Saturday’s trip to Wombwell Town will be one Ashton Athletic fans won’t soon forget, and not just for the football. A coach breakdown on the way to Barnsley caused a two-hour delay, meaning the team arrived just minutes before the scheduled 3 pm kick-off. The start was pushed back to 3:30 pm, far from ideal preparation for such a crucial FA Vase fixture.

Once underway, it quickly became clear just how tough a challenge Wombwell Town would pose. The hosts, top of the Northern Counties East Division One, played direct football with the imposing presence of their 39-year-old target man proving a constant threat. Their left-back's long throws were like set pieces in themselves, causing chaos in the Ashton box whenever the ball went out of play.

Despite relentless pressure, Ashton’s goalkeeper Joe Beswick was superb, pulling off a stunning triple save in the first half—undoubtedly one of the highlights of the season so far.

However, Wombwell’s style ultimately paid off, as goals from Jordan Kershaw and Edward Agnew saw them cruise to a 3-0 win. Ashton fought hard and created chances, but the hosts' defensive strength and effective tactics were too much to overcome.

Ashton now shifts focus to their league campaign with a home game against AFC Blackpool next Saturday.

Man of the Match - Joe Beswick

Ashton Athletic Starting Xl

1. Joe Beswick
2. Kingston David
3. Ethan Pearce
4. Calum Wilson
5. Joe White
6. Niall Partridge
7. Joshua High
8. Jack Smith
9. Deklan Hill
10. Josh Nicholson (C)
11. Emmanuel Ujahvhuku

Substitutes: Daniel Hutchine, Jamie Nicholson, Ben Glendon, Nathan Beca, Reece Carrington.

Attendance 134

Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Follow Ashton Athletic:
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Instagram: @ashtonathletic_fc
Facebook: Ashton Athletic FC

Ashton Athletic - Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
28/09/24 AFC Blackpool (H) 15:00
04/10/24 Ashton Town (A) 19:45
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

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Match Preview: FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

This Saturday, Ashton Athletic make the journey across the Pennines to Barnsley, where they face high-flying Wombwell Town in the FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round.

It’s sure to be a stern test for Ashton, as Wombwell Town are in superb form. The hosts are currently unbeaten in the Northern Counties East Division One, sitting top of the table with seven wins and two draws to their name. Their league dominance makes them a formidable opponent and a genuine threat to Ashton's progress in the FA Vase.

However, Ashton Athletic are no strangers to excellent form themselves. After a gutsy 2-1 victory away at league leaders Nelson last Saturday, the Yellows will arrive in Yorkshire full of confidence, having secured five wins from their last six games. The momentum is firmly with them as they look to carry their league success into cup competition.

This promises to be a classic East vs West showdown, with both sides determined to book their place in the next round. For those making the trip to Wombwell, an exciting afternoon of football awaits at The Recreation Ground.

Kick-off is at 3 PM—see you there!

Wombwell History
Wombwell Town Football Club was formed in 2018 when former Barnsley players Karl Rose and Doug O'Connor teamed up to create a new club to provide amateur football for adults in the area. The club play at the Recreation Ground on Station Road, known for its go-kart track. In just five years, and with Covid causing delays, the club has grown from a first training session with four players to a double title winning First Team, three promotions and a thriving entity within the community.

Address:
Wombwell Recreation Ground
Station Road
Wombwell
Barnsley
S73 0BJ

NCEL Prices 24/25 season:
Adults - £5
Concessions (Over 65) - £3
Under 16s - Free
Matchday Programme - £2