Ashton Athletic returned empty-handed from their long trip to Cumbria, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Holker Old Boys in a game that could easily have swung the other way.

The Yellows began brightly and produced arguably their best first-half performance of the season so far. Luke Crompton was at the heart of everything positive, driving play forward, harrying Holker’s midfield, and creating chances with his tireless running. On another day, Crompton might well have had his reward, weaving through a sea of defenders only to see his shot narrowly miss the target.

For long spells, Ashton controlled possession and looked the sharper of the two sides. Yet, against the run of play, Holker struck. A lapse in defensive concentration allowed the hosts to exploit space in behind and finish clinically — a goal that stunned even the home crowd and left Ashton frustrated after such a dominant opening period.

The second half was more even, with both sides carving out opportunities. Niall Partridge saw an effort drift wide, while Dek Hill also tested the home defence without success. Despite Ashton’s attacking intent, the crucial final touch was unfortunately missing.

At the back, there were positives. Joe White, returning to the side, was outstanding alongside Calum Wilson in central defence, producing countless clearances and winning aerial duels to keep Holker’s frontline quiet. In midfield, Crompton, Partridge and Josh Nicholson all worked tirelessly, while substitutes Jonny Sodhi and Zach Conway injected fresh energy late on, with Conway in particular providing dangerous deliveries from wide areas.

But as Ashton pushed for the equaliser, Holker struck again to seal the game. A late second goal deflated the visitors, whose efforts had deserved more than the scoreline ultimately reflected.

Ironically, goalkeeper Billy Davies had little to do across the 90 minutes, making the final result even more frustrating. For much of the game, Ashton played the better football, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third remains the side’s biggest obstacle at the moment.

Man of the Match was a straightforward decision: Luke Crompton, who covered every blade of grass and stood out with a performance full of energy, composure, and determination.

There are clear positives to take, but the focus now turns to next week at Brocstedes Park, where Ashton will be determined to turn encouraging displays into the goals and points that their performances merit.

Final Score: Holker Old Boys 2–0 Ashton Athletic
Attendance 90.

1 Billy Davies
2 Jake Greene
3 Ethan Pearce
4 Joe White
5 Calum Wilson
6 Samuel Oko
7 Luke Crompton
8 Niall Partridge
9 Deklan Hill
10 Joshua Nicholson
11 Emmanuel Ujahchuku

Substitutes: Aleksander Calaku, Jonathan Sodhi, William Adams, Zach Conway

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
13/09/25 Nelson (H) 15:00
20/09/25 MSB Woolton (H) 15:00
26/09/25 FC St Helens (H) 19:45
04/10/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
18/10/25 Squires Gate (A) 15:00

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North – Saturday

Ashton Athletic face another stern test this weekend as they make the long journey north to Barrow-in-Furness to take on Holker Old Boys in the North West Counties Division One North.

The Cumbrian side have made a steady start to their campaign, sitting in 6th place with seven points from five games. Holker have already shown their attacking threat, finding the net 11 times this season, while their most recent outing — a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at MSB Woolton — demonstrated their ability to grind out results when needed.

For Ashton, it has been a frustrating opening few weeks. Performances on the pitch have shown promise and plenty of quality in spells, but the results have not always reflected the effort and commitment from Jay Foulds’ side. With injuries and suspensions already testing the depth of the squad, the trip to Holker represents both a challenge and an opportunity — the chance to turn encouraging displays into the points that can build momentum.

The Yellows will need to be organised, resilient, and clinical in front of goal if they are to return from Cumbria with a positive result. But with the togetherness and fighting spirit shown in recent games, there is every confidence that Ashton can rise to the occasion.

As always, the club is immensely grateful for the backing of our loyal travelling supporters. Your presence on the road makes a huge difference, and we hope you can join us once again as the lads give everything to bring home three vital points.

Come On You Yellows!

Ground: The Handmark Engineering Stadium
Address: Rakesmoor Lane, Hawcoat, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Postcode: LA14 4QB
Telephone: 01229 828176