Ashton Athletic suffered a cruel late defeat at Brocstedes Park as Halewood Apollo snatched a 3–2 victory with an 89th-minute winner in a game that The Yellows will feel they had every opportunity to win.

Athletic produced an excellent first-half performance and looked the more dangerous side for long periods, creating enough chances to have established a commanding lead. However, after a promising start to the second half, Ashton lost some of their fluency and ultimately paid the price as Halewood battled their way back into the contest.

The opening exchanges saw Ashton looking lively, and they deservedly took the lead after just ten minutes.

Luke Crompton produced a brilliant run before unleashing a powerful shot which the Halewood goalkeeper could only parry. The ball fell to Tom Beckett, who showed excellent awareness to play it inside to captain Josh Nicholson. Nicholson made no mistake, smashing the ball beyond the advancing keeper to complete a superb move from The Yellows.

Ashton continued to press, with Cusani trying his luck from around 35 yards with a free-kick that sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Despite Ashton controlling much of the play, Halewood found a way back into the game in the 19th minute. A free-kick struck the post before rebounding along the goal line, and the visitors reacted quickest to turn the loose ball home from close range.

There was little time for Ashton to dwell on the setback, though, as they regained the lead just a minute later.

Tom Beswick produced a superb through ball which split the Halewood defence and sent Nicholson through on goal. The Ashton captain showed great composure, comfortably rounding the goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net.

It was a superb finish to an excellent passage of play, and Nicholson's second goal of the afternoon gave Ashton a deserved 2–1 advantage.

Athletic continued to look the more threatening side as half-time approached and could easily have added another two or three goals had they taken some of the opportunities that came their way.

Nevertheless, a strong opening 45 minutes saw Ashton deservedly go into the interval with their noses in front.

HALF-TIME: Ashton Athletic 2–1 Halewood Apollo

The second half began in much more even fashion, with both sides battling for control.

For a time, Ashton remained solid and appeared to be managing the game well. However, the visitors drew level again in the 58th minute.

Another Halewood free-kick caused problems in the Ashton defence, and a free header found the top corner, giving Joe Beswick no chance.

It was disappointing from an Ashton perspective, particularly after such a strong defensive showing for much of the game.

The equaliser appeared to change the complexion of the contest. Ashton began to move away from the passing football that had served them so well during the first half, becoming more direct as Halewood grew in confidence.

The visitors were more than happy to compete in that type of game and, despite Ashton continuing to work hard, Halewood increasingly threatened to make their pressure count.

Athletic made their first changes in the 78th minute, with Zach Conway and Tom Beckett making way for Sam Gill and Ryan Knowles as Ashton looked to find a way back into the ascendency.

But with the game heading towards its conclusion, the decisive blow arrived.

In the 89th minute, Halewood worked the ball down the left before sending a cross into the Ashton penalty area. The visitors reacted quickest once again, turning the ball home from close range to complete a dramatic turnaround.

FULL-TIME: Ashton Athletic 2–3 Halewood Apollo

It was another sickening blow for Athletic, who had produced enough quality during the afternoon to take something far more positive from the game.

For all the disappointment, there were certainly positives to take. Captain Josh Nicholson was outstanding, leading from the front and producing two excellent finishes, while Zach Conway put in a strong performance. Tom Beswick also impressed and continues to look increasingly assured with every game.

The biggest lesson for Ashton will be the importance of controlling matches for the full 90 minutes. Having played some excellent passing football and created numerous chances in the first half, Athletic lost their way after the equaliser and allowed Halewood to dictate the type of game they wanted to play.

There is plenty for The Yellows to build on, though, and the focus now turns to putting this frustrating result behind them and responding positively in the next fixture.

Ashton Athletic return to Brocstedes Park next weekend when they welcome Flixton in the North West Counties Football League Division One North.

Kick-off is 3:00pm, and the lads will be looking to put this disappointment behind them and get back to winning ways.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Joshua Brierley
3 Jonathan Sodhi
4 Joseph Barlow
5 Calum Wilson
6 Zach Conway
7 Thomas Beswick
8 Luke Crompton
9 Marcus Cusani
10 Joshua Nicholson
11 Thomas Beckett

Substitutes: Samuel Gill, Ryan Knowles, Jake Davison, Joseph Pennington

Attendance 75

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

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Date Opponent K.O.
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29/09/26 Maine Road (H) 19:45
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