Ashton Athletic produced a stunning performance under the Crilly Park floodlights, thrashing league leaders Atherton Laburnum Rovers 6-0 in a statement win to secure their place in the next round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

The Yellows dominated from the outset, asserting their control over possession and showing clinical precision in the final third. Dek Hill opened the scoring midway through the first half, latching onto a long ball from Nathan Whalley. With Joe White involved in the buildup, Hill slotted home to give Ashton a deserved lead.

The second half saw Ashton shift into another gear. Jack Smith doubled the lead early on, capitalizing on a rebound from a Manny Ujahchuku effort. Ujahchuku then got in on the action, scoring his first goal for Ashton to rapturous celebrations from teammates and fans.

Smith was unstoppable, completing a brilliant hat trick, including a thunderous strike from the edge of the box – the highlight of the night. Nathan Beca rounded off the scoring with a great take and composed finish, sealing an emphatic victory.

Defensively, Ashton were rock solid, with Joe Beswick making key saves and the backline of Joe White, Kingston David, Nathan Whalley, and Calum Wilson snuffing out any danger. Youngsters Dan Forrester and Pierce Ryan impressed off the bench, showing promise for the future.

Atherton, fielding a weakened side with seven changes, struggled to match Ashton’s intensity. Despite this, nothing should be taken away from the visitors, who delivered a complete team performance.

Jack Smith deservedly earned *Player of the Match* honours, spearheading a relentless display that will give Ashton plenty of momentum moving forward.

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Nathan Whalley
3 Kingston David
4 Calum Wilson
5 Joe White
6 Niall Partridge
7 Jamie Nicholson
8 Jack Smith
9 Deklan Hill
10 Emmanuel Ujahchuku
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Nathan Beca, Benjamin Mullarkey, Conal Larkin, Pierce Ryan, Daniel Forrester

Media and Photographs: Nic Cain
Match Report: Nic Cain and Chris Picton

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
30/11/24 Maghull (A) 15:00
07/12/24 Holker Old Boys (H) 15:00
14/12/24 Thornton Cleveleys (H) 15:00
26/12/24 Atherton LR (A) 15:00
28/12/24 Euxton Villa (A) 15:00

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Match Preview: Lancashire Challenge Trophy, 2nd Round.

Ashton Athletic make the short trip to Crilly Park this Tuesday evening to face a formidable Atherton Laburnum Rovers side in the 2nd Round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

Atherton L.R. have been in scintillating form this season, currently sitting top of the league. Their dominance was on full display on Saturday as they dismantled Garstang with an emphatic 4-0 victory. The only blemish on their otherwise impeccable recent record was a hard-fought 1-1 draw against local rivals Ashton Town, further highlighting their consistency.

Ashton Athletic, by contrast, have faced some struggles in recent weeks, but they will take confidence from their impressive 3-1 victory over AFC Liverpool in the Macron Cup. That performance showcased the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and trouble higher-league opposition. If the Yellows can replicate that level of intensity and precision, fans could be in for a thrilling cup tie under the lights.

It promises to be an exciting evening of football at Crilly Park, with Ashton Athletic eager to rediscover their best form and Rovers determined to maintain their momentum. Don’t miss the action – kick-off is at 19:45!

Ground: Crilly Park
Address: Spa Road, Atherton, Greater Manchester
Postcode: M46 9XG
Telephone: 01942 878715