Ashton Athletic made the relatively short trip down the M58 on Tuesday evening to face a Maghull side that had made an excellent start to the North West Counties Division One North season and were sitting proudly at the top of the table.

For Ashton, the challenge was made even greater by a recent dip in results and a lengthy injury list that has robbed manager Jay Foulds of several key players. With two new signings arriving just hours before kick-off, Foulds and his coaching staff nevertheless managed to put out a strong side, although one that had had very little time to develop an understanding.

Maghull were immediately out of the blocks and dominated the opening exchanges, but Ashton defended resolutely. Joe White, Ashton's player of the match, saved a certain goal off the line and Joe Beswick made some solid stops in goal. Also it was good to see Conal Larkin returning to the heart of the defence. New striker Alfie Belcher also made his debut at No.9.

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, capitalising on a defensive error that Ashton will feel could have been avoided.

However, the response was almost immediate. Just a minute later, Ashton produced an excellent move down the right, with Belcher breaking free before delivering a dangerous cross. The ball bypassed the advancing Maghull goalkeeper and, with two Ashton players arriving in the box, it was Adam Gilchrist who reacted quickest to fire home and level the scores.

The goal gave Ashton renewed confidence and they began to grow into the contest. However. Maghull restored their advantage in the 36th minute, and the hosts took a 2-1 lead into the interval.

Ashton came out for the second half with renewed determination and worked tirelessly to get back into the game. Changes were made as the half progressed, but despite their efforts, a second goal proved elusive.

The lively Tom Beswick came closest when he was played through on the right. He struck his effort well, but the Maghull goalkeeper reacted sharply to get down and make an important save. Josh Nicholson also tested the keeper from distance, although his effort was comfortably gathered.

Maghull eventually extended their advantage with two further goals, to secure a 4-1 victory.

It was ultimately a difficult evening for Ashton against a well-organised Maghull side, but there were positives to take from a performance involving several new faces who have had little opportunity to play together. Unfortunately George Walker, Ashton's left back had to be helped to the dressing room at the end of the game, yet another injury to add to the list. We all wish him well for a speedy recovery.

There is still a long way to go this season, and once the new players have had time to settle and the squad begins to regain its injured players, there is every reason for optimism.

Ashton will now look to bounce back when Thornton Cleveleys visit Brocstedes Park in the league this Saturday, 22 August, with kick-off at 3pm. We'd love to see you there.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Jake Greene
3 George Walker
4 Joshua Brierley
5 Joe White
6 Conal Larkin
7 Zach Conway
8 Christopher Webster
9 Alfie Belcher
10 Luke Crompton
11 Adam Gilchrist

Substitutes: Joshua Nicholson, Ryan Knowles, Jonathan Sodhi, Samuel Gill, Thomas Beswick.

Attendance 372

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
22/08/26 Thornton Cleveleys (H) 15:00 - Brocstedes Park. WN4 0NR
29/08/26 Cammell Laird 1907 (H) 15:00
01/09/26 Ashville (A) 19:45
05/09/26 Halewood Apollo (A) 15:00
12/09/26 Flixton (H) 15:00
15/09/26 Atherton Collieries (H) 19:45