However two excellent "body on the line" blocks by Steve Rothwell cleared the ball to Paul Mc Veigh who punted the ball from his own half into the empty Irlam net to make the final score 2-0 to Ashton and secure the cup final spot.

Man of the Match for Ashton was Mike Rhead, although all the defenders were also outstanding throughout.

Ashton Athletic's Match Day Programme

I was delighted with the online response to receive a match day programme and the overall interest shown in our inaugural game against Wigan Athletic Past Players. My special thanks go to Mr T Aspinall from Hindley, Mr & Mrs R Prescott & Mr P Benbow from Appley Bridge and Mr K Powell from Wigan who will be the first to receive the inaugural proramme.

The Club's match day programme will also be produced for all 1st team Home games, and furthermore the Club will be providing an opportunity to pre-order the programme, and have it mailed out to you immediately after the match.

This is an offer that will be of most interest to programme collectors, and fans who cannot make it to the match - programmes will be mailed out within 24hrs by first class post.

A full fixture listings will appear shortly to enable forward bookings. Anyone who would like to receive a copy of any programme by post, should send a cheque for £2.00 (incl postage and packing) made payable to "Ashton Athletic FC" to: Steve Halliwell c/o 20 Kings Road, Golborne, Cheshire, WA3 3PJ.