It was another frustrating afternoon at Brocstedes Park as Ashton Athletic slipped to a 2–0 home defeat against Maghull, undone by two avoidable first-half goals and a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Both sides started brightly on a well-presented surface, the pitch freshly cut and conditions ideal for football. The opening exchanges were even, but it was the visitors who struck first. Former Ashton striker Darren Brannigan returned to haunt his old club, finishing smartly in the 10th minute to give Maghull the lead.

Ashton gradually settled and began to move the ball with more confidence, yet just as they looked to be finding rhythm, a defensive clearance fell straight to a Maghull player. The visitors punished the mistake ruthlessly, doubling their advantage before the break and leaving The Yellows with a mountain to climb.

The second half brought renewed purpose from Ashton, helped by a series of substitutions that injected energy and intent. Josh Nicholson made an immediate impact, driving the team forward and offering a threat between the lines. Zach Conway, also introduced from the bench, worked tirelessly during what became Athletic’s best spell of the match.

With improved play came better openings, but the final decision or finishing touch remained elusive. Despite their spirit and increased control, Ashton couldn’t find the goal that might have shifted momentum.

Defensively, they were much more solid after the interval, and centre-back Max Leeson stood out throughout, earning a deserved Player of the Match award for a composed and committed performance.

In truth, the damage had been done early. The two first-half goals — both preventable — proved decisive on a day where Ashton struggled to create the chances required to mount a comeback.

Attention now turns to a vital clash next week away at fellow strugglers Garstang, where The Yellows will be desperate to turn improved spells of play into crucial points.

Starting XI
Ewan Dodgson
Jake Greene
Aleksander Calaku
Joseph Barlow
Max Leeson
Joe White
Luke Crompton
Samuel Oko
Ben Crane
Samuel Gill
Nathan Beca

Substitutes: Joshua Nicholson, Zach Conway, Jonathan Sodhi, Calum Wilson, William Adams

Attendance 75

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
31/01/26 Garstang (A) 15:00
03/02/26 Holker Old Boys (H) 20:00
07/02/26 Squires Gate (H) 15:00
10/02/26 Steeton (H) 19:45
14/02/26 Bacup Borough (A) 15:00
17/02/26 Thornton Cleveleys (H) 19:45