ashton athletic first team

Wigan Athletic Past Players are back

2009-10-07T13:59:00.004+01:00

Wigan Athletic Past Players make their annual trip to Brocstedes Park this coming Thursday 8th October in a 7.45pm Kick off against Ashton's own Veteran players to compete for the Peter Caterall Memorial Trophy.

Following last year's highly entertaining encounter, when Stuart Barlow in particlar rolled back the years, this year's rematch has been long awaited by players from both camps.

It is expected that old favourites Peter Atherton, David Lowe, Neil Rimmer, Dave Glenn and many more familiar faces form the recent and more distant past will be amongst the ranks of the Wigan Latics.

Admission is £3.50 and £1.50 for concessions.

SPORTING DINNER FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2009

2009-09-02T11:04:00.001+01:00

Ashton Athletic Football Club

Present a Sporting Dinner FEATURING

JOHN ALDRIDGE AND SEAN STYLES

On Friday 2^nd October 2009

At the Haydock Park Racecourse

Time: 7 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Dress: Smart Casual

You are cordially invited to support Ashton Athletic FC by joining us at our Sporting Dinner to be held at the Haydock Park Racecourse, Haydock on Friday 2^nd October 2009.

Our special guest speakers will be John Aldridge former Oxford, Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker, and Sean Styles comedian and BBC radio personality.

You are welcome to purchase any number of places, whilst individual companies can also advertise in the souvenir menu produced for every guest (prices upon request).

All proceeds from the night will go towards development of the club.

Booking Form: Ashton Athletic Sporting Dinner – 2^nd October 2009.

Please reserve _ __ place(s) @ £30,

Please reserve __ _ table(s) of 10 @ £250 (An invoice receipt can be provided)

Name ______________________________

Company (if applicable) _______________________________

Address ________________________________________________

Post Code ________________

Tel _________________________ Fax ___________________

Cheques payable to "Ashton Athletic FC” send to: -Ashton Athletic AFC 25 Bolton Rd Ashton in Makerfield WN4 8AA.

For bookings or further information contact one of the organisers below:

Mike Hamilton Tel: 01942 725669(07970 728217)

Jimmy Whyte: Tel – 07780 955157

A Night at the Races

2009-08-05T10:47:00.003+01:00

With Racenight.me.uk

ASHTON ATHLETIC

Are running a Race Night

in aid of AAFC U10'S & U11'S

At

AAFC, Brocstedes Park, Ashton in Makerfield

On FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2009 Doors open at 7.30PM

£2 admission includes pie supper, bar will be open till late. Great prizes on the night.

If you would like any further information or would like to sponsor a race or buy a horse for

the night please contact Claire or Sharon on 07792263756 / 07515681235 or e-mail

bradreid2@gmail.com

Eagley Goldline Match falls victim to the weather

2009-07-29T17:32:00.002+01:00

Tonight's Goldline match is off due to the heavy rain in the last few days.

It has been re arranged for tomorrow night, Thursday 30th July 7.30pm KO

Golborne friendly off

2009-07-20T18:04:00.002+01:00

The friendly match at Golborne Sports has been cancelled due on the advice of their groundsman as the pitch has not recovered sufficiently after summer renovation work.

This will leave a single squad to face visitors Burscough FC, ahead of the Goldline match on Thursday against Daisy Hill, both games taking place at Brocstedes Park. 7.30pm KO

The rest of the players will be training at the Club at the slightly earlier time of 7pm. The remaining arrangements for the pre season build up are as follows:-

Thursday 23rd JULY
Daisy Hill Home Goldline 7.30pm KO
Trng at Club 7.15pm for all except those playing v Daisy Hill

Saturday 25th JULY
West Didsbury Friendly Away 2.30pm KO
Light Trng TBC 1.45pm for all except those playing at West Didsbury

MONDAY (yes Monday)27th JULY
TRNG at Club 7.15 for 7.30pm start for all except those playing at Grappenhall

Tuesday 28th JULY
Grappenhall Spts Away 7pm KO
No training

Wednesday 29th JULY
Eagley Home Goldline 7.30pm KO

Thursday 30th JULY
Trng 7.15 for all except those playing at Eagley

Saturday 1st AUG
Airbus UK (Welsh Prem League) HOME 3pm KO
Garswood, AWAY 3pm KO

Monday 3rd AUG
Billinge Home 7.30 KO

Tuesday 4th AUG
Atherton LR Away Goldline 7.30 KO
No trng

Thursday 6th AUG
Light TRNG 7.15 PM START

Saturday 8th AUG
Vodkat League starts

There may be changes to these arrangements during pre season so players should check for revisions periodically

First friendlies kick in.

2009-07-14T14:50:00.003+01:00

Ashton Athletic continue with preparations for the new season with the first matches due to commence this Wednesday, with a short trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool Combination side East Villa 7.30pm KO at Litherland Sports Park, Boundary road.

Meanwhile, running in parallel and sandwiched in between the games, training will continue at the Brocstedes Park Ground on
Tuesdays and Thurs, 7.15pm meet for a 7.30pm start unless otherwise specified below:-

Wednesday 15th JULY
East Villa AWAY Friendly 7.30pm KO

Thursday 16th JULY
Trng 7.15pm for all except those playing at East Villa

Saturday 18th JULY
Fulwood Ams Away Friendly 3pm KO

Saturday 18th JULY
Avro FC Away Friendly 2pm KO

Tuesday 21st JULY
Burscough FC Home Friendly 7.30pm KO
Golborne Sports Friendly Away 7pm KO
No training

Thursday 23rd JULY
Daisy Hill Home Goldline 7.30pm KO
Trng 7.15pm for all except those playing v Daisy Hill

Saturday 25th JULY
West Didsbury Friendly Away 2.30pm KO
Light Trng 1.45pm for all except those playing at West Didsbury

MONDAY (yes Monday)27th JULY
TRNG at Club 7.15 for 7.30pm start for all except those playing at Grappenhall

Tuesday 28th JULY
Grappenhall Spts Away 7pm KO
No training

Wednesday 29th JULY
Eagley Home Goldline 7.30pm KO

Thursday 30th JULY
Trng 7.15 for all except those playing at Eagley

Saturday 1st AUG
Airbus UK (Welsh Prem League) HOME 3pm KO
Garswood, AWAY 3pm KO

Monday 3rd AUG
Billinge Home 7.30 KO

Tuesday 4th AUG
Atherton LR Away Goldline 7.30 KO
No trng

Thursday 6th AUG
Light TRNG 7.15 PM START

Saturday 8th AUG
Vodkat League starts

There may be changes to these arrangements during pre season so players should check for revisions periodically

FA Cup and Vase draws

2009-07-01T13:13:00.002+01:00

The FA have, today published the draws for the early rounds of the national competitions. The ties involving Vodkay League Clubs are outlined below:-

THE FA CUP SPONSORED BY E.ON
EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND
SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2009
Silsden v Colne
Congleton Town v Dinnington Town
Abbey Hey v Hallam
Chadderton v Atherton Collieries
Parkgate v St Helens Town
Holker Old Boys v Padiham
Bacup Borough v Atherton LR
Maine Road v Alsager Town
Squires Gate v Staveley MW
Ashton Athletic v Bootle
Runcorn Linnets v AFC Emley
Nostell MW v Oldham Town
Ramsbottom United v Cheadle Town
Flixton v Winsford United
Formby v Glossop North End
Eccleshall v Tividale
Stone Dominoes v Cadbury Athletic
Norton United v Newcastle Town
Bottesford Town v New Mills

THE FA CUP SPONSORED BY E.ON
PRELIMINARY ROUND
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 2009
Clitheroe v Squires Gate or Staveley MW
Holker Old Boys or Padiham v AFC Fylde
Ashton Athletic or Bootle v Woodley Sports
Silsden or Colne v Abbey Hey or Hallam
Sheffield v Flixton or Winsford United
Maltby Main or Rossington Main v Formby or Glossop North End
Chorley v Nostell MW or Oldham Town
Colwyn Bay v Parkgate or St Helens Town
Maine Road or Alsager Town v Ramsbottom United or Cheadle Town
Bacup Borough or Atherton LR v Prescot Cables
Chadderton or Atherton Collieries v Radcliffe Borough
Bamber Bridge v Runcorn Linnets or AFC Emley
Witton Albion v Congleton Town or Dinnington Town
Heath Hayes or Lye Town v Eccleshall or Tividale
Stone Dominoes or Cadbury Athletic v Market Drayton Town
Nrton United or Newcastle Town v Westfields or Bolehall Swifts
Carlton Town v Bottesford Town or New Mills

THE FA CUP SPONSORED BY E.ON
FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2009
12 Silsden or Colne or Abbey Hey or Hallam v Burscough
13 Cammell Laird or Mossley v Colwyn Bay or Parkgate or St Helens Town
14 Maine Road or Alsager Town or Ramsbottom United or Cheadle Town v Bamber Bridge or Runcorn Linnets or AFC Emley
15 Clitheroe or Squires Gate or Staveley MW v Stocksbridge Park Steels
16 Bacup Borough or Atherton LR or Prescot Cables v Witton Albion or Congleton Town or Dinnington Town
20 Maltby Main or Rossington Main or Formby or Glossop North End v Chorley or Nostell MW or Oldham Town
21 Holker Old Boys or Padiham or AFC Fylde v Trafford or Rossendale United
23 Ashton Athletic or Bootle or Woodley Sports v Chadderton or Atherton Collieries or Radcliffe Borough
24 Sheffield or Flixton or Winsford United v FC United of Manchester
26 Norton United or Newcastle Town or Westfields or Bolehall Swifts v Sutton Coldfield Town or Meir KA or Tipton Town
28 Evesham United v Heath Hayes or Lye Town or Eccleshall or Tividale
33 Leamington v Stone Dominoes or Cadbury Athletic or Market Drayton Town
45 Glapwell or Holwell Sports or Ellistown v Carlton Town or Bottesford Town or New Mills

THE FA CARLSBERG VASE
FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2009
10 Formby v Chadderton
11 Padiham v St Helens Town
12 Ashton Athletic v Alsager Town
13 Atherton LR v Colne
14 Ramsbottom United v Wigan Robin Park
15 AFC Blackpool v Maine Road
16 Runcorn Linnets v Staveley MW
23 Leek CSOB v Biddulph Victoria
29 Wellington v Eccleshall

THE FA CARLSBERG VASE
SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2009
10 Silsden v Guisborough Town
20 Ramsbottom United or Wigan Robin Park v Nostell MW
21 Ashton Town v Worsbrough Bridge Athletic
22 Penrith v Squires Gate
23 Daisy Hill v Runcorn Linnets or Staveley MW
24 Flixton v Hallam
25 Rossington Main v Atherton Collieries
26 Winsford United v Parkgate
27 Whitehaven v Cheadle Town
28 AFC Blackpool or Maine Road v Oldham Town
29 Formby or Chadderton v Padiham or St Helens Town
30 AFC Liverpool v Dinnington Town
31 Bacup Borough v Holker Old Boys
32 Nelson v Abbey Hey
33 Irlam v Atherton LR or Colne
35 AFC Emley v Ashton Athletic or Alsager Town
38 Leek CSOB or Biddulph Victoria v Bardon Hill Sports
42 Brocton v Norton United
48 Gornal Athletic or Knowle v Wellington or Eccleshall

THE FA CARLSBERG VASE
FIRST ROUND PROPER
SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2009
8 Silsden or Guisborough Town v Eccleshill United or Norton & Stockton Ancients or West Allotment Celtic
12 Rossington Main or Atherton Collieries v AFC Emley or Ashton Athletic or Alsager Town
13 Irlam or Atherton LR or Colne v Flixton or Hallam
14 Formby or Chadderton or Padiham or St Helens Town v Maltby Main or Hemsworth MW
15 Ramsbottom United or Wigan Robin Park or Nostell MW v Bacup Borough or Holker Old Boys
16 Penrith or Squires Gate v AFC Liverpool or Dinnington Town
17 Daisy Hill or Runcorn Linnets or Staveley MW v Ashton Town or Worsbrough Bridge Athletic
18 AFC Blackpool or Maine Road or Oldham Town v Winsford United or Parkgate
19 Whitehaven or Cheadle Town v Congleton Town
20 Nelson or Abbey Hey v Selby Town
26 Gornal Athletic or Knowle or Wellington or Eccleshall v Dosthill Colts or Barrow Town or Coventry Copsewood or Pilkington XXX
32 Leek CSOB or Biddulph Victoria or Bardon Hill Sports v Brocton or Norton United
33 Heath Hayes or Bartley Green or Bolehall Swifts or Lye Town v Newcastle Town
34 Bourne Town or Graham St Prims v New Mills

ADDITIONAL FRIENDLY ADDED

2009-07-01T09:50:00.002+01:00

A second friendly has been arranged on Saturday 18th July against Manchester Premier League outfit Avro FC with a 2pm Kick off scheduled.

The match is in addition to the trip to West Lancs Premier side Fulwood Amateurs, which is a 3pm KO.

see below for full details.

FULL DETAILS OF TRAINING & PRE-SEASON ARRANGEMENTS

2009-06-22T07:25:00.007+01:00

ADDITIONAL FRIENDLY ON SATURDAY 18TH JULY ADDED

Ashton Athletic commence preparation for the new season at the Brocstedes Park Ground on
Thursday 25th June - 7.15pm meet for a 7.30pm start followed by
Saturday 27th June 1.45 for 2pm, and then
Tues, Thurs, Sat at the same times until the week of the first friendlies, as per below:-

MONDAY (yes Monday)13th JULY
TRNG at Club 7.15 for 7.30pm start

Wednesday 15th JULY
East Villa AWAY Friendly 7.30pm KO

Thursday 16th JULY
Trng 7.15pm for all except those playing at East Villa

Saturday 18th JULY
Fulwood Ams Away Friendly 3pm KO

Saturday 18th JULY
Avro FC Away Friendly 2pm KO

Tuesday 21st JULY
Burscough FC Home Friendly 7.30pm KO
Golborne Sports Friendly Away 7pm KO
No training

Thursday 23rd JULY
Daisy Hill Home Goldline 7.30pm KO
Trng 7.15pm for all except those playing v Daisy Hill

Saturday 25th JULY
West Didsbury Friendly Away 2.30pm KO
Light Trng 1.45pm for all except those playing at West Didsbury

MONDAY (yes Monday)27th JULY
TRNG at Club 7.15 for 7.30pm start for all except those playing at Grappenhall

Tuesday 28th JULY
Grappenhall Spts Away 7pm KO
No training

Wednesday 29th JULY
Eagley Home Goldline 7.30pm KO

Thursday 30th JULY
Trng 7.15 for all except those playing at Eagley

Saturday 1st AUG
Airbus UK (Welsh Prem League) HOME 3pm KO
Garswood, AWAY 3pm KO

Monday 3rd AUG
Billinge Home 7.30 KO

Tuesday 4th AUG
Atherton LR Away Goldline 7.30 KO
No trng

Thursday 6th AUG
Light TRNG 7.15 PM START

Saturday 8th AUG
Vodkat League starts

There may be changes to these arrangements during pre season so players should check for revisions periodically

PRE SEASON TRAINING STARTS THURSDAY 25TH JUNE

2009-06-19T21:10:00.002+01:00

The adult squads will commence the build up towards the new 2009/2010 season with a series of training sessions at the Club, starting on Thursday 25th June 2009 7.15 meet for a 7.30 start.

The next session will be on Saturday 27th June, 1.45pm meet for a 2pm start and then there will be sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for the following 2 weeks at the same meet and start times.

The first friendlies have been arranged for Wednesday 15th and Saturday 18th July and full details of these and the rest of the pre season matches will be announced on the website in the next few days.

All players should bring both Boots and training shoes to the sessions.

Any new players interested in attending should first contact first team manager David Powell on 07770 696747.

Ashton Athletic host Goalkeeping Course

2009-06-15T06:14:00.000+01:00

Ashton Athletic is hosting a goalkeeping course which will run on Monday 22nd June, Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24th June 2009. The event will be held at the Club’s Brocstedes Park Ground from 7.45pm to 9.15pm and is for goalkeepers aged 15+. The course is in conjunction with Paxsport, a new goalkeeping brand based in the North West of England.

The training course will consist of 3 x 90 minute sessions with FA Qualified coach Phil Priestley – formerly of Rochdale and Bangor FC. The total cost of the three sessions will be £25, with each participant receiving a FREE pair of Paxsport goalkeeping gloves.

Details of the training course can be found at www.paxsport.co.uk

Anyone interested in attending the training course should contact Andy Paxton at Paxsport on: 07914 505055 / info@paxsport.co.uk

END

New Reserve Team Boss on Board at Athletic

2009-06-08T19:06:00.002+01:00

Ashton Athletic have appointed Pernell “Penn” Dunne (pictured) as the new Reserve Team Manager for the forthcoming season. Dunne arrives at Brocstedes Park having guided New Mills’ second string to 3rd spot in the Vodkat Reserve Division last season, just two points adrift of the runners up position.

First team manager David Powell says “ we are very pleased to have secured Penn’s services, who has sound experience at Reserve level of the Vodkat League and also comes with a terrific background in youth development over many years. His enthusiasm in developing and preparing the players for first team duties will be an essential part of our progress in future seasons.”

Dunne comments “I am delighted to be joining Ashton and hope that it will be a long and fruitful association.” He continues, “I am really looking forward to working with the first team manager David Powell and his recently appointed team of Ian Street and Steve Rothwell, and although I really enjoyed my brief stint at New Mills last season the travelling was becoming a drain and it is good to get the opportunity of joining another forward thinking Club, this time on my doorstep”

Preparations are in full flow with existing and new players due to report back for training on Thursday 25th June at the Club’s Brocstedes Park Ground. Full details about the subsequent pre season matches will also be announced shortly.

END

Ashton management additions

2009-06-03T09:30:00.004+01:00

Ashton Athletic manager David Powell has moved quickly after the recent departure of Assistant Manager Steve Pilling, with the appointment of two additions to the management team for the forthcoming season.
Rothwell
First in is Steve Rothwell who has agreed to take up the position of first team coach following his retirement from competitive football at the end of last season, after a long and successful non League Football playing career.
Steve will bring a great deal of experience and professionalism to the table and as our former Club Captain for the last few years will no doubt be continuing to build on his excellent relationship with the existing players and any new additions to the squad.
FA Coach Rothwell says “I am delighted to take up this new role at Ashton and will look forward to getting my hands on the lads at pre season training at the end of the month.”

Also on board and working alongside Powell will be Ian Street, the former Warrington Town, St Helens Town and Atherton LR manager, who spent last season as assistant manager at Southport and Bamber Bridge.
Powell adds “I am thrilled that we have been able to persuade Ian to join Ashton at this time. His higher league experience both as player and then in recent years as manager will be invaluable as we continue to progress our Club’s development within the North West Counties Premier League over the next few seasons.”
Street
As far as Street is concerned he is keen to build on the Club’s recent success, “ I have watched with some interest Ashton’s rise in the League’s over the last 4 years jumping from the local league football to the Vodkat Premier Division and you can only be impressed by the achievement” he says.
Street adds “I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity of developing Ashton with both Dave and Steve Rothwell and I am excited at the prospect of working with the existing lads ,and where necessary help with recruitment of a few new faces to improve what is already a very good young side”
Kenny Hopwood
Existing Physio Kenny Hopwood will continue with his excellent work at the Club and will hopefully be supplemented again this season by trainee physios via the Club’s link with Edge Hill University’s physiotherapy department.

The Club will also be appointing a new reserve Team manager within the next week or so to complete the management structure for the impending season, and a further announcement will be made in this respect as soon as possible, along with details of pre season arrangements.

Managerial changes

2009-05-25T08:58:00.003+01:00

Assistant first team manager Steve Pilling has stepped down from the position after 3 years working closely with David Powell. Steve has been an important part of the Club's progression to North West Counties football, and the Club would like to thank him for his tireless commitment and effort, and hope he will return at some future date.

An announcement about Steve's replacement will be made in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile Reserve Team Manager Chris Richardson has also decided to leave, and again the Club would like to thank him and recognise the efforts he has made in the past season and a half in the role.

The Club are now on the lookout for a replacement for the Reserve's forthcoming season.

The voluntary role will provide an opportunity to prepare and develop players for progression to the first team as well as building the success of the team itself, where last season the team finished fifth in the Vodkat League Reserve Division and were runners up in the Reserve cup final to double winners Glossop North End. The role will include close liaison with the successful youth section of the Club.

An FA coaching qualifications would be expected to fulfil the job and to support the Club’s ongoing application for FA Charter Standard.

The Club, based in Ashton in Makerfield near Wigan has excellent playing and training facilities, and interested parties should contact first team Manager David Powell on 07770 696747, or forward details by email to davmar@btconnect.com before Friday 5th June.

2008-2009 Brief Review of season and Player of the year Awards

2009-05-22T15:02:00.000+01:00

Congratulations once again to everyone who contributed towards a tremendous season following the Club’s promotion into the Premier Division of the North West Counties Football League.
The 6th place has been a remarkable achievement and appropriate reward for the hard work and commitment showed by all involved.
The Atherton Cup once again proved a success for us, retaining the trophy for the second time to add to the previous 2 victories. Early exits from the Goldline, Wigan Cup and more crucially the Lancs FA Cup, FA Cup and FA Vase were a disappointment which will certainly be an area for improvement next season.
The reserves also had a great year with an improvement in League position from 10th last year to 5th this season. A tremendous cup run unfortunately saw the rezzies fall at the final hurdle, missing out to league and cup double winners Glossop North End 1-3 in the final of the Reserve Division Cup.
New players have once again joined the Club and along with youth players from last year integrated successfully with the existing playing staff and at the end of the season the Club is well placed to continue to move onward and upward.
Individual awards for the players were presented to the Open Age players. Roll of Honour:-

Golden Boot – Kev Kynaston (27 goals)

Presidents Award – Mark Court for outstanding commitment to the Club
Chairman's Award (Young Player of the Year) – Dave Sherlock for the second season in succession
Reserve Team Player's Player of the Year – Mark Court
Reserve Team Player of the Year – Peter Hitchen.
First Team Players Player of the Year – Mike Burke
First Team Manager’s of the Year – Steve Rothwell

Special awards were also given to Steve Bennett, Steve Rothwell and Steve Bennett for outstanding service to the Club over the last 4 seasons. All 3 have been ever presents during the clubs rise from Step 8 of the non League pyramid in Manchester League Division 1 through to making invaluable contributions this season in the Vodkat Premier Division (Step 5).
Recognition also to three more players Paul McVeigh, Col Gillespie and Peter Tarpey who have also contributed greatly in the early progress but due to injury, and work commitments did not manage to complete this season.
Finally, the Club Captain Steve Rothwell on behalf of all the players thanked the many volunteers at the Club and then went on to announce his retirement from competitive football with immediate effect. The club reserved the biggest ovation of the night for “Rothy” acknowledging the dedication and commitment that he has given to Ashton Athletic and football in general in his long successful career in non league and amateur football – an example to all!

Triple success for Ashton

2009-05-11T15:58:00.002+01:00

ATHERTON CHARITY CUP FINAL
SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009
ASHTON ATHLETIC 5 WESTHOUGHTON RANGERS 0

Ashton Athletic retained the Atherton Charity Cup to make it three trophy’s in the last three years of this long established competition, with a resounding 5-0 win over Westhoughton Rangers on Sunday Afternoon. A healthy crowd contributed handsomely towards the local charities and saw Ashton take the lead in the 13th minute as a Chris Lawton pass was flicked on by Dave Sherlock in to the path of Jon Bathurst who beat the off side trap and lofted the ball over the advancing keepers head and into the top corner.

Westhoughton fought back but could not find a way through the resilient Ashton defence and as the half wore on Ashton became increasingly dominant. Bathurst again burst through the Rangers defence and although the Rangers keeper saved well Sherlock followed up and blasted the ball into the net from 12 yards after 35 minutes, to give Ashton breathing space at half time.

Rangers battled hard for a foothold in the game but the result was effectively settled in the 60th minute as concerted Ashton pressure allowed Neil Davies to find space and time in the Westhoughton penalty area, and from the angle he curled a delightful right foot shot into the top corner.

Ashton were rampant and further increased their tally in the 83rd minute as a great piece of individual play by Simon Gallanders allowed the winger to ghost passed 2 defenders before slotting the ball into the corner from close range. Richard Sharpe made it five for Ashton 4 minutes later as Gallanders curled in a free kick to the far post for the easiest of headed goal’s for the Ashton Striker.

Quality photos available to view and purchase by following the link http://www.celebritypixuk.co.uk/slideshow56498.html

A great end to the season for Ashton and with 6th place secured in the Vodkat Premier League the team can look forward to a well earned rest before they go again with the start of a new season on the 8th August 2009.

The Ashton Reserve Team however continue in action and complete their season this Thursday when they will play their delayed League Cup Final against the winners of the Atherton LR v Glossop North End semi final. The semi final was postponed last week due to Heavy Rainfall just before kick off. The final against the winners of this outstanding tie will take place on 14th May at Ashton’s Brocstedes Park Ground with a 7.45pm KO.

2009-05-05T16:08:00.001+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 2nd May 09
New Mills 1 Ashton Athletic 0

On Saturday Ashton travelled to Derbyshire to face title chasing New Mills in their last league match of the season, looking for 3 points that would secure a 6th place finish.

It was however the home side that maintained their push for the top spot adding to an impressive 20 wins in consecutive matches before today’s match. A Matty Smith strike early in the second half settled this game and forced a title decider next weekend when the Millers will travel to second placed AFC Fylde three points to the better but with an inferior goal difference so a win from the home side would snatch the title away from New Mills.

An excellent match was however soured by a serious facial injury to Ashton Club Captain Steve Rothwell, midway through the second half as an aerial clash with Millers centre forward Matty Smith led to Rothwell having to leave the field with a fractured Cheekbone. A disappointing end to a terrific season for Rothwell, and even more as the game also marked the last in a distinguished playing career for the Ashton veteran defender.

Ashton started the brighter of the two teams as the Millers made a nervy start in front of a bumper Bank Holiday weekend crowd and showed commitment and determination throughout the match, typified by Rothwell who recovered from earlier knocks in the first half from the giant Millers striker Smith.

Dave Sherlock, Jon Bathurst Simon Gallanders and Kev Kynaston all looked lively against the hesitant home defence, as Ashton midfield duo Adam White and Neil Davies took the game by the scruff of the neck in the early stages. Gradually however New Mills worked their way into the game with the ever threatening Carlos Meakin driving his side forward. The Ashton defence was forced into overtime on several occasions, with the back four and keeper Alan Fitzpatrick in top form to repel the attacks.

New Mills did have the ball in the back of the net just before half time as Matt Smith pulled the ball back from the dead ball line for Gary Kharas to finish but the linesman rightly adjudged that the ball had crossed the line for a goal kick, taking the teams in at the break all square.

The second half got underway with both teams seeking the breakthrough but it was the home side that struck when in the 56th minute Garry Kharas collected a Carlos Meakin through ball and although looking marginally offside no flag came. A superb finger tip save at the feet of Kharas by keeper Alan Fitzpatrick denied the Millers top scorer, but his partner Matty Smith followed up to tuck the ball into the net despite the best efforts of Ashton skipper Mike Burke.

Moments later Rothwell was felled by a stray elbow from Smith which disrupted Ashton for a while but as soon as replacement Mike Winer got to the pace of the game Ashton settled back into their stride and started to exert pressure on the Millers back line. The introduction of powerful striker Carl Grimshaw for the last 15 minutes almost brought dividends for Ashton and as the game went on the nerves started to affect the home side again. In the last throws of the game Ashton almost caused an upset as David Sherlock was twice denied by the upright after finding time and space in the penalty area, with keeper Liam Higginbottom well beaten.

So New Mills move on to a cup final date against Runcorn on Tuesday night before their title decider next weekend at AFC Fylde. Meanwhile Ashton, at the end of a terrific first season at this level of non league football must settle for the 7th League spot unless, playing catch up, Bacup Borough drop 4 points in their last 3 games and if they do Ashton will retain 6th spot.

PHOTOS APLENTY AVAILABLE FOLLOWING THE FOLLOWING LINK - www.newmillsafc.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album44

The season, unfortunately over for Steve Rothwell is not for his team who will now prepare for a Cup final date on Sunday 10th May 2009 in the Atherton Charity Cup. The opposition will be Westhoughton Rangers at Atherton Collieries’ Alder Street Ground, 2pm Kick off and Ashton will be hoping to retain the trophy for the third year in succession.

Ashton’s reserves signed off their league season in a 2-2 home draw against Chadderton, with goals from Paul Hynes and Ben Cartwright. The result guarantees the team a 6th place finish, and possibly even 5th spot if Padiham lose their last 2 games against title chasing Bootle and New Mills.

The reserves also have a Cup final date to look forward to on Tuesday 12th May when they will face the winners of the outstanding semi final between Atherton LR and Glossop in a 7.45pm kick off at Brocstedes Park, Ashton.

Atherton Charity Cup Final date and opposition confirmed

2009-05-01T15:36:00.004+01:00

Ashton will attempt to secure the Atherton Charity Cup for the third season in a row when they face Westhoughton Rangers at Atherton Collieries Ground on SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009, 2PM KICK OFF.

Previous success came in the form of a nail biting penalty win after extra time against Atherton Town last season, preceded by a narrow 1-0 victory over Ashton Town at the end of the 2006/7 season.

This year Ashton have seen off local rivals Ashton Town in a 1-0 semi final win whilst 4-0 and 5-0 wins against Bolton Lads Club and Breighmet United complete Ashton's route to the final.

Westhoughton have also impressed in the earlier rounds easing past Stoneclough by three goals to nil in last Thursday's semi final, whilst a 1-0 win at Hindford United and a 3-0 win against the competition hosts Atherton Collieries started their progress to the final

With both teams yet to concede a goal in the competition and with Both teams free scoring in the earlier rounds an intruiging final is in prospect and the organisers are hoping for a big crowd to roll up to support the Charity competition.

Ashton's Reserve cup final date fixed for 12th May

2009-04-29T11:13:00.002+01:00

Ashton Athletic Reserve team's season will come to a climax on Tuesday 12th May 2009, when they will play at Brocstedes Park in a 7.45pm kick off against the winners of the outstanding semi final between Atherton LR Reserves and Glossop North End Reserves.

Kynaston clinches cup final date for Ashton Athletic in local Derby

2009-04-29T11:11:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 28th April 2009
Atherton Charity Cup Semi final
Ashton Town 0 Ashton Athletic 1

Ashton Athletic secured a place in final of the Atherton Charity cup for the third season in a row with a late winner from Kevin Kynaston against local rivals Ashton Town, despite having been reduced to 10 men for the majority of the game.

Before the controversial sending off Athletic had started brightly with Dave Sherlock forcing a brave save from keeper Peter Collis in the 4th minute and then a minute later Jon Bathurst latched onto a through ball and with keeper Collis advancing Bathurst’s attempted drifted wide.

Athletic Midfielder Neil Davies was then shown two yellow cards in the space of as many minutes, the first after 15 minutes for questioning a decision, and the second a minute later for a mistimed tackle that was at worst worthy of a verbal warning. Instead, and showing no signs of charity referee Nigel D’Arcy somewhat gleefully brandished the consequential red card leaving Athletic with reduced compliment for the rest of the match.

Further controversy followed shortly afterwards as a Town player hotly disputed another erroneous referring decision against his side however despite using the foulest of language directly at the referee the man in the black this time chose to ignore the comment. This inconsistent reaction enraged the Ashton bench, and resulted in the management team being expelled from the dugout.

Despite the setbacks the 10 men of Ashton more than held their own creating a string of chances with Bathurst, Sherlock and Gareth Peet coming close. Meanwhile the Town forward line were struggling to find a way through the dominant Athletic defence.

Second half chances were few and far between until the deadline was broken in the 85th minute as half time substitute Kevin Kynaston judged a Dave Sherlock flick to perfection, gained a yard on the edge of the box and curled the ball low and hard into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

Town surged forward in the dyeing minutes but could not grab an equaliser and it will be Ashton Athletic that progress to the final in Mid May. The opponents in the final will be winners of the other semi final between Stoneclough Fc and Westhoughton Rangers FC, to be played this Thursday night at Atherton Collieries Ground 7.30pm KO.

Before the Final Athletic will play their last League match of the season this Saturday , travelling to Derbyshire to face Vodkat Premier League Leaders New Mills FC in a 3pm KO. Meanwhile Ashton Town play their penultimate Vodkat Division One match when Norton United are the visitors to edge Green Street.

Late rally draws a blank for Ashton

2009-04-29T10:03:00.000+01:00

Saturday 25th April 2009
VODKAT Premier Division
Ashton Athletic 3 Alsager Town 4

Ashton signed off their last home match of the season with a disappointing reverse against Alsager Town at the weekend, with slack defending presenting the visitors with a 3 goal lead at half time. Despite a second half rally the challenge proved too great and Alsager held on for the 3 points with the odd goal in seven.

Numerous opportunities were spurned by Ashton in an eventful first half, before poor marking in the box allowed Alsager striker Joe Roberts two chances that he put away with ease in the 17th and 27th minutes. Ashton continued to dominate and further chances came and went as a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Luke Hebblewhite kept the visitors lead intact. With the exception of the two goals Alsager failed to muster a further goal scoring chance until the dyeing moments of the half, whilst Ashton’s dominance created opportunities running into double figures without the necessary composure being shown to reduce the deficit.

To add insult to injury Ashton’s first half misery was completed in the 44th minute as a long ball out of defence caught the Ashton back line square. As Matt Wooley broke through he was forced wide by the advancing Ashton keeper Fitzpatrick who then toed the ball away before colliding with Wooley in the process. A half hearted call for a foul from the visitors struck a chord with referee Johnson who pointed to the spot for a penalty, which Wooley himself converted.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with Ashton in the ascendency and 2 minutes after the restart a great Mike Burke header from a corner was cleared off the line. This was a short reprieve for the visitors as Burke was first to another Sherlock corner and this time he powered a header into the roof of the net to reduce the arrears in the 60th minute. Alsager were being pressed all over the field and rode their luck on several occasions, whilst also working tirelessly to close down Ashton’s options on the edge of their box.

In the 69th minute Ashton reduced the deficit further as a long range effort from Dave Sherlock found a way through a crowded box to nestle in the corner of the Alsager goal. Ashton poured forward for the equaliser but a smart break down the left by Alsager caught out the Ashton defence again and when the ball was cut back from the byline Matt Wooley pounced with an unstoppable shot from just inside the box into the top corner to complete the perfect counter attack in the 78th minute.

Ashton continued to press and in the last ten minutes further good openings failed to be converted by Ashton. In the closing minutes the intense Ashton pressure brought its reward as the referee spotted an infringement in the box during an Ashton corner, pointing to the spot for an Ashton penalty that was eventually converted by Jon Bathurst.

A disputed throw in then saw the referee brandish a straight red card to Ashton’s Adam Hallam for a misplaced comment, and despite the fact that far worse had gone before and after the incident, which the man in black chose to ignore. Further controversy involving the officials during stoppage time as substitute Richard Sharpe burst through the Alsager back line only to be dragged back by a defender. Clean through on goal Sharpe would have gone on to test the Alsager goalkeeper but the referee deemed that this was not an obvious goal scoring opportunity and chose to be lenient in this instance.

A more one sided match you could not have seen but Ashton were left ruing sloppy defending allowing the visitors to score 4 goals from just 5 goal scoring chances, whilst at the other end dominance of possession produced well in excess of 20 clear goal scoring chances returning just 3 goals, ratios that at both ends of the pitch must be significantly improved in the last few games of the season.

Athletic are in cup action on Tuesday night with a local Derby match against Ashton Town in the Atherton Charity Cup Semi final, 7.30pm Kick off. Then on Saturday a trip to New Mills to face the current League Leaders in the last game of the season, a game that could have a large bearing on the eventual league Champions. Ashton however will be keen to grab the three points to hold on to claim 6th place in the league which would be an excellent return for their first season at this level.

Ashton’s reserves maintained their excellent league form with a 3-2 win at Colne as a brace of goals from Carl Grimshaw and one from Kev Kynaston secured maximum points. They play their last league match of the season on Saturday against Chadderton before looking forward to the Reserve Division Cup final against the winners of the outstanding semi final between Atherton LR and Glossop North End, the date and venue for which will be announced this week.

Bathurst blast secures semi final place.

2009-04-23T10:52:00.002+01:00

Ashton Athletic 4 Bolton Lads Club 0
Atherton Charity Cup Qtr Final
Tuesday 21st April 2009

Ashton coasted through to the Atherton Charity Cup semi final on Tuesday night with a comfortable 4-0 win against Lancashire Amateur Leaguer’s Bolton Lads Club. A hat trick from Jon Bathurst and one from Paul Hynes was enough to secure the semi final birth. Athletic will now travel to neighbours Ashton Town next Tuesday 28th April for a 7.30pm kick off looking to make it through to the final in May and the chance to win the trophy for the third season in a row. Town will have other ideas and their much improved form in the last few months will test Athletic’s determination to the maximum.

Before that Ashton Athletic now prepare for their penultimate league match, and the last home game of the season when they face Alsager Town at Brocstedes Park on Saturday 25th April in a 3pm Kick off. With both teams pushing hard for a 6th place finish in the league a competitive encounter is anticipated.

END

First team falter in the League as Reserves make it to Reserve Division Cup Final as

2009-04-20T12:19:00.002+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 18th April 2009
Colne FC 3 Ashton Athletic FC 1

Ashton's inconsistent end to the season continued with an away defeat at Colne, a defeat made all the worse by the dismissal of defender Chris Lawton 5 minutes from time for a reckless tackle.

Ashton started slowly and fell behind in the 11th minute as Kieron Roberts beat several Ashton players to the ball in the midfield before releasing Andy Tinker down the left flank. Ashton keeper Clayton was quick to narrow the angle but the superb driven shot arrowed into the bottom corner, beyond Clayton’s reach.

Ashton came to life after the goal and restored parity 3 minutes later. A long ball from Clayton reached striker Jon Bathurst who was first to the bouncing ball heading over the advancing Colne keeper before sliding the ball into the unguarded net.

Unfortunately for Ashton the recovery was short lived as the defence went to sleep on a Colne corner allowing Tinker to grab his second with a close range finish in the 16th minute.

Ashton ploughed forward for the remainder of the half but half chances were not converted and the usually effective attacking set pieces were being repelled with ease by a determined home defence.

The second half saw Ashton very much in the ascendency as the search for a second equaliser of the match intensified, with Colne forced to defend deep and play on the counter attack. However this territorial advantage could not be converted into goals as several efforts from Jon Bathurst, Adam White Dave Sherlock and Neil Davies all failed to find the net, with Colne keeper James Kenyon a composed figure for the home side.

In the final 10 minutes Ashton threw caution to the wind in search of a goal with centre half Chris Lawton pushed forward to add further numbers to the attack. Despite increasing pressure it was however the home team that found the net with a clinical break that allowed substitute Liam Blades to take advantage of Ashton’s depleted defence to score from close range in the 83rd minute.

Ashton’s frustrations peaked as Chris Lawton was shown a red card for a high tackle moments after the Colne 3rd goal leaving Ashton to battle on for the rest of the game with ten men.

Despite the setback Ashton maintain their position in 6th place in the league with two games remaining and are in cup action on Tuesday night as Bolton Lads Club are the visitors to Brocstedes Park for an Atherton Charity Cup quarter final tie, 7.30pm KO. Then it is back to league action as Alsager Town are visitors to Brocstedes Park on Saturday 25th April 3pm KO.

Ashton’s reserve team were celebrating however as they won through to the Reserve Division Cup final with a fine semi final extra time win over New Mills Reserves. A Phil Williams 95th minute strike proved the difference between the sides but the team must wait a while to find out their opponents, as weather affected earlier rounds have yet to be concluded. On Monday evening the Ashton Reserves make the short trip to Atherton Collieries for a league match, 7.45pm KO

Mixed Easter weekend for Ashton

2009-04-14T11:05:00.003+01:00

Vodkat Premier Division
Saturday 11th April 2009 Ashton Athletic 1 Atherton Collieries 2
Monday 13th April 2009 Silsden AFC 0 Ashton Athletic 2

Ashton produced arguably the worst performance of the season on Saturday, losing at home to basement Club Atherton Collieries, before producing one of their best 90 minutes at Silsden on Easter Monday.
Fighting relegation, Collieries commitment outweighed Ashton’s below par endeavours on the day as goals from Rick Ratcliffe after 35 minutes and then a Troy Hayder goal midway through the second half punished slack defending by Ashton. A late rally by Ashton was not enough with a Neil Davies penalty mere consolation 4 minutes from time.
Match photos are available to view and purchase at http://www.celebritypixuk.co.uk/photo2391790.html#photo

On Easter Monday, Athletic then bounced back in style on their travels again as Jon Bathurst gave Ashton the lead with a close range finish in the 21st minutes, after a great run and cross by Gaz Peet. Although Ashton had the best of the possession Silsden had several chances to get back into the game but debutant keeper Phil Pantlin, a late change after Lee Novak was injured in the warm up, stood his ground to deny the home side.
Ashton’s dominance continued in the second half with a Neil Davies effort cleared off the line and a Simon Gallanders long range effort well saved by Silsden’s keeper Danny Thorpe representing Ashton best of several chances early in the half. Then with 15 minutes left a speculative through ball found Richard Sharpe clear on goal and Ashton’s speedy striker won the race for the ball to head over the advancing keeper Thorpe..
The win at Silsden consolidates Ashton 6th league spot, with 3 league games remaining in a challenging season. Next up for Ashton is an away match At Colne FC on Saturday 18th June 3pm Kick off.
Meanwhile after being held to a 2-2 draw at Daisy Hill last weekend Ashton’s reserves look forward to a league match at Atherton Lr on Tuesday 14th April 7.45pm KO and then a Cup Semi final on Saturday when they face New Mills FC at home at 3pm.

Sherlock screamer scuppers Silsden

2009-04-14T11:04:00.000+01:00

Ashton Athletic 2 Silsden AFC 1
Vodkat Premier Division
Tuesday 7th April 2009
Ashton posted a 3rd league win in a row on Tuesday night with a terrific 2-1 win against Silsden AFC, the highlight being a 25 yard strike from Dave Sherlock.

In a high pace high quality first half Sherlock struck after 12 minutes when receiving the ball in the centre of the park he put his foot on the ball looked up and powered a shot over Silsden keeper Danny Thorpe into the top corner.

End to end flowing football from both sides had the defences working overtime and it was Ashton that created the clearer chances as Jon Bathurst first had an opportunity in the 15th minute, but he miscued his shot from 12 yards out, and then 5 minutes later put a header inches wide after a superb cross from Simon Gallanders.

On the counter attack Silsden’s Lee Reilly had a sight on goal latching on to a through ball but he dragged his shot wide before a long range effort by Luke Richardson forced Ashton keeper Alan Fitzpatrick into a save.

Sherlock was in the thick of the action looking to improve his tally of 4 goals in 4 games and tested keeper Thorpe in the 30th minute but this time he was up to the challenge and held on to the effort.

As half time approached a defence splitting ball from Neil Davies found Bathurst in behind the Silsden defence but a Thorpe came out his attempted toe poke was read by the keeper who gathered safely.

The second half continued at high tempo as Silsden fought to get back in the game and skipper Martin Packer broke through but his shot was placed wide. Then in the 50th minute Ashton crushed Silsden’s determination when Richard Sharpe pounced onto a mistake by Thorpe to head into an empty net from 6 yards.

With a cup semi final on the horizon for Silsden at the weekend the second goal diluted their enthusiasm for the fight and with the exception of a few long range efforts, dealt with in composed fashion by Ashton keeper Fitzpatrick, failed to seriously threaten the Ashton goal until the last minute of the game.

A head injury to Alan Fitzpatrick in the 89th minute clearly affected the judgement of the Ashton keeper moments later as he tried to come to collect a hopeful free kick into the box at the death. However with bodies in the way he missed his catch and the ball dropped to Lee Reilly who shot toward goal from 14 yards out. Cover defender Chris Lawton attempted to clear the ball off the line but only assisted the ball’s passage over the line for a consolation goal for the visitors.

The win consolidates Ashton’s position in 6th place and now look forward to a home match on Saturday against Atherton Collieries, followed by a game on Easter Monday at Silsden both are 3pm KO.

The previous night an Ashton second string crashed out of the Wigan Cup at the Quarter final stage, deservedly beaten 3-0 by a spirited and hard working Standish St Wilfrids side.

The Ashton reserves are on their travels in the next two matches and face Daisy Hill this Saturday, 3pm KO and then go to Atherton LR Reserves on Tuesday 14th April for a 7.45pm ko.