Both sides came into the game desperate for their first win of the new year. The first half was far from a classic as the teams struggled to find a rhythm. Ashton looked to play out from the back, but the uneven surface made life difficult at times, leading to some nervy moments in possession.
Garstang, currently 14 points adrift of safety, made a dream start, breaking the deadlock in the 8th minute when Bajraliu capitalised to fire the visitors ahead.

Despite their struggles, The Yellows found a way back into the game just before the break. In the 44th minute, a well-worked move saw striker Dek Hill slot home, ensuring Ashton went into the interval level at 1-1.

Second Half: Late Drama Unfolds
The second half continued in a similar vein, with neither side able to gain full control. Ashton's young midfield played well against the more experienced opposition and Niall Partridge stood out, working hard for the team, with and without the ball. But it wasn’t until the 70th minute that the game truly came to life.

Ashton took the lead when a ball played into the Garstang box confused the visiting defence. Showing great strength, Hill held two defenders at bay and deftly flicked the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

With momentum in their favour, Ashton looked to be in control but Garstang applied pressure and forced a corner, which was swung to the back post, nodded back across goal, and inadvertently turned into the net by an Ashton defender—an unfortunate own goal bringing the visitors level once again.

However, the drama was far from over. In the 80th minute, Ashton hit back on the counter-attack. With a great run and assist from Emmanuel Ujahchuku, beating a number of defenders he played the ball into Hill inside the box, and the in-form striker made no mistake, clinically finishing to complete his hat-trick and restore The Yellows' lead at 3-2.

As the clock ticked down, Garstang threw everything forward, coming close with a late effort that flashed just wide after a well-delivered free kick. But the real heartbreak for Ashton came deep into stoppage time. In the 96th minute, a last-gasp Garstang free kick caused chaos in the box, with several failed clearances allowing No.9 Squires to pounce and drill home the equaliser in the 96th minute, literally the last kick of the game.

Final Thoughts
A draw may have seemed a fair result to the opposition, but Ashton will be bitterly disappointed to have let a lead slip so late on. With no team dominating proceedings, both sides will see this as a missed opportunity to claim a long-awaited victory.

Final Score: Ashton Athletic 3-3 Garstang
Scorers:
Ashton Athletic: Deklan Hill (44', 70', 80')
Garstang: Bajraliu (8'), Own Goal (74'), Squires (90+6')

Opposition's Player of the Match: Dek Hill.
X Poll Player of the Match: Niall Partridge.

Attendance: 62

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

Substitutes: Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Ethan Pearce, Joseph Mwaslle, Luke Crompton, Kingston David.

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
15/02/25 Nelson (H) 14:00
22/02/25 Holker Old Boys (H) 15:00
01/03/25 Maine Road (A) 15:00
08/03/25 Bacup Borough (H) 15:00
22/03/25 Droylsden (H) 15:00

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Match Preview: North West Counties Division One North | Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 14:00 Kick-Off | Brocstedes Park.

Today's Matchday Programme is available HERE

This Saturday, Brocstedes Park plays host to a crucial clash as two struggling sides go head-to-head in search of a much-needed three points. Both Ashton Athletic and Garstang have endured a tough spell of late, failing to pick up a victory in their last six outings, and they will be desperate to turn their fortunes around as the season enters its final stretch.

Current Form & League Standings
Garstang find themselves in deep trouble at the wrong end of the table, sitting 17th with just 12 points from 25 matches. They are currently 14 points adrift of safety, and with games running out, every fixture is now a must-win if they are to have any chance of avoiding the drop.

Meanwhile, Ashton Athletic are in a more comfortable position but have also struggled to build momentum. Sitting 10th with 34 points from 24 games, The Yellows need to find consistency if they are to push towards the playoff spots. Last weekend’s disappointing 4-2 home defeat to Thornton Cleveleys was a major setback, and manager Jay Foulds will be demanding a reaction from his players.

What to Expect
With both sides desperate to end their winless streaks, expect an intense and competitive encounter. With the weather forecast looking favourable—dry conditions and early mist clearing by midday—there should be no obstacles to a full-blooded contest at Brocstedes Park.

Support the Yellows
Kick-off is at 2:00 pm, and with Ashton eager to get back on track, your support could make all the difference. Let’s get behind the lads and hope for a strong performance and a much-needed three points!

Come on you Yellows!