Ashton Athletic continued their impressive run of form with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Daisy Hill at Brocstedes Park on Saturday, making it three consecutive wins in the North West Counties Division One North. Buoyed by their thrilling comeback victory at Squires Gate in their previous outing, the Yellows were keen to maintain their momentum and made the perfect start by taking the lead in just the seventh minute.

A defensive error from Daisy Hill allowed Marcus Cusani to seize possession near the centre circle. Spotting his opportunity, Cusani drove forward and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Showing excellent composure, he calmly slotted the ball home to give Ashton an early advantage.

Daisy Hill appeared to have an immediate response just a minute later. A long clearance from their goalkeeper was headed on in midfield and fell perfectly into the path of a Daisy Hill striker, who finished well. However, after consulting his assistant referee, the match official ruled the goal out for offside, much to the visitors' frustration. The first half continued without either side establishing clear dominance, and Ashton went into the break holding a slender but deserved 1–0 lead.

Daisy Hill arrived at Brocstedes having endured a difficult run of results, and the visitors struggled to create any sustained pressure as the game progressed. Nevertheless, Ashton knew a second goal would be crucial to putting the result beyond doubt.

That all-important breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute, thanks to some excellent work down the right flank. The ever-threatening Tom Beckett, wearing the number 11 shirt, showed great tenacity to win the ball back before the move developed, with Luke Crompton eventually delivering a dangerous cross across the six-yard box. Joe Pennington was perfectly placed at the far post to meet it, finishing cleanly to double Ashton's advantage. The Yellows could have added a third when Josh Nicholson produced an excellent effort that crashed against the crossbar, denying Ashton further reward for their attacking play.

Daisy Hill continued to pose a threat, but Ashton's defence remained resolute, ensuring the visitors were unable to find a way back into the contest. Zac Conway was particularly impressive at right-back, giving his opponent little time or space on the ball and showing real aggression and determination in the tackle. It was an outstanding individual performance, deservedly earning him Player of the Match in the fans' poll on X.

Tom Beckett also received recognition for his contribution, being named the opposition's Player of the Match following another outstanding display.

With players returning from injury, Ashton's squad is beginning to look stronger, and the Yellows will be hoping to carry their excellent form into their next fixture as they travel to face Fulwood Amateurs on Tuesday, 13 October, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Three wins on the bounce have given Ashton plenty of encouragement, and they will be looking to keep that momentum going under the lights at Fulwood.

Starting XI
Joe Beswick
Zach Conway
Jonathan Sodhi
Joseph Barlow
Calum Wilson
Samuel Gill
Thomas Beswick
Luke Crompton
Joshua Nicholson
Marcus Cusani
Thomas Beckett

Substitutes: Adam Gilchrist, Joseph Pennington, Joe White, Callum Mahoney

Attendance 86

All Photographs and Media and Match Report by Nic Cain

Next Six Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
13/10/26 Fulwood Amateurs (A) 19:45
17/10/26 Holker Old Boys (H) 15:00
20/10/26 Atherton Collieries (H) 19:45
24/10/26 AFC Blackpool (A) 15:00
31/10/26 Flixton (A) 15:00
07/11/26 Colne (A) 15:00