Ashton Athletic’s Lancashire Challenge Trophy campaign came to an end on Tuesday evening as The Yellows fell to a 3-0 defeat against higher-division Atherton Collieries.

Ashton started brightly and looked more than capable of matching their opponents in the opening exchanges, showing plenty of determination and competing well despite the difference in divisions.

As the first half progressed, Colls began to apply more pressure, with Ashton working hard to stay organised and keep their opponents at bay. Goalkeeper Joe Beswick dealt with a number of dangerous balls into the box as Atherton looked to find a breakthrough.

The Yellows continued to look for opportunities at the other end, and Joseph Pennington came close on 29 minutes, but his effort went into the hands of the Colls goalkeeper.

Ashton were forced to defend resolutely during the closing stages of the first half, with full-back Alek Calaku producing an important goal-line clearance on 44 minutes. From the resulting corner, Joe Beswick made a brilliant save to keep the scores level.

However, after a sustained spell of pressure, Atherton finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, scoring just before the interval to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

Having worked hard to keep Colls out for much of the opening period, Ashton went into half-time knowing they would need to find greater rhythm going forward if they were to get back into the contest.

Unfortunately, the second half got off to the worst possible start for The Yellows. On 50 minutes, Atherton capitalised on a back pass to double their advantage, leaving Ashton with an uphill task.

The visitors added a third on 61 minutes, finishing well with a composed side-footed effort into the corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Despite the scoreline, Ashton continued to work hard against opponents who have been performing well at a higher level. The Yellows showed good spells of play, particularly in the first half, but ultimately struggled to find their rhythm in the final third.

Attention now turns back to league action, with Ashton travelling to AFC Blackpool on Saturday 24th October for a 3pm kick-off as they look to put the cup disappointment behind them and return to winning ways.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Alek Calaku
3 Jake Greene
4 Joe Barlow
5 Joe White
6 Zach Conway
7 Callum Mahoney
8 Sam Gill
9 Josh Nicholson
10 Marcus Cusani
11 Joseph Pennington

Substitutes: Jonny Sodhi, Calum Wilson, Ben Fazackerley, Daniel Goodwin, Jake Davison

Attendance 86

All Photographs and Media and Match Report by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
24/10/26 AFC Blackpool (A) 15:00
31/10/26 Flixton (A) 15:00
07/11/26 Colne (A) 15:00
14/11/26 AFC Knowsley (H) 15:00
21/11/26 Bacup Borough (A) 15:00
28/11/26 Daisy Hill (A) 15:00