Under the floodlights at Brocstedes Park, Ashton Athletic were left frustrated after a 2–1 defeat to Holker Old Boys in the North West Counties Division One North, a result that scarcely reflected their dominance for long periods of the contest.

From the opening whistle, The Yellows set the tempo and spent much of the first half camped inside the Holker half. Ashton moved the ball well, pressed aggressively and looked by far the more likely side to break the deadlock. Holker were restricted to the occasional breakaway and rarely troubled a well-organised Ashton back line, with keeper Ewan Dodgson largely a spectator in the opening 45 minutes.

The pressure finally told on 37 minutes when Joe White, outstanding throughout, fired Ashton into a deserved lead to send the hosts into the break 1–0 up and seemingly in control.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Ashton pushing for a crucial second goal that would have put the game beyond the visitors. Chances came and went, however, and that failure to capitalise proved costly. Against the run of play, Holker levelled on 67 minutes with only their second effort on target, a well-taken finish that shifted the momentum.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Holker grew into the contest and the game became far less one-sided. Their increased threat paid dividends on 79 minutes when they struck again to take the lead.

To their credit, Ashton responded positively, throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser. The woodwork was struck twice and several clear-cut chances went begging, but despite sustained late pressure, the breakthrough would not come.

The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 defeat that felt harsh on an Ashton side who produced a strong performance but were ultimately punished for not taking their opportunities. The effort and application were there once again, but at this level, missed chances too often come back to hurt.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s home clash against Squires Gate. Your support makes a huge difference, and we hope to see you back at Brocstedes Park as The Yellows look to turn performances into points.

Player of the Match - Joe White

The Match Programme can be viewed HERE

Starting XI
Ewan Dodgson
Joseph Barlow
Aleksander Calaku
Joe White
Calum Wilson
Zach Conway
William Adams
Luke Crompton
Joshua Nicholson
Samuel Gill
Jonathan Sodhi

Substitutes: Samuel Oko, Ben Crane, Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Jake Greene, Max Leeson

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
07/02/26 Squires Gate (H) 15:00
10/02/26 Steeton (H) 19:45
14/02/26 Bacup Borough (A) 15:00
17/02/26 Thornton Cleveleys (H) 19:45
21/02/26 Maghull (A) 15:00
25/02/26 Garstang (A) 19:45