Ashton Athletic bowed out of the Edward Case Cup on Monday evening, falling to a 2–0 defeat away at Daisy Hill in a match that once again left players, staff and supporters frustrated by the final scoreline rather than the performance.

The Yellows began brightly and controlled large spells of the first half, playing with energy, purpose and cohesion. Daisy Hill struggled to match Ashton’s tempo, with the visitors winning second balls, recycling possession well, and pressing effectively from the front. The only thing missing, however, was the breakthrough.
Despite their dominance in territory and possession, clear chances proved hard to convert, and the sides went in at the interval locked at 0–0.
Cup football is often defined by moments, and when the second half evened out, it was Daisy Hill who seized theirs. In the 68th minute, a loose ball in the box was fired home, giving the home side the advantage against the overall run of play.
Ashton responded with determination and continued to push forward, but the sharpness in the final third remained elusive. And as the visitors committed players forward in search of an equaliser, Daisy Hill were awarded a late penalty which they converted to seal the tie at 2–0.
Though the defeat stung, there were clear positives to take. Several players stepping into the starting XI delivered strong performances — proof of increasing competition and depth within the squad. Jake Greene, Luke Crompton, Will Adams and Dylan Yates were particularly impressive, each contributing maturity and intensity throughout.
Summary

Strong first half showing where Ashton controlled the tempo
Missed opportunities proved costly
Daisy Hill capitalised on key moments in the second half
Notable performances from Greene, Crompton, Adams and Yates

The Yellows now refocus on league action, travelling to AFC Darwen this weekend in the North West Counties Division One North. With displays continuing to show commitment and quality, the challenge remains to turn performances into points.

Onwards. Come On You Yellows.

Attendance 104

Starting XI
1 Ewan Dodgson
2 Jake Greene
3 Aleksander Calaku
4 Calum Wilson
5 Samuel Oko
6 Dylan Yates
7 William Adams
8 Luke Crompton
9 Deklan Hill
10 Jonathan Sodhi
11 Emmanuel Ujahchuku

Substitutes: Joshua Nicholson, Declan Wildman, Zach Conway, Joseph Barlow, Jason Foulds

Player of the match for Ashton Athletic is shared between Jake Greene and Luke Crompton. Both players couldn't be separated in the fans' post-match poll.

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
01/11/25 Darwen FC (A) 15:00
08/11/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
15/11/25 Garstang (H) 15:00
18/11/25 Lancaster City (H) 19:45
26/11/25 AFC Blackpool (A) 19:45
29/11/25 Steeton (H) 15:00