Even with the rain sweeping across Brocstedes Park and doubts lingering over whether the game would even go ahead, Ashton Athletic produced a stirring comeback to secure a superb 3–2 victory over an in-form Steeton side in the North West Counties Division One North.

With Steeton arriving unbeaten in five and full of confidence, the test was always going to be stern. The referee’s early inspection amid heavy rainfall set the tone for a challenging evening, but the pitch held firm and the game got the green light shortly before 7pm.

Ashton could hardly have made a worse start. With just two minutes on the clock, Steeton broke away and punished the hosts to take an early lead. It was a setback, but crucially there was no panic. The Yellows regrouped immediately, settled into their rhythm and began to impose themselves despite the difficult conditions.

Passing the ball with confidence and purpose, Ashton gradually took control. Their pressure was rewarded in the 17th minute when, following a free kick and a frantic goalmouth scramble, the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line, with Joe White credited with the equaliser.

The contest remained breathless and end-to-end. Against the run of play, Steeton were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute and converted to restore their lead. Marcus Cusani, newly returned and already a crowd favourite once again, looked a constant menace alongside Sam Gill and even had the ball in the net after a rebound off the post, only to be denied by the offside flag. The visitors took a 2–1 advantage into the break.

With the weather worsening, both sides emerged for the second half determined to seize control, but it was Ashton who carried the greater threat. The equaliser arrived in style. Sam Gill collected the ball on the edge of the area and, with exquisite technique, curled a low effort into the bottom corner, leaving the Steeton goalkeeper rooted to the spot. At 2–2, the momentum had firmly shifted.

Ashton dominated much of the second period, forcing Steeton to adopt a more direct approach, frequently launching long balls forward. Joe White and Cal Wilson were immense at the heart of the defence, dealing confidently with everything thrown at them, while Jonny Sodhi impressed at left back in a disciplined and energetic display. Across midfield, Ashton controlled possession and territory as they pushed relentlessly for a winner.

The introduction of Adam Gilchrist added further impetus, and both sides chased a decisive goal as the clock ticked down. Just as the game appeared destined to end level, a moment of genuine quality settled it. Marcus Cusani glided past his marker down the right wing, drove into space and delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the box. Gilchrist showed superb composure, stepping over the pass to wrong-foot the defence before emphatically firing beyond the goalkeeper.

It was a brilliant goal, crafted by two players of real quality, and a deserved winner on a night that demanded character as much as skill.

This was a performance full of resilience, control and attacking intent — exactly what is needed as the run-in gathers pace.

Player of the Match: Marcus Cusani.

A huge thank you to the loyal supporters who braved the horrendous conditions to back the team once again. Attention now turns to the trip to Bacup Borough on Saturday 14th February, weather permitting, as Ashton look to build on an excellent three points.

Starting XI
Ewan Dodgson
Joseph Barlow
Jonathan Sodhi
Joe White
Calum Wilson
Samuel Oko
Zach Conway
Luke Crompton
Marcus Cusani
Samuel Gill
Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: William Adams, Adam Gilchrist, Max Leeson, Aleksander Calaku, Jason Foulds

Attendance 41

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
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
28/02/26 Maine Road (H) 15:00
03/03/26 Squires Gate (H) 19:45