Ashton Athletic were left frustrated at Brantingham Road on Saturday afternoon, as two conceded penalties proved costly in a game where they largely looked the better side. Despite showing promising spells of football and taking an early lead, the Yellows were undone by their own mistakes, allowing Maine Road to snatch all three points.

The match began in scrappy fashion, with both teams struggling to gain a foothold in midfield. However, Ashton soon settled into their rhythm, displaying some encouraging play—particularly from the young trio of Niall Partridge, Luke Crompton, and Jack Smith, who controlled the tempo well.

Their early dominance paid off in the 16th minute when Jack Smith delivered a well-worked free kick into the box. Up stepped centre-back Callum Wilson, who found space and slotted home with composure to put Ashton ahead.

The Yellows looked comfortable in possession, but a lapse in concentration proved costly in the 28th minute when Maine Road were awarded a penalty. The hosts made no mistake from the spot, bringing the game level and shifting the momentum just before the break.

Second Half Frustrations

Ashton came out with intent after the restart and looked the more dangerous side. The introduction of Manny Ujahchuku and Danny Forrester injected fresh energy into the attack, with Ujahchuku in particular causing all sorts of problems for the Maine Road defence. Forrester also came close, nearly putting The Yellows back in front with a well-struck effort.

Despite Ashton’s second-half dominance, the crucial second goal never came, and the game seemed destined for a draw. However, disaster struck in the 86th minute when a challenge in the box handed Maine Road a second penalty. Again, the hosts converted from the spot, delivering a gut-wrenching blow to The Yellows.

Ashton pushed desperately for a late equaliser, throwing bodies forward in stoppage time, but their efforts fell agonisingly short as the referee blew for full-time.

A Tough One to Take

Post-match, the overwhelming feeling was frustration. Ashton had been the better side for large periods and played some excellent football, yet two conceded penalties ultimately decided their fate.

Callum Wilson, as ever, was a rock at the back and took his goal well, while the performances of the younger players offered a bright spark for the future. The impact of substitutes Ujahchuku and Forrester also gave management plenty to consider for next week's fixture.

Despite the disappointment, there were clear positives to take, and The Yellows will be determined to put things right next weekend.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Zach Conway
3 Conal Larkin
4 Joe White
5 Calum Wilson
6 Luke Crompton
7 Nathan Beca
8 Niall Partridge
9 Deklan Hill
10 Jack Smith
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Harry Stephens, Daniel Forrester, Oscar Rothwell, Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Zakaria Ouaal

Attendance 102

All Photographs, reporting and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
08/03/25 Bacup Borough (H) 15:00
12/03/25 AFC Blackpool (A) 19:45
22/03/25 Droylsden (H) 15:00
02/04/25 Darwen FC (A) 19:45
05/04/25 Route One Rovers (H) 15:00

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North | Saturday, March 1, 2025 | Brantingham Road | 3:00 PM Kick-Off

Ashton Athletic hit the road this Saturday as they travel to South Manchester to face Maine Road in what promises to be a closely contested North West Counties Division One North clash. With both teams locked on 38 points, separated only by goal difference—Maine Road in 10th and Ashton in 11th—this encounter has all the makings of a tight, hard-fought battle.

Contrasting Form Guides
Despite sitting above Ashton in the table, Maine Road head into this fixture rock bottom of the form table, having failed to register a win in their last six matches. The Yellows, on the other hand, will be buoyed by last weekend’s hard-earned 1-0 victory over Holker Old Boys—a performance that showcased defensive resilience and a cutting edge in attack.

With just one game in hand over their hosts, Ashton will see this as a great opportunity to leapfrog Maine Road and continue their push up the table. A second consecutive victory would also inject much-needed momentum into the squad as the season enters its final stretch.

A Battle for Mid-Table Supremacy
With both teams eager to climb the table, expect a competitive and high-intensity contest at Brantingham Road. The midfield battle will be crucial, as both sides look to take control and dictate the tempo. Confidence is key in football, and after last weekend’s win, Ashton’s squad will feel optimistic about claiming another vital three points.

Make the Trip & Support The Yellows!
Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM, and for those looking for their football fix this weekend, why not make the trip to South Manchester and get behind The Yellows? With both teams desperate for a win, this is shaping up to be an exciting, all-action affair—not one to miss!

Ground: Brantingham Road
Address: Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester
Postcode: M21 0TT
Telephone: 0161 861 0344