Ashton Athletic produced a gutsy and determined display on the Fylde coast, battling through a string of injuries and a strong Squires Gate fightback to earn a hard-fought 2–2 draw at the Skiddle Community Stadium.

The Yellows made a dream start, racing into a 2–0 lead inside the opening six minutes. Captain Josh Nicholson calmly converted a penalty in the 3rd minute after Ashton’s bright opening spell saw them on the front foot from the first whistle. Moments later, Luke Crompton doubled the advantage, reacting quickest to fire home a rebound after an effort came back off the crossbar — his sharpness and energy setting the tone for Ashton’s attacking intent.

But after that blistering start, the game began to shift. Squires Gate gradually settled into their rhythm, enjoying more possession and forcing Ashton to defend deep. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute, when the hosts pulled one back to make it 2–1. Despite the pressure, Ashton’s back line held firm, showing plenty of grit to take their slender advantage into the break.

The second half, however, was a different story. Ashton’s rhythm was disrupted by a series of injuries — Joe Barlow (29’), Joe White (53’), Nathan Beca (63’), and goalkeeper Joe Beswick (79’) all forced off — leaving the visitors stretched. Remarkably, Sam Oko stepped up to take over between the posts and performed admirably, showing superb composure and bravery in unfamiliar territory.

Squires Gate continued to press and eventually levelled the score in the 71st minute, a goal that had been coming after a sustained spell of pressure. The hosts struck the post from a free kick and missed several late chances, but Ashton’s defensive resilience shone through. Zach Conway made a crucial goal-line clearance, while Jonny Sodhi and Declan Wildman were immense in their work rate and discipline.

As the clock ticked down, Ashton dug in, showing real heart to secure a point that felt as valuable as a win given the circumstances. The performance was one full of effort, commitment, and character — a reflection of a side beginning to show its steel.

Player of the Match: Luke Crompton – a tireless performance capped with a well-taken goal, though honourable mentions go to Zach Conway, Jonny Sodhi, and Sam Oko, whose impromptu goalkeeping heroics earned him plenty of applause at full-time. Niall Partridge and Declan Wildman also put in great shifts.

In the end, a share of the spoils felt a fair outcome — a battling point on the road and another sign of Ashton Athletic’s growing belief and togetherness.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Zach Conway
3 Jonathan Sodhi
4 Joe White
5 Joseph Barlow
6 Samuel Oko
7 Niall Partridge
8 Declan Wildman
9 Nathan Beca
10 Luke Crompton
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Deklan Hill, William Adams, Dylan Yates, Calum Wilson

Attendance 88

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
25/10/25 Colne (H) 15:00
27/10/25 Daisy Hill (A) 19:45
01/11/25 Darwen FC (A) 15:00
04/11/25 AFC Blackpool (H) 19:45
08/11/25 Fulwood Amateurs (H) 15:00

***********************************************

Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North

Ashton Athletic make the trip to the Fylde coast this weekend as they take on Squires Gate in what promises to be an entertaining North West Counties Division One North encounter at the Skiddle Community Stadium.

The hosts currently sit 12th in the table with 11 points from nine games, and while their last outing ended in a narrow 1–0 home defeat to Holker Old Boys, they have shown their quality in recent weeks — notably beating Fulwood Amateurs at home and edging past Radcliffe in the cup after a dramatic penalty shootout. Gate will undoubtedly be looking to get back to winning ways in front of their own supporters.

For Ashton Athletic, however, confidence has been restored after last weekend’s outstanding 4–0 victory over Bacup Borough at Brocstedes Park. It was a performance full of spirit, determination, and attacking flair — one that has reignited belief within Jay Foulds’ squad after a testing start to the campaign.

Captain Josh Nicholson led from the front with a superb hat-trick — including a clinical penalty and two composed finishes — while Emmanuel Ujahchuku capped off the afternoon with a stylish late strike. Defensively, Ashton were equally impressive, keeping a clean sheet thanks to the composure of the back line.

Manager Jay Foulds will no doubt be urging his players to build on that momentum, reminding them that consistency is key in such a competitive league. Every point matters, and another strong display on the road could see Ashton begin their climb up the table.

With conditions set fair on the Fylde coast, everything is in place for an excellent afternoon of non-league football. The Yellows will be looking to carry their renewed confidence into this fixture, and with the loyal travelling fans once again behind them, they’ll be aiming to return home with another valuable three points in the bag.

Come On You Yellows!

Ground: The Skiddle Community Stadium
Address: School Road, Marton, Blackpool, Lancashire
Postcode: FY4 5DS
Telephone: 07776 123529.