Ashton Athletic bowed out of the Isuzu FA Vase on Saturday afternoon after a spirited performance ended in a 2–0 defeat away to Charnock Richard. Despite the result, The Yellows delivered a vastly improved display from last week’s league setback, matching their Premier Division hosts for large periods of the game and taking plenty of positives into the weeks ahead.

The opening half was a tight, competitive affair, with Ashton enjoying spells of possession and creating chances of their own. Manny Ujahchuku went close with a strike that forced a smart save from the Charnock goalkeeper, while Josh Nicholson and Ethan Pearce both tested the home defence with efforts on target. At the other end, Joe Beswick was in inspired form, pulling off several excellent stops to ensure the sides went into the break level at 0–0.

The Yellows did suffer a setback midway through the first half when Joe Barlow was forced off with injury, but the team continued to work tirelessly, frustrating their higher-league opponents and giving their travelling supporters reason to believe an upset might be on the cards.

Those hopes were dented just five minutes into the second half when Charnock found the breakthrough. A well-delivered corner was met by Sinclair, whose powerful header gave Beswick little chance and put the hosts 1–0 up.

Far from folding, Ashton responded strongly. Luke Crompton saw a fine effort saved, and moments later The Yellows were unlucky not to level when a strike cannoned back off the crossbar. Still, Beswick was required to produce more heroics at the other end, including a remarkable close-range save on 67 minutes that underlined why he was later voted Man of the Match in the supporters’ poll.

With Ashton pushing forward in search of an equaliser, the tie was settled late on when Charnock were awarded a penalty in the 84th minute. The spot-kick was coolly dispatched, sealing the Premier Division side’s progress with a 2–0 scoreline.

Although the Vase journey ends here, Ashton can take heart from a brave performance that showed resilience, commitment, and moments of real attacking intent. On another day, with a slice of luck, the result could easily have been different.

There was, however, sobering news off the pitch, with confirmation that striker Cole Exley has suffered an ACL injury. It’s a cruel blow for a player who impressed so brightly in pre-season, but the whole club is firmly behind him and wishes him a full and speedy recovery.

Attention now turns back to the league campaign, where The Yellows will look to build on this encouraging display.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Jake Greene
3 Ethan Pearce
4 Calum Wilson
5 Joseph Barlow
6 Samuel Oko
7 Luke Crompton
8 Niall Partridge
9 Emmanuel Ujahchuku
10 Joshua Nicholson
11 Aleksander Calaku

Substitutes: Deklan Hill, Jonathan Sodhi, Corey Morgan, Alex Priestley.

Attendance 145

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
30/08/25 Droylsden (H) 15:00
02/09/25 Bacup Borough (H) 19:45
06/09/25 Holker Old Boys (A) 15:00
13/09/25 Nelson (H) 15:00
27/09/25 FC St Helens (H) 15:00

**********************************************

Match Preview: Isuzu FA Vase – 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday, Mossie Park

Cup fever arrives this weekend as Ashton Athletic make the short trip up the M6 to face Charnock Richard in the Isuzu FA Vase First Qualifying Round. It’s an interesting tie against higher league opposition, and The Yellows will be eager to rise to the challenge in what promises to be a lively afternoon at Mossie Park.

Charnock Richard, who sit mid-table in the North West Counties Premier Division, have made a steady start to the season. Their six league fixtures so far have produced three wins and three defeats, with results showing both their quality and vulnerability. A resounding 4-0 win over Pilkington and a 5-0 demolition of Barnoldswick Town underline their attacking threat, though they come into this tie on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat at Chadderton.

For Ashton Athletic, the FA Vase offers the perfect stage to bounce back after last weekend’s disappointing league result at Maine Road. Jay Foulds’ side have shown plenty of spirit in their opening league matches and will view this as an opportunity to reset the momentum and show their resilience.

There’s also a significant boost for The Yellows with the return of a familiar face — striker Dek Hill has re-signed for the club. A proven goalscorer during his previous spell, Hill’s return has been warmly welcomed by players and fans alike, and there is plenty of hope he can add to the firepower needed to unsettle Charnock’s defence.

While the Premier Division side will go into the contest as favourites on paper, the magic of the FA Vase lies in its unpredictability. Cup ties are about fine margins, and if Ashton can stay organised, keep their discipline, and seize their chances, an upset is well within reach.

As always, The Yellows will be backed by a loyal travelling support, and Mossie Park is expected to provide a cracking atmosphere for what should be a full-blooded contest.

For those who can’t make the trip, there’s still football on offer at Brocstedes Park this weekend:

Saturday, 2pm – Ashton Athletic XI v Bacup Borough
Sunday, 2pm – Wigan Ladies and Girls v MSB Woolton

It’s cup football, it’s knockout, and it’s Ashton Athletic chasing Vase glory.

Come On You Yellows!