A strong wind swept across Brocstedes Park on Saturday afternoon, shaping a hard-fought contest in which Ashton Athletic were made to rue missed opportunities, as Colne took all three points with a 3–1 victory.

Ashton began the game with purpose, pinning Colne back for long spells of the first half. The visitors struggled to advance beyond the halfway line as The Yellows moved the ball well and applied persistent pressure, but despite their territorial dominance, clear chances were at a premium. The final pass — or the decisive finish — was just lacking.

And it was Colne who struck first, very much against the run of play. On a rare attack forward, Archer, Colne’s lively No. 7 and arguably the standout performer of the afternoon, found space and finished confidently to give the visitors the lead. For Ashton, after controlling so much of the half, it was a frustrating blow to take into the break.

The second half began in similar fashion, and once again it was Colne who were the more ruthless in key moments. Just five minutes after the restart, a quick move down the right led to their second goal, leaving Ashton facing an uphill task at 0–2.

To their credit, the response was full of character. From a set-piece scramble in the box, Declan Wildman reacted sharply to fire home and halve the deficit, breathing life back into the contest and energising the home support. Ashton pushed on with renewed belief, but Colne continued to pose a threat on the counter.

On-loan Wigan Athletic U21's goalkeeper Ewan Dodgson produced a series of outstanding stops to keep Ashton within touching distance, while at the back, Sam Oko delivered another commanding performance at centre-half — strong, composed and assured throughout. He was, without doubt, Ashton’s standout performer on the day.

The final stages were tense, with both sides aware that the next goal would likely decide the outcome. Unfortunately for Ashton, the decisive moment fell Colne’s way, with a late 90th minute goal to seal the game at 3–1.

Summary

* A gusty afternoon where conditions disrupted the rhythm of both sides.
* Ashton controlled large spells but lacked the cutting edge.
* Colne were clinical when chances arrived — the difference in the game.
* Strong individual performances offer positives to build on.

Ashton now turn their attention to cup action, with Daisy Hill away on Monday evening in the Edward Case Cup — a quick opportunity to reset and respond.

Come On You Yellows.

Starting XI
Ewan Dodgson
Zach Conway
Aleksander Calaku
Joe White
Joseph Barlow
Samuel Oko
Niall Partridge
Declan Wildman
Emmanuel Ujahchuku
Luke Crompton
Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Deklan Hill, Calum Wilson, Jonathan Sodhi, Dylan Yates, William Adams

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
27/10/25 Daisy Hill (A) 19:45
01/11/25 Darwen FC (A) 15:00
08/11/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
15/11/25 Garstang (H) 15:00
18/11/25 Lancaster City (H) 19:45

Match Programme is available to view HERE

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North

There will be no shortage of significance at Brocstedes Park this Saturday as Ashton Athletic welcome Colne in what already has the feel of an important early-season encounter near the foot of the Division One North table.

Colne arrive sitting 15th, just a single point and two places above Ashton, and while it remains early in the campaign, both sides know that victory could act as a vital springboard to climb clear of the danger zone. With the league still tightly packed, momentum is everything — and that is something Ashton will feel they are beginning to build.

The Yellows come into the match unbeaten in their last two, taking four points from fixtures against Bacup Borough and Squires Gate. Last weekend’s gritty draw on the Fylde coast showcased character and resilience, particularly after a series of injuries forced several positional changes, including defender. That willingness to fight for the shirt earned a thoroughly deserved point — and has restored belief across the squad.

Colne, meanwhile, will make the journey looking to arrest a run of three games without a win. Their early-season victories over Thornton Cleveleys and Squires Gate showed the threat they carry when in rhythm, and they will be determined to rediscover that form and avoid being dragged further down the table.

The margins, then, will be tight. The intensity high. And with both teams targeting this fixture as an opportunity to push forward, the atmosphere promises to be full of edge and energy.

For Ashton, the focus will once again be on combining recent defensive solidity with a cutting edge in the final third. There have been clear signs of improvement. The challenge now is to turn performances into points — and to keep climbing.

In Summary

A key game between two sides separated by a single point
Ashton are unbeaten in their last two and looking to keep the momentum building
Colne searching to rediscover form after a difficult recent run
Expect a committed, competitive and fiercely fought contest

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Brocstedes Park for what promises to be another entertaining afternoon of non-league football.

As always, thank you for your support.
Come On You Yellows!

Matchday Information
Ground: Brocstedes Park
Address: Downall Green, Ashton in Makerfield, Lancashire
Postcode: WN4 0NR
Kick-off: 3pm
Turnstiles: Cash only – please bring change if possible
£6 Adults, Concessions £4.
Inside the ground: Card payments accepted

Bar & Kitchen: Open from 1-30 pm