After a challenging start to the season, Ashton Athletic finally turned promise into points in emphatic style on Saturday afternoon, producing a superb all-round performance to dismantle Bacup Borough 4–0 at Brocstedes Park.

The Yellows went into the fixture knowing that a result was essential to shift momentum — and they delivered with character, composure, and a clinical edge that’s been missing in recent weeks. From the first whistle, Ashton looked the hungrier of the two sides, pressing Bacup relentlessly and denying them time or space to settle into any rhythm.

Manager Jay Foulds’ tactical tweaks paid off early, most notably the positional switch of Sam Oko, who slotted into centre-back seamlessly. Calm in possession and dominant in the air, Oko anchored a backline that looked solid and assured throughout the contest. Bacup, fresh from two impressive wins, carried a threat going forward, but Ashton’s defence dealt with everything that came their way as the teams went into the break level at 0–0.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the home side. Ashton came out with renewed intent and finally broke the deadlock through captain Josh Nicholson, who produced a superbly taken finish to give his side a deserved lead on 50 minutes.

That goal seemed to spark Ashton to life, and they began to play with real confidence and fluidity. Nicholson — leading by example — doubled his tally 20 minutes later, finishing off another well-worked move to make it 2–0. Bacup then had a golden opportunity to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty following a tangle in the box, but the visiting striker smashed his effort against the crossbar — a huge let-off for Ashton and perhaps a sign that their fortunes were finally turning.

Just minutes later, Nicholson completed a memorable hat-trick after capitalising on a defensive mistake, calmly slotting past the onrushing keeper to seal the victory — and in doing so, dedicated the treble to his newborn daughter, Hattie. The captain’s celebration was heartfelt (A Hat trick for Hattie), marking not only a personal milestone but also a defining moment for his team’s season.

There was still time for one final flourish deep into stoppage time, as Emmanuel Ujahchuku added a fourth goal, rounding off a superb afternoon for the Yellows and sending the Brocstedes faithful home delighted.

It was a performance full of energy, discipline, and togetherness — a reminder of the quality that this Ashton side possesses when everything clicks. Every player played their part, but it was Nicholson who rightly claimed Player of the Match honours after an outstanding captain’s display.

With confidence restored and momentum finally building, Ashton now look ahead to next weekend’s trip to Squires Gate, eager to build on this dominant victory and climb the Division One North table.

Full-Time: Ashton Athletic 4–0 Bacup Borough
HT: 0–0
Scorers:
Josh Nicholson (50’, 70’, 84’)
Emmanuel Ujahchuku (90+4’)
Player of the Match: Josh Nicholson

Attendance 93

Starting XI
Joe Beswick
Zach Conway
Aleksander Calaku
Ethan Pearce
Joseph Barlow
Samuel Oko
Niall Partridge
Declan Wildman
Nathan Beca
Luke Crompton
Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Jonathan Sodhi, William Adams, Dylan Yates, Jason Foulds

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
18/10/25 Squires Gate (A) 15:00
25/10/25 Colne (H) 15:00
27/10/25 Daisy Hill (A) 19:45
01/11/25 Darwen FC (A) 15:00
08/11/25 Fulwood Amateurs (H) 15:00

Match Programme is available to view HERE

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North | Saturday, Brocstedes Park | 3.00pm Kick-off

After last weekend’s frustrating washout against AFC Blackpool, Ashton Athletic return to action this Saturday as they welcome Bacup Borough to Brocstedes Park in what promises to be another fiercely contested afternoon of North West Counties Division One North football.

The enforced break may well have come at a good time for Jay Foulds’ side, allowing the squad to recharge and refocus after a demanding run of fixtures. The management team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, and with several players pushing hard for starting places, there’s a growing sense of competition and determination within the camp.

Ashton’s recent performances have shown plenty of positives — strong defensive displays, committed midfield work, and moments of real attacking intent — but the challenge now is to turn that promise into points. The Yellows have been knocking on the door in recent weeks, and supporters will be hoping this is the weekend when everything clicks.

Standing in their way is a Bacup Borough side who appear to be finding form after a slow start to the campaign. Sitting 13th in the table with 10 points from 7 games, Brent Peters’ men have shown their threat in recent outings, recording a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Maine Road before following it up with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Fulwood Amateurs. Those results underline Bacup’s ability to mix discipline with attacking potency, and they’ll arrive at Brocstedes full of belief.

For Ashton, the target is clear — to harness the energy of the home support, impose themselves early, and make Brocstedes Park a difficult place for visiting teams. With the squad refreshed, confidence building, and performances improving week by week, there’s every reason to expect a competitive and entertaining encounter.

As always, your support makes the difference. Let’s get behind the lads and help push them towards a vital result.
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