Ashton Athletic delivered exactly what the occasion demanded and then some as they powered to a thoroughly deserved 3–0 win in a crucial early-season relegation battle against Garstang. With both sides desperate for points and tension hanging over the teams, this had all the makings of a nervy six-pointer. But Ashton embraced the moment with grit, composure and, ultimately, quality.

The first half was tight, full of energy and hard running, with chances at both ends. Ashton, though, struck the psychological blow right on the brink of the interval. On 45 minutes, captain Josh Nicholson, outstanding throughout, finished superbly with perfect timing to slot home the opener. A massive goal at a perfect moment.

If the first half was competitive, the second belonged entirely to Ashton. They pressed higher, passed sharper and looked every bit a side determined to take control of their season. On 70 minutes, the lead doubled. From a corner, Joe White rose above a crowded box and powered a header into the net, capping another immense display from a player whose leadership and authority shone all afternoon.

Garstang pushed bodies forward in search of a lifeline, but Ashton were relentless. The killer blow arrived on 81 minutes when Zach Conway, tireless and influential all game, coolly guided a low finish into the bottom corner to seal a victory that had been building for weeks. By full time, Ashton were in full flow, and the scoreline could easily have been more. This was not just a win — it was a statement.

There were standout performances everywhere:

* Jake Greene was superb at right-back, aggressive, disciplined and constantly driving the team forward.
* Luke Crompton, Joe Barlow, and Sam Oko all contributed brilliantly in a dominant team performance.
* Captain Josh Nicholson set the tone from the first whistle, while
* Joe White, fully deserving of the overall Man of the Match award, was immense — commanding, vocal, and influential in every area of the pitch.

After a long spell of frustration and near misses, this was the performance Ashton Athletic desperately needed. Full of belief, energy and togetherness — and finally with the goals to match. A huge three points. A huge confidence boost. And a reminder of what this side is capable of.

Full Time: Ashton Athletic 3–0 Garstang
Man of the Match: Joe White

A big win — and one that could mark a real turning point.
Come On You Yellows.

Attendance 94

Starting XI
1 Ewan Dodgson
2 Jake Greene
3 Aleksander Calaku
4 Joe White
5 Joseph Barlow
6 Samuel Oko
7 Zach Conway
8 Luke Crompton
9 Emmanuel Ujahchuku
10 Samuel Gill
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Nathan Beca, Calum Wilson, William Adams,Niall Partridge, Jonathan Sodhi.

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
18/11/25 Lancaster City (H) 19:45
25/11/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 19:45
29/11/25 Steeton (H) 15:00
02/12/25 Fulwood Amateurs (H) 19:45
06/12/25 Darwen FC (H) 15:00
13/12/25 MSB Woolton (A) 15:00