Hurst Cross, home of Ashton United based in Greater Manchester and play their trade in Step 3 of the Non League Pyramid in the Northern Premier League. Nicknamed the “Robins” and play in Red & White which happens to be a recurring theme with clubs who play in those colours…
Another Tuesday another game and tonight it’s going to be Ashton United vs Stafford Rangers! A few postponements thanks to the wet weather but we thankfully have a game and it’s one of the Mike Bayly 100!
So it’s across the Pennines… Note to self: do NOT drive over the peak district when it’s foggy! But here I am outside the ground with about 15 minutes to kick off. £12 to get in here… Oooooh… Out come the teams! Bring on the goals!
Kick Off! A slow start to the game so far… *TUMBLEWEED* “Ally Ally Ally OH! AUFC! WE’RE THE RED ARMY!” They have a fan base!
24 minutes in and Ashton pounce on the loose ball, it’s played through in the box and he’ll get there first… It’s wide! Could he have squared it? His team mate certainly thinks so!
4 minutes later and Stafford have it on the edge of the Ashton box, it falls for Simon Njaria and he goes for the volley… And he finds the bottom corner!! Great finish! Stafford lead here! 0-1!
32 minutes now and can Ashton respond, they have it on the left, a well worked move here and Gilchrist goes for the near post… Save!
2 minutes later and here come Ashton again, Gilchrist shoots from the edge of the box… Saved and here’s the rebound… Brilliant block! Corner, in it comes… Cleared.
Ashton are really pressing Stafford here but at half time amazingly it is still 1-0 to Stafford.
Second half, Ashton continue to press as they did to end the first half. Great to meet Jeremy the club photographer here tonight!
64th minute and Ashton come again, Nathan Lowe gets onto it into the box and he goes for goal… BANG!! ASHTON ARE LEVEL!!! Brilliant strike! 1-1! The fans are happy now!
75 minutes now and Ashton are looking to win it, Jake Charles has it on the edge of the box and he shoots… Keeper parries it… IT’S THERE! Hardy is there to finish it off and Ashton lead here! 2-1!
Ashton continue to press and they withstand some Stafford pressure… But they hold out for the win!
FT: Ashton United 2-1 Stafford Rangers
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 7/10 – Love little fanbases like these! Not deafening or constant but were proud and creating a positive vibe here tonight!
- The Ground: 10/10 – Love it! Proper old school! Standing terraces, stands at each side and the Crossbar is a lovely bar! Great ground!
- Expense: 8/10 – £12 is a bit steep at this level…
- Overall Experience: 9/10 – Just missing a bit more in the game tonight sadly…
34/40
Good to finally meet you too Jake, seen your Turnstile reports for quite some time. BTW, I’d just driven from Surrey for the game, not been home to collect my camera – which is why I was able to catch up with you.
Great to meet you too mate! Hope to see you again soon!