A bumper crowd turned out at Brocstedes Park on Non-League Day as Ashton Athletic welcomed high-flying Droylsden in what was always set to be a tough test for The Yellows. The atmosphere was electric, and both teams responded with a competitive and high-intensity opening 20 minutes.

Despite a solid start from Ashton, the visitors showed their quality and took the lead in the 23rd minute straight from a corner. The hosts remained resilient, with on-loan goalkeeper Mike Shorthouse making several crucial saves to keep the deficit at just one heading into the break.

However, any hopes of an Ashton fightback were quickly dashed when Droylsden doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. From that moment, the visitors grew in confidence, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Midfielder Caelan Kilheeney was instrumental in their dominance, and his performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Ashton continued to battle and had some promising spells of play, but the well-drilled Droylsden defence remained firm. The visitors extended their lead in the 73rd minute, all but sealing the result. A late penalty, awarded in controversial fashion, saw Droylsden add a fourth to round off a commanding performance.

While the final scoreline was disappointing, there were still positives for Ashton to take from the game, including another strong display from full-back Conal Larkin, who was The Yellows’ standout performer on the day.

With this fixture behind them, Ashton Athletic now turn their attention to their next challenge—an away trip to Darwen on Wednesday, April 2nd, where they’ll be looking to bounce back and return to winning ways.

COYY!

1 Michael Shorthouse
2 Conal Larkin
3 Ethan Pearce
4 Joe White
5 Calum Wilson
6 Niall Partridge
7 Jack Smith
8 Zach Conway
9 Deklan Hill
10 Nathan Beca
11 Joshua Nicholson

Substitutes: Emmanuel Ujahchuku, Jamie Nicholson, Charlie Brown, Oscar Rothwell, Zakaria Ouaal

Attendance 220

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All Photographs and Media by Nic Cain

Next Matches:
Date Opponent K.O.
02/04/25 Darwen FC (A) 19:45
05/04/25 Route One Rovers (H) 15:00
12/04/25 Euxton Villa (H) 15:00

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Big Game at Brocstedes Park for National Non-League Day – Ashton Athletic vs Droylsden

Today's Match Day Programme can be view HERE

This Saturday, March 22nd, football fans across the country will come together to celebrate National Non-League Day, and there’s no better place to be than Brocstedes Park, where Ashton Athletic take on Droylsden in what promises to be a thrilling North West Counties Division One North clash!

Non-League Day is all about supporting grassroots football, and we’re going all out to make this a special occasion for our fantastic supporters—both old and new. So, if you're a football fan looking for an affordable, exciting afternoon of live action, look no further than The Yellows!

The Match: Ashton Athletic vs Droylsden (3 PM Kick-Off)
Ashton Athletic are on a solid run of form and will be looking to continue their momentum against a strong Droylsden side. With both teams battling for points to push up the table, expect a fiercely competitive game full of passion, skill, and drama—the kind of football that makes non-league so special!

National Non-League Day – More Than Just a Game!
We’re making sure this is more than just a football match—it’s a full **community event** with plenty going on throughout the day to give you the ultimate **non-league experience**.

Special Offers & Attractions:
✅ Happy Hour (1–2 PM) – Reduced drink prices at the bar. Get down early, grab a pint, and soak up the matchday atmosphere!
✅ Special Non-League Bundle – Just £14! (Concession price: £11) – Includes entry, a burger, a pint, and a raffle ticket. The best deal in town!
✅ Standard Entry Prices – Adults £6 | Concessions £4 | Kids FREE – Making it a brilliantly affordable day out for the whole family!
✅ Post-Match Junior Game (5 PM Kick-Off) – The action doesn’t stop at full-time! After the first-team match, Ashton Athletic U13s take on Billinge U13s on the main pitch. Support the future stars of non-league football!
✅ Bouncy Castle for the Kids! – We’ve got fun for the little ones too! A bouncy castle will be set up, making sure the young fans are entertained while the adults enjoy the action on the pitch.

Why You Should Be Here!
Non-League Day is a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to enjoy top-quality football at grassroots level while supporting a community-focused club that thrives on passion, dedication, and the love of the game.

With Wigan Athletic playing away, why not swap the usual Saturday routine and experience the raw excitement of non-league football? Whether you're a lifelong Yellows fan, a neutral, or just curious to see what it’s all about—this is the perfect chance to get involved!

So, bring your mates, your family, and your voice—let’s make Brocstedes Park the place to be this Saturday!

Date: Saturday, March 22nd
⏰ Kick-Off: 3 PM (First Team), 5 PM (Junior Game)
Venue: Brocstedes Park, Ashton-in-Makerfield
Come On You Yellows! ⚽