Ashton Athletic claimed a huge three points yesterday with a 2–1 victory over fellow relegation battlers Maine Road F.C. in the North West Counties Football League Division One North at Brocstedes Park.

Despite the recent spell of poor weather, the pitch was in superb condition – credit once again to former player-manager and groundsman Ben Kay, whose hard work ensured the game went ahead.

As expected in a fixture of such importance, the match began at a fierce tempo. Both sides were ready for the fight, but it was Ashton who imposed themselves early on. The breakthrough came in the 7th minute. Sam Gill, operating superbly in the No.10 role, skipped past two defenders before sliding a perfectly weighted pass into the path of captain Josh Nicholson, who calmly stroked the ball into the corner of the net, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. A perfect start for the Yellows.

Ashton continued to control proceedings and looked the more likely to extend their lead, but crucial chances went begging. And as football so often reminds us, missed opportunities can prove costly. In the 35th minute, Maine Road capitalised to level the score, and the sides went into the break all square despite Ashton’s early dominance.

With both teams fully aware of what was at stake, the next goal always felt decisive. Thankfully for the home support, it went Ashton’s way.

In the 57th minute, defender Joe White launched a long ball forward that sparked the move. Nicholson showed great awareness to guide it into the path of Adam Gilchrist. The striker took it in his stride, and with his second touch unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike into the roof of the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance. It was a finish of real quality and ultimately proved to be the winner.

The closing stages were played out in high tension. Neither side could afford to relax, and the final ten minutes plus injury time were not for the faint-hearted. Credit to Ashton’s defence, who stood firm under pressure to see the game out and secure a vital victory.

Every player gave everything for the cause. Joe White was immense at the back, commanding and composed throughout, and was rightly voted Player of the Match in the fans’ poll. In midfield, Zach Conway delivered another tireless performance, while Adam Gilchrist’s decisive contribution once again earned him the opposition’s Player of the Match accolade.

Attention now turns to another crucial fixture on Tuesday night as Ashton welcome Squires Gate F.C. to Brocstedes Park for a 7:45pm kick-off. Your support could make all the difference.

Come On You Yellows.

Starting XI
1 Ewan Dodgson
2 Jake Greene
3 Aleksander Calaku
4 Joseph Barlow
5 Joe White
6 Calum Wilson
7 Zach Conway
8 Samuel Oko
9 Adam Gilchrist
10 Samuel Gill
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Luke Crompton, Jonathan Sodhi, William Adams, Max Leeson, Ben Crane.

Players of the Match
Adam Gilchrist (Oppositions Player)
Joe White (Fan poll on X/Twitter)

Attendance 60

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All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
03/03/26 Squires Gate (H) 19:45
07/03/26 Colne (A) 15:00
18/03/26 Bacup Borough (A) 20:00
21/03/26 Droylsden (A) 15:00
28/03/26 Fulwood Amateurs (H) 15:00
04/04/26 Daisy Hill (H) 15:00