Football fans at Euxton Villa were treated to an absolute classic on Saturday as Ashton Athletic played out a pulsating 4-4 draw in the North West Counties Division One North. The match had everything: eight goals, drama at both ends, controversial officiating, a sending-off, and non-stop action—a fantastic advert for the excitement of non-league football.

First Half: Ashton Take Control
The game began with Ashton Athletic firmly in control, asserting their dominance from the first whistle. The front three of Dek Hill, Nathan Beca, and Emmanuel Ujahchuku ran riot against the Euxton defence, tormenting them with pace, power, and sharp link-up play. Ashton’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute when a delightful cross from the right was acrobatically recycled by Nathan Beca, whose overhead flick found Dek Hill. Hill made no mistake, finishing cooly to put the Yellows ahead.

However, the game turned sour shortly after as Nathan Beca was forced off after being clattered into the perimeter fence by a Villa defender—a shocking incident that somehow went unpunished. Despite the setback, Ashton continued to dominate proceedings, carving out chances and controlling the tempo on Euxton’s pristine new 3G surface. The Yellows could easily have been 3-0 up by halftime, but a rare sortie into Ashton's half allowed Villa to equalise in added time (45+2), leaving the scoreline harshly level at the break.

Second Half: End-to-End Chaos
The second half exploded into life, with Euxton taking the lead in the 50th minute against the run of play. However, Ashton showed immense character, refusing to let their heads drop. Tireless forward Dek Hill continued to drive the side forward, and his persistence set the tone for the comeback.

The equaliser arrived when Jack Smith outmuscled a Villa defender amidst questionable protests. With the ball at his feet, Smith unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner to make it 2-2, sparking outrage among the Euxton players who surrounded the referee. But the goal stood, and Ashton seized the momentum.

Dek Hill then restored Ashton’s lead in the 65th minute with a poacher’s finish, leaving Villa reeling. Joe Beswick was immense in goal, pulling off a string of stunning saves to keep the hosts at bay, while defenders Conal Larkin, Cal Wilson, Ben Mullarky, and Nathan Whalley delivered resolute performances to hold off Villa’s onslaught.

In the 84th minute, Ashton appeared to put the game to bed. Ujahchuku’s electrifying run down the left saw him breeze past Villa’s defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross for Hill, who coolly tapped home to complete his hat-trick. At 4-2, the points seemed destined for Ashton.

Late Drama: Euxton Steal a Point
But football is rarely predictable. Villa threw everything forward in the closing stages, and their pressure paid off in the 89th minute when they pulled one back from a corner. With tensions boiling over, the game descended into chaos. Earlier Jack Smith had been controversially sent off in a case of mistaken identity, while frequent interruptions, arguments, and a string of contentious decisions disrupted the flow.

Deep into extended injury time, Euxton found an unlikely equaliser (90+6), sparking wild celebrations among the home fans and leaving Ashton to rue what might have been.

Final Thoughts
For neutral spectators, it was a game to remember, but for Ashton Athletic, the draw felt like a defeat after leading 4-2 so late on. Despite the disappointment, there were plenty of positives to take, particularly the outstanding performances of hat-trick hero Dek Hill, the commanding Joe Beswick, the strength and constant threat of Manny Ujahchuku and the ever-reliable Conal Larkin.

The Yellows now turn their attention to their long-awaited return to Brocstedes Park next Saturday, January 4th, as they host Garstang at 2 PM. Let’s hope for a strong response and another thrilling contest!

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Conal Larkin
3 Nathan Whalley
4 Benjamin Mullarkey
5 Calum Wilson
6 Niall Partridge
7 Nathan Beca
8 Jack Smith
9 Deklan Hill
10 Emmanuel Ujahchuku
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes
Kingston David, Ethan Pearce, Luke Crompton, Oscar Rothwell, Jason Foulds

Player of the Match - Dek Hill

Attendance 235

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
04/01/25 Garstang (H) 14:00
11/01/25 Bacup Borough (H) 14:00
14/01/25 Padiham (A) 19:45
18/01/25 Holker Old Boys (A) 15:00
25/01/25 Thornton Cleveleys (H) 15:00

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North
Saturday, December 28th, 2024 – 3:00 PM Kick-Off

After a frustrating Boxing Day defeat to Atherton LR, Ashton Athletic are swiftly back in action as they travel to face Euxton Villa in what promises to be an exciting local derby. This fixture marks the end of a challenging two-month period of consecutive away games, and "The Yellows" will be looking to finish it on a high note before returning to the comforts of home in January.

Form Guide
Euxton Villa currently sit in 5th place in the league, boasting 41 points from 21 games. While their position highlights their consistency this season, recent form has been patchy, with three wins and three losses in their last six matches. They will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 Boxing Day defeat at Darwen and solidify their playoff credentials.

Ashton Athletic, meanwhile, find themselves in 10th place with 33 points from 21 games. It's been a tough spell for the club, with just two wins in their last six outings. Despite this, there have been moments of promise, and a positive result at Euxton could provide the perfect springboard heading into the new year.

Key Factors
This will be the first league meeting between the two sides this season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. Both teams will be desperate to respond after Boxing Day defeats, and the unpredictable nature of football means this clash could go either way.

For Ashton, returning players and a renewed focus could prove vital, as manager Jay Foulds, his staff and squad alike will be determined to finish 2024 on a positive note.

A Message to the Fans
As always, your support makes all the difference. We hope to see you cheering on *The Yellows* as we look to claim three vital points. Let’s end the year strong and start building momentum for a successful January at home.

Wishing all players, staff, and supporters a wonderful festive season!
Come on, you Yellows!

League Standings:
Euxton Villa: 5th, 41 points (21 games)
Ashton Athletic: 10th, 33 points (21 games)

Ground: Jim Fowler Memorial Ground
Address: Runshaw Hall Lane, Euxton, Chorley, Lancashire
Postcode: PR7 6HQ
Telephone: 07851 603350