On a wet, mud-soaked afternoon that had all the makings of a long slog, Ashton Athletic produced a gutsy, spirited fightback to earn a richly deserved 2–2 draw against high-flying Darwen — a result that felt every bit like a turning point after a difficult run of form.
With just one win in six, and against a Darwen side who could have gone top with victory, this looked a daunting assignment. Manager Jay Foulds responded boldly, drafting in four new signings in search of fresh energy and belief. But just three minutes in, Ashton were hit with a hammer blow: a mix-up in the box allowed Darwen to pounce, moments after The Yellows had missed a chance of their own.
Darwen, full of confidence and quality, pressed relentlessly and doubled their lead on 18 minutes. At 2–0 down, in grim conditions, many sides would have folded — but not this Ashton team. The defence dug in, Ewan Dodgson produced yet another superb performance between the sticks, and slowly The Yellows found their rhythm.
They reached the break still trailing, but with enough promise to give the home supporters hope.

The second half was a different story entirely. Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly hit the mark. Ashton came out braver, quicker, sharper — and quickly turned the tide. Their pressure finally told when Josh Nicholson burst through, calmly rounded the advancing keeper and rolled the ball home to spark belief around the ground.

With the game opening up, the drama only intensified. Darwen pushed, Ashton pushed back, and even when Emmanuel Ujahchuku was sent off, the ten men refused to wilt. They kept fighting, kept running, and kept asking questions.
Then, in the 90th minute, the moment the fans had willed into existence arrived. Luke Crompton, who had been immense all afternoon, surged forward once more and smashed home the equaliser — the reward for a tireless, warrior-like performance in midfield. The roar that followed said everything.
At full-time the Ashton supporters were buzzing, not just because of the point, but because of the character, togetherness and sheer determination shown throughout. This was a performance to build on.
Special mentions go to Ewan Dodgson, Jake Greene, Sam Oko, and of course Crompton, the clear Player of the Match.
And a warm thanks to Ashton Town for hosting and for their superb hospitality.
On heavy ground, against top-tier opposition, Ashton stood tall.
If they bring this intensity into the coming weeks, brighter days are absolutely within reach.

Starting XI
1 Ewan Dodgson
2 Jake Greene
3 Harry McGowan
4 Joseph Barlow
5 Joe White
6 Liam Thirkell
7 Luke Crompton
8 Samuel Oko
9 Ben Crane
10 Samuel Gill
11 Harry Woosey

Substitutes: Joshua Nicholson, Zach Conway, Calum Wilson, Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Jonathan Sodhi

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
09/12/25 Steeton (H) 19:45
13/12/25 MSB Woolton (A) 15:00
20/12/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
26/12/25 Ashton Town (A) 15:00
03/01/26 Holker Old Boys (H) 15:00
10/01/26 Bacup Borough (A) 15:00