On a chilly October evening, over 400 fans braved the cold to witness the Ashton derby under the Barton Stadium floodlights. The Yellows faithful left delighted, as Ashton Athletic cruised to a 3-0 victory over their crosstown rivals, Ashton Town. This marks the second derby triumph for Athletic in as many months, solidifying their position in the playoff spots.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that Athletic meant business. Though Town started brightly, they lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Athletic backline. The freshly mown pitch played to the advantage of the visitors, who controlled the first half. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Josh High skipped past two defenders on the left flank and laid the ball off to Jack Smith, who's powerful strike, possibly deflected, found the back of the net.

Just three minutes later, Athletic doubled their lead. A flowing move saw Jamie Nicholson release High, who calmly teed up Dek Hill to slot home his first goal of the night. Town, stunned but determined, fought valiantly until half-time, but the damage had been done.

The second half saw Town apply pressure, but Athletic's defence, and tireless midfielders Zach Conway and Jack Smith, held firm. When Town earned a penalty from a handball, goalkeeper Joe Beswick denied them with a superb save, cementing his 3rd Man of the Match performance in as many games. Late on, a swift counterattack saw captain Josh Nicholson feed Nathan Beca, whose selfless pass allowed Hill to tap in his second of the game, sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory for Athletic.

The result propels Ashton Athletic into 5th place, as they continue their push for promotion. Town, meanwhile, will need to regroup after another tough derby defeat.

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**Final Score:** Ashton Athletic 3-0 Ashton Town

**Scorers:** Jack Smith (23'), Dek Hill (26', 67')

**Man of the Match:** Joe Beswick

This impressive victory lands the Yellows firmly in the playoff hunt, adding to their growing momentum this season.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Conal Larkin
3 Nathan Whalley
4 Calum Wilson
5 Joe White
6 Zach Conway
7 Joshua High
8 Jack Smith
9 Deklan Hill
10 Joshua Nicholson
11 Jamie Nicholson

Substitutes: Nathan Beca, Niall Partridge, Kingston David, Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Ethan Pearce.
Attendance 405

Yellows Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
07/10/24 Route One Rovers (A) 20:00
12/10/24 Skelmersdale United (H) 15:00
19/10/24 Maine Road (H) 15:00
25/10/24 Daisy Hill (A) 19:45
02/11/24 Garstang (A) 15:00

Don't forget Ashton Athletic U21's are at home this Sunday 6th Oct against in-form Charnock Richard with a 12 noon kick-off, why not come along to Brocstedes Park and support the young Yellows.

Media and Photographs by Nic Cain

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North Derby Showdown

This Friday night, the Barton Stadium will play host to one of the most eagerly anticipated local derbies in the North West Counties Division One North, as Ashton Town take on Ashton Athletic under the floodlights at 19:45. With both sides hungry for points, this clash promises to be an enthralling encounter.

Ashton Athletic are in scintillating form, having won their last six league games, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Town in August. That day, goals from Nathan Beca, Josh High, and Dek Hill secured the win for the Yellows, who now sit 2nd in the form table and 6th in the league—just one point outside the play-off places.

Ashton Town, currently 12th in the standings, have experienced mixed fortunes of late. Their last six outings have seen two wins, two draws, and two losses. However, Town can take confidence from their recent 2-2 draw against former league leaders Nelson, a result that showcased their resilience against tough opposition.

With a strong turnout expected, and over 300 fans attending the reverse fixture at Brocstedes Park, the atmosphere under the Barton Stadium lights is sure to be electric. Ashton Town will be fighting to climb the table and avoid being pulled into a relegation battle, while Ashton Athletic will be looking to further cement their play-off ambitions. Expect a fiercely contested affair with no love lost between these local rivals.

Don’t miss what promises to be a thrilling night of non-league football!

Ground: The Bartons Group Stadium
Address: Edge Green Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan,
Postcode: WN4 8SL
Telephone: 01942 949303