Tough Day for The Yellows

Garstang's home ground, The Riverside, witnessed a goal-laden affair as they triumphed over Ashton Athletic with a resounding 6-2 victory. The encounter showcased an array of emotions, from clinical finishing to moments of brilliance.

From the outset, it was clear that Ashton Athletic were facing an uphill battle. The first half saw them struggle to find their rhythm, as Garstang's forward, Josh Hill, took centre stage with a clinical hat trick that left the visiting defence scrambling. Garstang's prowess in front of goal combined with Ashton's defensive vulnerabilities led to a 3-0 score-line within 32 minutes.

In a bid to turn the tide, Ashton's manager, Jay Foulds, made three substitutions at halftime, injecting fresh energy into the line up. The introductions of Kyle King, Zach Conway, and Callum McHale breathed new life into The Yellows' approach, sparking a renewed sense of determination.

The second half saw Ashton Athletic mount a brief comeback effort, with Jack Smith heading home a goal on the 50th-minute mark. The spark of hope was ignited, hinting at the potential for a turnaround. However, Garstang quickly extinguished those hopes with two more goals that extended their lead to 5-1.

Despite the odds, Ashton Athletic managed to conjure a moment of brilliance that stood out as the highlight of the match. Deklan Hill, deservedly named Man of the Match for Ashton, unleashed a spectacular long-range effort from near the halfway line. The audacious strike sailed over the stranded goalkeeper's head, a testament to Hill's skill and vision, making it 5-2.

Nonetheless, Garstang had the final say in a match that saw both teams battling valiantly. A late goal in the 94th minute sealed their comprehensive 6-2 victory, bringing the contest to a close.

The match marked a challenging day at the office for Ashton Athletic, with defensive vulnerabilities and an uphill battle against a clinical Garstang side.

Attendance 122

Starting XI
James Aspinall
Conal Larkin
Ethan Pearce
Calum Wilson
Max Buckley-Benbow
Deklan Hill
Joe Bacon
Callum Mahoney
Joshua Nicholson
Jack Smith
Jordyn Fitton

Substitutes: Kyle King, Zach Conway, Callum McHale, Daniel Mogford, Aaron Owens