It’s one of the most well-worn phrases in football — *a game of two halves* — but few descriptions could have been more accurate than yesterday’s North West Counties Division One North clash between Squires Gate and Ashton Athletic. After a frustrating first half left The Yellows trailing 2–0, Ashton produced a remarkable second-half transformation to score three times and complete a stunning 3–2 comeback away from home.

Both sides showed plenty of endeavour and energy from the opening whistle, but it was the home side who struck first in the 14th minute. Ashton’s defence was unable to clear the danger and Squires Gate took full advantage, firing home from close range to take the lead.

Ashton continued to work hard and tried to create openings, but very little seemed to be going their way. The two sides had been closely matched in the league table and there was little to separate them on the pitch either, although clear-cut chances remained at a premium. Joe Beswick was called upon to make an excellent save to keep Ashton within touching distance, but the visitors were unable to find a way through at the other end. Then, in the 28th minute, Squires Gate struck again, doubling their advantage and leaving Ashton with a mountain to climb at half-time.

Whatever was said inside the Ashton dressing room during the interval clearly had the desired effect. The next goal was always going to be crucial, and just two minutes after the restart it went to The Yellows.

The ball fell kindly to midfielder Zach Conway on the edge of the penalty area and he made no mistake, drilling a low shot into the corner of the net to give Ashton a lifeline at 2–1.

Suddenly, everything changed.

The momentum swung dramatically in Ashton’s favour and The Yellows were now playing with renewed confidence and purpose. Wave after wave of attacks put Squires Gate firmly on the back foot, while the mood around the ground changed noticeably as the home supporters watched their side come under increasing pressure.

Then, right on the hour mark, Ashton drew level. From a corner, Luke Crompton rose above everyone else and produced a superb glancing header that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was no more than Crompton deserved after an outstanding performance. He won tackles all over the pitch, tracked back tirelessly and gave the home side no respite. His contribution was immense, and he was a thoroughly deserving Man of the Match.

With Ashton now completely on top, the home side appeared shell-shocked.

And the comeback was completed from another corner. This time it was returning centre-back Joe White getting in front of the defenders before launching himself at the ball and powering a diving header into the back of the Squires Gate net. Another quality goal — and suddenly Ashton, who had been two goals behind at half-time, were 3–2 in front.

There were opportunities to extend the lead as The Yellows continued to threaten, but one moment of concern arrived when a pile-driver of a shot appeared destined for the goal before striking Joe White full in the face, almost knocking him out. White bravely attempted to continue, but minutes later he was forced to leave the pitch with another injury. Hopefully, the damage is nothing too serious and he will be back on the pitch soon.

Squires Gate responded by stepping up the pressure during the final quarter of the match, becoming much more of a threat as they searched desperately for an equaliser. But Ashton were having none of it.

The players battled for every ball, defended resolutely and gave their opponents no quarter as they fought to protect the lead. Every tackle, clearance and challenge mattered as the minutes ticked away. Then came the final whistle.

Relief, delight and plenty of satisfaction for the travelling Ashton supporters as The Yellows completed an outstanding comeback and headed home with all three points. It was an extraordinary second-half performance — full of grit, determination, character and belief — and one that demonstrated exactly what this Ashton Athletic squad is capable of when everything clicks into place.

Sam Gill, Joe White and Zach Conway all deserve special mention for their performances, while Luke Crompton was outstanding. But, ultimately, every player in the squad deserves huge credit for the way they responded after a difficult first half.

The only question now is whether we can bottle whatever was said in that Ashton dressing room at half-time. Because if The Yellows can start future games with the same intensity, determination and belief that they showed in that second half, there could be plenty more memorable afternoons ahead.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Jonathan Sodhi
3 Thomas Beckett
4 Joseph Barlow
5 Joe White
6 Calum Wilson
7 Zach Conway
8 Luke Crompton
9 Marcus Cusani
10 Samuel Gill
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Adam Gilchrist: Thomas Beswick: Joseph Pennington: Jake Davison: Ryan Knowles

Ashton's Player of the Match was Luke Crompton

Attendance 110

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

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Date Opponent K.O.
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