Ashton Athletic suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of Holker Old Boys in a dramatic contest at Rakesmoor Lane. Despite a promising first-half performance that saw The Yellows take the lead early on, a second-half surge from Holker proved too much to overcome, leaving Ashton rueing missed opportunities.

Bright Start for Ashton
The game couldn’t have started better for Ashton Athletic, as Dek Hill fired them into the lead within the opening two minutes. Josh Nicholson’s strike thundered off the crossbar, and Hill was quickest to react, heading the rebound into the net to give the visitors a dream start.

With confidence flowing, Ashton controlled much of the opening exchanges, showing composure in possession and an impressive work rate across the pitch. The midfield quartet of Nicholson, Luke Crompton, Zach Conway, and Niall Partridge kept the team ticking, with Crompton putting in a particularly mature performance despite his young age.

While Ashton’s early dominance gave cause for optimism, Holker began to grow into the game as the first half progressed. A few defensive lapses threatened to undo Ashton’s good work, but the backline—anchored by the outstanding Joe White—stood firm. White’s commanding presence was crucial in ensuring The Yellows went into halftime with their slender 1-0 advantage intact.

Second-Half Struggles
The second half, however, saw a revitalised Holker Old Boys take control. Their equaliser came in scrappy fashion, with a crowded penalty area making it difficult for Ashton’s defence to clear their lines before the ball was bundled into the net.

The goal shifted momentum decisively in Holker’s favour, and they quickly added a second to take the lead. Confidence appeared to drain from Ashton, and a third goal soon followed as Holker capitalized on a stretched defence. The quick succession of goals left The Yellows with a mountain to climb.

Despite the setback, Ashton continued to battle. Dek Hill came agonizingly close to reducing the deficit, with a powerful strike that struck the post late in the game. Moments later, substitute Manny Ujahchuku scored in added time with a well-taken finish, but the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Positives and Lessons
While the result was disappointing, there were still positives to take from the performance. Joe White was immense at the back, earning plaudits from fans and teammates alike for his defensive efforts. Hill’s early goal and Ujahchuku’s late strike showed glimpses of Ashton’s attacking potential, while Crompton’s performance in midfield highlighted the depth of talent in the squad.

Looking Ahead
The defeat leaves Ashton Athletic in search of their first win of the new year. With plenty of potential in the squad and players like Nathan Beca returning from injury, there’s reason to believe that better results are on the horizon. The challenge now is to translate moments of promise into a consistent 90-minute performance.

Final Score: Holker Old Boys 3-2 Ashton Athletic
Ashton Goals: Dek Hill (2’), Manny Ujahchuku (90+3’)
Standout Performers: Joe White, Dek Hill, Luke Crompton

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Conal Larkin
3 Ethan Pearce
4 Joe White
5 Calum Wilson
6 Niall Partridge
7 Joshua High
8 Luke Crompton
9 Deklan Hill
10 Zach Conway
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Kingston David, Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Nathan Beca, Oscar Rothwell, Jason Foulds.
Attendance 92

Match Report: Nic Cain
All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
25/01/25 Thornton Cleveleys (H) 15:00
01/02/25 Garstang (H) 15:00
15/02/25 Nelson (H) 15:00
22/02/25 Holker Old Boys (H) 15:00
01/03/25 Maine Road (A) 15:00
08/03/25 Bacup Borough (H) 15:00

***************************************************

Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North

Ashton Athletic embark on their longest journey of the season this Saturday as they travel to Barrow-in-Furness to face Holker Old Boys in a highly anticipated North West Counties Division One North clash. This will be the first meeting between the two sides this campaign, and with both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect an exciting encounter.

Form Guide and League Standings
Holker Old Boys currently sit 4th in the league with 45 points from 22 matches, making them one of the frontrunners for promotion. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with just three wins in their last six games. Their most recent outing saw them narrowly lose 3-2 to Euxton Villa, a result that will undoubtedly motivate them to bounce back on home turf.

Ashton Athletic, meanwhile, find themselves in 10th place with 34 points from 22 games. Despite their position, The Yellows have shown flashes of brilliance this season, including a thrilling 4-4 draw against Euxton Villa—highlighting the unpredictable and competitive nature of this league.

The Challenge Ahead
Manager Jay Foulds will know the importance of finding consistency at this stage of the season. A victory in Barrow could reignite Ashton’s push for a playoff spot, a target that remains within reach, especially with several key players returning from injury.

Holker, however, present a formidable challenge. Known for their attacking style and strong home record, they will be eager to cement their position in the top four. Ashton’s defence will need to be at their best to keep Holker at bay.

Players to Watch
For Ashton, the return of players like Joe White and Zach Conway adds depth and quality to the squad at a crucial time. Dek Hill, who has been tireless in attack, will once again look to spearhead The Yellows' forward line, while the likes of Josh Nicholson, Nathan Beca and Manny Ujahchuku offer creativity and pace from midfield and upfront.

Holker Old Boys boast an impressive attacking lineup, and Ashton’s backline will need to stay organized to counter their threats. This game is likely to be won or lost in midfield, where battles for possession and control will prove decisive.

What to Expect
With both teams eager to climb the table, this promises to be a closely contested match. Holker’s home advantage and Ashton’s resilience on the road set the stage for a fascinating encounter. The Yellows will need to find the same grit and determination they showed in recent games to get a result, while Holker will be looking to assert their dominance early on.

Final Words
Ashton Athletic’s loyal supporters will be making the long trip to Barrow, and their encouragement will be vital in what could prove to be a pivotal game in The Yellows' season.

Come On You Yellows!

Ground: The Handmark Engineering Stadium
Address: Rakesmoor Lane, Hawcoat, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Postcode: LA14 4QB
Telephone: 01229 828176