On a bitterly cold afternoon at the DT Hughes Community Stadium, Ashton Athletic bowed out of the Macron Cup in the third round following a tough 4-1 defeat to Maghull. This marked the second meeting between the two sides in as many weeks, and much like their previous clash, it was Maghull's explosive start that ultimately sealed Ashton's fate.

Maghull struck three times in a devastating eight-minute spell during the first half, leaving Ashton with a mountain to climb. Despite the early setback, *The Yellows* showed glimpses of resilience and clawed a goal back in the 31st minute. Emmanuel Ujahchuku was brought down in the box, and he calmly converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

The next goal was always going to be pivotal, and unfortunately for Ashton, it came from Maghull just minutes into the second half. Despite introducing substitutes who brought energy and determination, Ashton struggled to find the cutting edge needed to stage a comeback.

It must be noted that injuries and suspensions forced Ashton into playing several players out of position, which further compounded their struggles. Ultimately, Maghull were the sharper side on the day and deserved their place in the next round.

Ashton will now shift their focus back to league action, with a crucial away trip to Atherton LR on the horizon. Hopefully, a full-strength squad will provide the boost needed to reignite their promotion push. As always, your support will be vital in the coming weeks.

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Key Moments:
1st Half Blitz: Maghull's three goals in eight minutes set the tone.
Penalty Precision: Ujahchuku's confident spot-kick gave Ashton a glimmer of hope.
Second-Half Blow: Maghull’s early goal after the restart dashed any chances of a comeback.

Next Fixture:Atherton LR (A) – Let’s back the team in their pursuit of promotion!

Starting XI
1 Joe Beswick
2 Conal Larkin
3 Nathan Whalley
4 Benjamin Mullarkey
5 Calum Wilson
6 Niall Partridge
7 Joshua High
8 Jack Smith
9 Deklan Hill
10 Emmanuel Ujahchuku
11 Nathan Beca

Substitutes: Luke Crompton, Oscar Rothwell, Harrison Colton, Jason Foulds
Attendance 92

All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Five Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
26/12/24 Atherton LR (A) 15:00
28/12/24 Euxton Villa (A) 15:00
04/01/25 Garstang (H) 15:00
11/01/25 Bacup Borough (H) 15:00
14/01/25 Padiham (A) 19:45

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Match Preview: Macron Cup – 3rd Round
Saturday, December 14th, 15:00 Kick-Off – DT Hughes Community Stadium

Ashton Athletic make the short journey down the M58 this Saturday to face Maghull in the third round of the Macron Cup. Just a fortnight ago, these two sides faced off at the very same venue in a league encounter, with Maghull edging a narrow 2-1 victory.

That game could easily have swung Ashton’s way. Despite conceding twice in quick succession early on, Ashton Athletic dominated large spells of the match. The second half saw a significant improvement, with key contributions from captain Josh Nicholson, defensive stalwarts Conal Larkin and Cal Wilson, and the lively Nathan Beca, who set up Josh High for a deserved goal. Lessons have surely been learned, and if Ashton can start stronger, they’ll be confident of progressing in this competition.

Both sides are coming off a weather-enforced break after last weekend’s fixtures were postponed due to Storm Darragh. With fresh legs and a clear focus, Ashton will be looking to deliver a fast-paced, clinical performance in what promises to be another fiercely contested cup tie.

Fans can expect an exciting afternoon of football at the DT Hughes Community Stadium. Let’s hope The Yellows can turn their recent promise into progression. See you there!

A Note to Fans
Kick-off is at 3 pm – bring your flags and loudest support as we aim to advance in the Macron Cup!

Ground: DT Hughes Community Stadium
Address: Old Hall Field, Tommy Gent Way, Hall Lane, Maghull, Liverpool
Postcode: L31 3DY
Telephone: 07974 423 197