Ashton Athletic were beaten 3-1 on the road against league leaders Droylsden FC in the North West Counties Division One North, but the scoreline only told part of the story in what was a competitive and encouraging performance.

The visitors started brightly and arguably enjoyed their best spell in the opening 15 minutes, taking the game to a strong and physical Droylsden side. Ashton created the better chances during this period but were unable to make the early pressure count.

Droylsden, who climbed to the top of the table with the result, showed their quality as the half progressed and took the lead through a well-worked move, finished following a dangerous run and cross into the box.

The home side doubled their advantage in frustrating circumstances for Ashton, with a scrappy goal following a corner finding its way in. The third came from a defensive error, as a poor clearance allowed Droylsden to capitalise and extend their lead—moments that left manager Jay Foulds particularly disappointed given their avoidable nature.

Despite the setbacks, Ashton continued to compete and showed resilience throughout. Substitute Will Adams made a noticeable impact in the second half, injecting energy into the side at a time when the game had begun to drift in Droylsden’s favour. His driving run down the wing and pinpoint cross provided the assist for Adam Gilchrist, who finished well to give Ashton a deserved goal and a foothold in the game.

The visitors pushed again in the closing stages and, much like the opening spell, created several promising opportunities in the final 10 minutes, but were unable to convert them into further goals to truly test the hosts.

Defensively, Cal Wilson and Max Leeson stood out with excellent performances at centre-back and in midfield respectively, both earning a share of the supporters’ Player of the Match. Jonny Sodhi also impressed with a strong all-round display, while goalkeeper Ewan Dodgson made a number of solid saves when called upon.

Although defeat was the outcome, there were plenty of positives for Ashton Athletic to take from the performance. Against a side now sitting top of the league, they proved they were not far off the level required and matched their opponents for large spells.

With three home fixtures on the horizon, there remains a strong sense of belief within the squad that they can build on this display and return to winning ways.

Starting XI
1 Ewan Dodgson
2 Jake Greene
3 Jonathan Sodhi
4 Joseph Barlow
5 Calum Wilson
6 Max Leeson
7 Zach Conway
8 Samuel Oko
9 Joshua Nicholson
10 Luke Crompton
11 Samuel Gill

Substitutes: Adam Gilchrist, William Adams, Callum Preston, Jason Foulds
Attendance 507

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Remaining Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
28/03/26 Fulwood Amateurs (H) 15:00
04/04/26 Daisy Hill (H) 15:00
06/04/26 Ashton Town (H) 15:00
11/04/26 Nelson (A)