With the grass freshly mown and the pitch looking immaculate, the stage was set for an excellent afternoon for the local derby between Ashton Athletic and Ashton Town. Unfortunately it ended in disappointment, as the visitors claimed all three points.

Athletic endured a nightmare start, conceding after just two minutes when former Yellows striker Dek Hill struck in front of a bumper crowd of 275.

To their credit, the hosts responded well and refused to let the early setback unsettle them. Both sides contributed to an intense and competitive contest, creating chances at either end, but Athletic went into the break trailing 1–0.

Jay Foulds and his management team clearly delivered a strong message at half-time, as Athletic emerged with renewed energy. The equaliser arrived in the 49th minute when midfielder Luke Crompton capitalised on a poor clearance, unleashing a superb strike into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Momentum quickly swung in Athletic’s favour, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. Marcus Cusani surged down the right and delivered a dangerous cross. Crompton’s effort fell kindly to Josh Nicholson, who turned sharply and fired home.

In control and pushing for a third, Athletic looked set to see the game out—but, as has been the case too often this season, they were made to pay. Town equalised in the 68th minute and in the 78th minute, a defensive mix-up allowed a corner to drift straight into the net.

Despite late pressure, it was Town who claimed the bragging rights, ending a run of recent defeats in this fixture.

Attention now turns to the final game of the season away at league leaders Nelson next Saturday (11th April), with kick-off at 3pm.

Sam Oko was named Ashton Athletic’s Player of the Match from the visitors, while the home supporters awarded their honours jointly to Jonny Sodhi and Joe Barlow.

Starting XI
Ewan Dodgson
Jake Greene
Jonathan Sodhi
Max Leeson
Joseph Barlow
Calum Wilson
Zach Conway
Samuel Oko
Marcus Cusani
Luke Crompton
Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Adam Gilchrist, Samuel Gill, William Adams, Joe White, Tomas Uniatowicz

Attendance 275

Remaining Fixture
Date Opponent K.O.
Saturday 11/04/26 Nelson (A) 15:00

Ground: The Daisy Arena Little Wembley
Address: Lomeshaye Way, Nelson, Lancashire.
Postcode: BB9 7BN
Telephone: 07796 331392

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain