Again, we travelled away from home, to the Fylde coast this time, as Ashton Athletic fell to a cruel last-gasp defeat against Thornton Cleveleys in a game that had everything — drama, goals, controversy, and no shortage of commitment from both sides.

With just four points separating the teams at the end of last season, this was always expected to be a tight contest. Ashton started brightly, moving the ball with purpose and looking a constant threat in the final third. However, despite carving out chances, it was the home side who struck first in the 21st minute, when midfielder Wilkinson found space to fire home.

Undeterred, the Yellows continued to press and compete in every area of the pitch. But just as the game edged towards the interval, Thornton’s Joshua Few doubled their advantage. A 2-0 half-time scoreline felt harsh on Ashton, whose endeavour and football deserved far more.

The second half brought renewed energy and the breakthrough came in the 67th minute. Substitute William Adams announced his arrival in style, scoring to make it 2-1 and spark belief among the travelling fans.

That belief only grew as Ashton began to dominate, but their momentum was checked when, for the second week running, they were reduced to 10 men. A strong challenge from centre-back Joe White — who had been part of a rock-solid partnership with the outstanding Ethan Pearce — was deemed dangerous by the referee, resulting in a red card.

Even with a man down, Ashton showed grit in abundance. Midfield dynamo Sam Oko continued to impress, breaking up play and driving the team forward, and in the 90th minute, the visitors got their reward. Manny Ujahchuku kept his cool to level the game at 2-2, sparking celebrations among the away contingent.

A hard-earned point looked secure… until football delivered its cruellest blow. Deep into stoppage time, with virtually the last kick of the game, Thornton snatched a winner to break Ashton hearts.

It was a devastating end for a side who had fought so valiantly, but there were plenty of positives to take — from the work rate of every player to another eye-catching performance from new signing Sam Oko. The only concern was the injury to striker Cole Exley, who was forced off and will be assessed in the coming days, hopefully his recovery will be a quick one.

The Yellows now turn their attention to next weekend’s trip to Maine Road, determined to turn brave performances into points.

Once again, sincere thanks to our loyal travelling supporters — you make the difference.

Starting XI
1 Billy Davies
2 Jake Greene
3 Aleksander Calaku
4 Joe White
5 Ethan Pearce
6 Samuel Oko
7 Joshua Nicholson
8 Niall Partridge
9 Cole Exley
10 Tomas Uniatowicz
11 Emmanuel Ujahchuku

Substitutes: William Adams, Luke Crompton, Alex Priestley;, Joseph Barlow, Dylan Yates.

Opposition Player of the Match - Sam Oko
Fan Poll Player of the Match - Ethan Pearce

Attendance 290

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
16/08/25 Maine Road (A) 15:00
23/08/25 Charnock Richard (A) 15:00
30/08/25 Droylsden (H) 15:00
02/09/25 Bacup Borough (H) 19:45
06/09/25 Holker Old Boys (A) 15:00

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North

Yellows Look to Build Momentum on the Coast

Ashton Athletic head to the Fylde Coast this weekend for their second league fixture of the 2025/26 season, facing a confident Thornton Cleveleys side who have enjoyed a strong start in Division One North.

Fresh from a midweek outing in the Atherton Charity Cup, a 1-1 draw against familiar foes Daisy Hill, Ashton travel with spirits high, not least because of a goal that will live long in the memory. In what can only be described as a moment of sheer brilliance, striker Cole Exley produced a piece of magic that evoked memories of Paul Gascoigne’s iconic Euro ‘96 goal against Scotland. Breaking down the right, Exley lobbed the ball over his marker, headed it into his own path, danced past the onrushing goalkeeper, and slotted home with composure and class. A goal worthy of any stage. If you haven't seen it yet, watch the video on our social media channels.

But attention now turns to Saturday’s league clash, and it promises to be a tightly contested affair. Hosts Thornton Cleveleys are unbeaten in their opening two games, earning a hard-fought 0-0 away draw at Darwen, always a tough place to go, before claiming local bragging rights with a 2-0 derby win over Squires Gate last weekend. A solid foundation has been laid by the Fylde Coast side, and they’ll be eager to protect their home turf.

Ashton Athletic, meanwhile, are brimming with belief after their own impressive start. A gritty, backs-to-the-wall 1-0 away win at Daisy Hill on the opening day, played almost entirely with ten men after a fourth-minute red card, showed the kind of fight and togetherness that manager Jay Foulds and coaches Dave Tickle and Liam Hook have worked tirelessly to instil.

Early signs suggest that this summer’s recruitment is paying dividends, with new faces bedding in quickly and raising the squad’s overall quality and depth. If last season is any indication, fans could be in for a tight encounter: Ashton finished just one place above Thornton in 13th, with a narrow four-point cushion separating the sides.

A win on Saturday would mark a strong statement of intent from The Yellows as they look to climb the table and build consistency early in the campaign.

To the loyal travelling Ashton supporters making the journey to the coast, your support never goes unnoticed. We look forward to hearing you in full voice once again. Thank you.

Come On You Yellows!