After a week of sunshine, the clouds gathered over Brocstedes Park on Saturday as Ashton Athletic fell to a 4–1 defeat against an organised and clinical Droylsden side in Division One North.

Despite the damp and blustery conditions, both teams began brightly, with plenty of energy and commitment on display. The first half was a closely fought affair, with neither side able to stamp their authority on proceedings. Droylsden, however, carved out the better chances, forcing Ashton goalkeeper Billy Davies to make several superb saves. Time and again, Davies stood up to the test, keeping his side level and ensuring The Yellows went into the break at 0–0.

The second half, however, told a different story. Droylsden’s physical presence and aerial threat proved decisive as the visitors began to dominate from set-pieces. The breakthrough came in the 70th minute, when a dangerous corner from the right caused confusion in the box and flew straight into the far top corner. Just four minutes later, Ashton were undone again, this time a header from another corner, doubling Droylsden’s lead.

Substitute Artwell then delivered the killer blows late on, scoring twice in quick succession to put the game well beyond reach. Ashton, to their credit, kept fighting and were rewarded with a consolation in the closing stages. A sharp break down the wing ended with a fine cross into the box, where Manny Ujahchuku flicked home neatly to give the home supporters something to cheer.

The final whistle confirmed a tough afternoon for Ashton, but there were still positives to take. Young centre-back Ethan Pearce impressed with a strong, composed performance at the heart of the defence, while goalkeeper Billy Davies earned Ashton’s Player of the Match for a series of outstanding saves that kept his side in the contest for long spells.

Ashton will now look to regroup quickly as they continue their league campaign away at Holker Old Boys, knowing that performances like the first-half display will be crucial in turning resilience into results.

Full-time: Ashton Athletic 1–4 Droylsden

Starting XI
Billy Davies
Jake Greene
Aleksander Calaku
Corey Morgan
Ethan Pearce
Samuel Oko
Emmanuel Ujahchuku
Luke Crompton
Deklan Hill
Jonathan Sodhi
Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Niall Partridge, Zach Conway, Calum Wilson, Alex Priestley, William Adams

Attendance 151

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
06/09/25 Holker Old Boys (A) 15:00
13/09/25 Nelson (H) 15:00
20/09/25 MSB Woolton (H) 15:00
27/09/25 FC St Helens (H) 15:00
04/10/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
18/10/25 Squires Gate (A) 15:00

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North – Saturday, Brocstedes Park

Today's Match Programme is available HERE

Ashton Athletic return to Brocstedes Park this weekend for their first home league game of the season, as they welcome early high-flyers Droylsden in what promises to be a lively and competitive afternoon in Division One North.

The visitors have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, collecting nine points from their opening five fixtures. Their most recent outing saw them edge out Daisy Hill in an entertaining 3-2 victory, a result that lifted them into fourth place in the table. With confidence high and momentum on their side, Droylsden will travel across Greater Manchester eager to extend their good form.

For Ashton, the season has been one of promise and frustration in equal measure so far. With just three points from their opening three league games, The Yellows are determined to build consistency, but encouraging signs were on full display in last weekend’s FA Vase tie at Charnock Richard, where a brave and disciplined performance showed the quality within Jay Foulds’ squad. With those positives in mind, Ashton will be aiming to deliver both performance and points in front of their home supporters.

Matches between these two sides are always played in a good spirit, with plenty of energy both on and off the pitch. Droylsden are well-known for travelling in strong numbers, and Saturday’s crowd is expected to be another healthy one, ensuring a great atmosphere at Brocstedes Park.

Matchday Information
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

Parking: Limited on-site – we advise parking on nearby streets and taking the short 5–10 minute walk to the ground.

With Ashton chasing their second win of the season and Droylsden looking to consolidate their spot in the early play-off positions, there is plenty at stake. Supporters can expect a full-blooded contest, and as always, your backing could make all the difference.

Come down, get behind The Yellows, and enjoy another thrilling afternoon of non-league football.

Come On You Yellows!