Ashton Athletic made the short trip down the M58 to Merseyside to face rivals Maghull at the DT Hughes Community Stadium in a hard-fought North West Counties Division One encounter that ended honours even at 2–2.

Relentless rain throughout the 90 minutes turned the surface into a mud bath almost from kick-off, raising early questions about whether the match should go ahead. The officials deemed the pitch playable, but the heavy conditions inevitably shaped the contest, turning it into a gritty battle rather than a flowing spectacle.

Both sides adapted admirably, showing great commitment in difficult circumstances. Ashton arguably played the better football in the first half, controlling possession without creating many clear openings. Maghull took the lead from the penalty spot when goalkeeper Ewan Dodgson was adjudged to have brought down the striker — a decision that looked harsh given the conditions. The spot kick was converted to give the hosts a 1–0 lead at the break.

The rain intensified after half-time, making attractive football almost impossible, but the game remained fiercely competitive. Ashton captain Josh Nicholson brought his side level in the 50th minute. A delivery from the left found Nicholson arriving from an onside position, his header was parried by the keeper, and Ashton’s number nine reacted quickest to tap home for 1–1.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Ashton looked the more likely to push on, but Maghull were awarded a second penalty shortly afterwards for a similar offence. Worden converted in the 56th minute to restore the home side’s advantage, a cruel setback for Dodgson and the visitors.

Ashton responded with tremendous character. The defensive unit stood firm, with centre-backs Joe White and Max Leeson leading by example, while full-backs Joe Barlow and Alek Calaku delivered outstanding performances. In midfield, the tireless Zach Conway covered every blade of the sodden pitch, earning the opposition’s Player of the Match accolade.

The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute. Nicholson held the ball up superbly before slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Luke Crompton, who emphatically smashed his finish into the roof of the net.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Ashton’s defence held firm, including a crucial late save to preserve the point. Given the conditions, it was a well-earned result on the road, though on another day Ashton’s performance might well have yielded all three points.

A tremendous battling display from the Yellows in horrendous weather conditions.

Players of the Match:
Max Leeson (fans’ vote)
Zach Conway (opposition vote)

Starting XI
1 Ewan Dodgson
2 Joseph Barlow
3 Aleksander Calaku
4 Joe White
5 Max Leeson
6 Samuel Oko
7 Zach Conway
8 Luke Crompton
9 Joshua Nicholson
10 Samuel Gill
11 Jonathan Sodhi

Substitutes: William Adams, Ben Crane, Adam Gilchrist, Calum Wilson, Jake Greene

Attendance 248

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

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