On a breezy afternoon at Brocstedes Park, Ashton Athletic produced arguably their best performance of the season, only to be cruelly denied by three stoppage-time goals as neighbours FC St Helens snatched a 3-2 victory in the Macron Cup First Round.

The Yellows went into the tie as underdogs against a Premier Division outfit, but from the first whistle it was Ashton who looked the more composed side. Their pressing, energy, and attacking intent belied their league position, and for long spells they had the visitors on the back foot.

Defensively, Ashton were resolute. The back line — marshalled superbly by Joe White and Joe Barlow — stood firm, while goalkeeper Joe Beswick once again delivered a string of sharp saves to frustrate the St Helens attack. The only sour note in the first half was the injury to skipper Cal Wilson, who hobbled off with a nasty-looking ankle problem that will be assessed in the coming days.

At the other end, the pace and direct running of Nathan Beca and Manny Ujahchuku caused constant problems, but despite creating several openings, the sides went into the break goalless.

The second half continued in the same vein, full of intensity and commitment. The introduction of Dek Hill proved inspired, as the returning striker made an instant impact, scoring with his very first touch to give Ashton the lead. That advantage was doubled soon after when Luke Crompton capped a flowing team move with a composed finish in the 70th minute. At 2-0, Ashton were in dreamland — and fully deserving of it.

But football can be cruel. FC St Helens pulled a goal back in the 90th minute to set up a frantic finale. Ashton, who had worked tirelessly all afternoon, conceded a series of avoidable free-kicks deep into stoppage time. The visitors took full advantage, equalising in the 93rd minute before completing a remarkable turnaround with a header in the 96th minute.

It was a devastating conclusion for Ashton, who had dominated for so long and looked destined for a famous victory. Still, there were huge positives to take: the performance, the fight, and the belief that on another day this team will turn good football into results.

Attention now turns back to league action, with AFC Blackpool the visitors to Brocstedes Park next weekend. If the Yellows can replicate this display, the points tally will surely begin to grow.

Full-time: Ashton Athletic 2–3 FC St Helens

Player of the Match - Joe Barlow

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Zach Conway
3 Aleksander Calaku
4 Joseph Barlow
5 Joe White
6 Calum Wilson
7 Niall Partridge
8 Samuel Oko
9 Emmanuel Ujahchuku
10 Declan Wildman
11 Nathan Beca

Substitutes: Deklan Hill, Luke Crompton, Jake Greene, Jonathan Sodhi, William Adams

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
04/10/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
18/10/25 Squires Gate (A) 15:00
25/10/25 Colne (H) 15:00
27/10/25 Daisy Hill (A) 19:45
01/11/25 Darwen FC (A) 15:00

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Match Preview: Macron Cup – First Round | Brocstedes Park | Saturday, 3pm

Today's Match Programme can be viewed HERE

Cup football is always unpredictable, and Ashton Athletic will be hoping the Macron Cup provides the spark they need to kick-start their season when they welcome FC St Helens to Brocstedes Park this weekend.

The visitors, currently flying high in 4th place in the North West Counties Premier Division, arrive in fine form after a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at City of Liverpool. With a strong squad and momentum on their side, FC St Helens will start as favourites — but this is cup football, and the underdog tag may suit Ashton perfectly.

For Jay Foulds’ Yellows, the early weeks of the season have been testing, with only one league win on the board so far. However, the squad has shown flashes of potential, and knockout football presents the perfect stage to reset, regroup, and remind everyone of what this team is capable of.

With both clubs separated by only a short distance, the tie has all the ingredients of a fiery local derby: competitive edge, passionate support, and the promise of goals. Ashton will need to be disciplined defensively, clinical when chances come, and inspired by the backing of their home crowd if they are to pull off what would be a much-needed cup triumph.

Supporters are urged to arrive early, as a excellent attendance is expected for what promises to be an entertaining clash of local rivals.

Can Ashton turn their season around with a statement win, or will FC St Helens’ form prove too strong? Either way, Saturday afternoon at Brocstedes Park is set for a real cup battle.

Come On You Yellows!

Matchday Information
Ground: Brocstedes Park
Address: Downall Green, Ashton in Makerfield, Lancashire
Postcode: WN4 0NR
Kick-off: 3pm
Turnstiles: Cash only – please bring change if possible
£6 Adults, Concessions £4.
Inside the ground: Card payments accepted
Bar & Kitchen: Open from 1-30 pm