Ashton Athletics young squad faced local rivals Warrington Town on Sunday the 18th of September at Brocstedes Park in the North West Youth Alliance Premier Division.
A fixture that has seen some great games in the past and which can be feisty at times due to the teams facing each other in various competitions over the years.
Warrington had got off to a great start to this seasons campaign beating both Morecambe away 5-4 and Hyde at home 3-2, so it was always going to be a tough test.
The game kicked off at 2-30 and it wasn't long before Ashton took the lead.
The ball broke in midfield and looked to be heading to the Town keeper, but he hesitated on the edge of his box which just gave enough time for Taylor Cain to beat him to the ball, round the keeper and slot home. 1 nil to Ashton.
Warrington didn't seem to settle and the second goal wasn't long in coming. In ways it was similar to the first as Matt Reid broke from midfield rounded the keeper and passed the ball into the back of the net. The team looked well in control particularly and the scoreline stayed at 2-0 until half time.
After the break Aaron Simpson was next on the score sheet as he comfortably converted from the penalty spot after Jake Taylor, on for the injured Taylor Cain, was brought down inside the box.
At 3-0 it looked like Ashton could go on to run riot but Warrington weren't done. 2 quick goals from the visitors piled on the pressure which made it for an uncomfortable second half.
Thankfully a great finish from Sam Oyeiyi finished Warrington off. Sam worked hard throughout the second half and got his reward. He broke free from the centre backs and showing great composure slotted it past the oncoming keeper. A superb finish.
Full Time wasn't long in coming and a deserved win for the lads.

Next Game: Ashton Athletic 6 Colne 1 - FA Youth Cup.

Just 48 hours later Colne were the visitors to Brocstedes Park. Arriving off a heavy defeat to Fylde 10-3 in the Open League Cup. Ashton looked like firm favourites in this game and so it proved. Taylor Cain continued his scoring streak as he volleyed home after just 7 minutes from a great ball, played perfectly in from Harry Johnson in picking him out.
Colne were under obvious pressure but continued to play the ball around and it was to their credit that they kept Ashton at bay until the 30th minute, another goal from the always lively Cain.
Ashton's 3rd goal on 34 minutes came from out wide. A quality team move ending with Keelan McCabe playing the perfect low cross right into the path of Harry Johnson, finishing in the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. 3-0 to Ashton before the break.
Another stunning volley from Keelan McCabe from a chip over the back line made it 4 in the second half and Ashton were running the game. That said the visitors immediately went up the other end and scored but it was no more than a consolation goal for Colne.
Aaron Simpson continues in great form form at all levels for the club and it was his turn to get his name on the score sheet. The ball falling to him inside the penalty area. He fired off a right footed shot that was on target but then took a wicked deflection completely wrong footing the Colne keeper and into the back of the net.
Simpson wasn't done there as he headed in Ashton's final goal from a Dec Mcoughlin corner rounding off another great performance in midfield.

Full Time Ashton Athletic 6 Colne 1
An excellent 3 days for this young squad as they look forward to the next round draw.