Ashton Athletic v Mossley AFC

The Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Ashton Athletic v Mossley AFC Saturday 3rd September 2016 KO 15:00

£2.00 Www.AshtonAthletic.co.uk @AshtonAthletic www.facebook.com/ AshtonAthletic

Ashton Athletic

Year Formed: 1968 Club President: Jimmy Witherington Club Chairman: Jimmy Whyte Club Secretary: John “Taffy” Roberts Club Tresurer: Brad Reid Groundsman: Ben Kay First Team Managers : Jay Foulds, Dougie Pitts & Ben Kay Coaches: Darren Mullen, Phil Taylor Physio: Alison Houghton Under 18’s Manager: Brad Reid & Brian Reid Programme Editor/Photographer: Pete Barton Ground: Brocstedes Park Address: Brocstedes Road, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 0NR

Telephone: 01942 716360 Website: www.ashtonathletic.co.uk Twitter: @AshtonAthletic Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshtonAthletic The Entity: Unincorperated Members Club Midweek Home Games: Tuesday Registered Outfield Colours: Yellow Shirts, Blue Shorts & Socks

Registered Goalkeeping Colours: Green Shirt, Shorts & Socks Alternative Colours: Blue shirts, Blue Shorts & Socks Highest Attendance: 202 (v 1874 Northwich 14/2/15) County Affiliation: Lancashire FA Honours: Atherton Charity Cup: Winners: 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09 NWCFL Challenge Cup: Winners: 2013/14

Wigan Cup: Winners: 2014/15

Manager’s Message

Welcome to the players, management, committee members and supporters of Mossley F.C. We hope you enjoy your visit to Brocstedes and are well looked after. Today's game sees our first encounter in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup and we hope it can be a day to remember for all.

We continue to be struck by injuries and today is no different.

Club captain, Paul Watson, is nursing a hamstring injury and is a major doubt for this afternoons game along with: Ross Shepard (groin injury) and Luke Holden (ankle). All three are a massive doubts for this afternoon's game and will be missed should they not pass fitness tests. On a brighter note we welcome back Adam Gilchrist and Adam Howard who both return from holiday.

A huge thank you for all who have attended today's game. We are slowly gaining a bigger folMossley will be a great test for lowing and hopefully you can get our lads today and hopefully we behind the lads today in what is will be able to raise our game a historic day for the club against higher league opposition. They have a great history We hope you enjoy the game and we are under no illusions game and continue to support that today will be an incredibly the club on and off the field hard ask but we believe if the lads perform we can give a good The future's bright, the future's yellow. account of ourselves.

The Management Trio (Jay, Ben We have put a great run of per- and Dougie) formance together. Firstly, in both games against Worksop Town in the previous round, in the second half again Hanley Town on Saturday and for long spells of the game against Padiham on Wednesday night. We are undefeated in four games so should take that confidence forward into today's game.

Club history

Ashton Athletic Football Club was founded in 1968 and playing in the Wigan Sunday League – winning every Division in consecutive seasons and many cup competitions before switching to the Warrington League on Saturdays where similar success was sustained.

The Club developed Brocstedes Park and was admitted to the Lancashire Combination, before becoming a founder member of the North West Counties League when the Combination merged with the Cheshire league in 1982. Unfortunately financial constraints prevented the required ground improvements to be completed, and the Club was relegated into the Manchester league Division One in 1986.

The drop of two leagues resulted in the majority of the playing staff moving to other club's and for numerous years the club endeavored to re-build. Players came and went, lacking the Club loyalty that had brought success to the Club in the 1970's and early 80's until the Committee embraced an ambitious youth development policy in 1999.

The 2008/2009 season also sees a further progression of the Club, having been promoted to the Premier Division of the Vodkat North West Counties League. We will again take to the national stage, having been accepted in the FA Cup competition after last season’s debut in the FA Vase which proved very lucrative for the Club, progressing through 3 stages and beating 2 teams from higher leagues in the process. Last season also saw cup success for the Club retaining the Atherton Charity Cup at the end of the season.

A new vision for the Club is under discussion to further develop the Club and these will include plans for improvements to the access road, new junior changing rooms, and additional playing fields for the junior section and a proposed girls/Ladies section. The main ground is also scheduled for enhancement works with additional covered spectator areas.

The Club is a voluntary organisation run by a Committee of 14 alongside approximately 25 coaches and managers. Any money raised by the Club has been ploughed back into improving the facilities and developing the youth section.

The Club now has a total membership of more than 400. We have 9 junior teams consisting of approximately 160 children The Club is now at the end of a ten-year who take advantage of the improvement of development plan to enhance its recreation- our ow excellent facilities, whilst hundreds al facilities and expand the Club, in particuof children and adults from opposition lar its junior section. Eight years ago the teams also benefit from the continually Club had two teams, 50 members, one me- improving facilities. diocre pitch with dilapidated clubhouse and In addition to the 2 open age teams occasional run outs for the veteran's team, changing rooms. providing a further 20 members, the highlight being the now annual Challenge match Since then the Club members have worked against the Past Players of Wigan Athletic tirelessly to progress the Club within its FC. means, and with some help from external grant sources. Assistance from the Football foundation, Awards for All programme, and The Club is keen to maintain the pace of Wigan Council enabled a series of improve- development of the club and future plans ments to be completed. The main pitch was will enable increased activity at the Club, re-drained, a second pitch acquired/ additional Junior teams and a much safer improved, new changing rooms and Cluband secure environment in particular for house built, disabled access provided and spectators and Children. other improvements made to the grounds.

The Club is also committed and positively working towards an application to the FA for More recently the ground has been brought Charter Standard, and an intensive Coach Education Programme is well under way up to the necessary Ground Grading for reentry into the NWCFL, in time for the start of the 2006/7 season and further improvements have provided additional seating.

Today’s Opponents

the next three seasons.

Mossley were formed in 1903 as Park Villa, initially competing in local competitions but, after just one season the club's name was changed to Mossley Juniors. In 1909 they became Mossley AFC and moved to their present ground Seel Park in 1912 from their previous site at Luzley.

With influential manager Bob Murphy at the helm the club also saw it's greatest moment. May 1980 saw the Lilywhites at Wembley in the Final of the F.A.Challenge Trophy.

The early years of Mossley AFC were spent in the Ashton & District League culminating in a superb season in 1914-15 when Mossley won the League, Manchester Junior Cup and the Lady Aitken Cup, progressing to the South East Lancs League in 1915, the Manchester Amateur League in 1916 and the Lancashire Combination in 1918.

After defeating supposedly bigger clubs like Altrincham, Blyth Spartans and Boston United on the way, Mossley unluckily lost 2-1 in the final to Dagenham, their first defeat in 31 games.

In 1919 Mossley became founder members of the Cheshire County League, finishing runners up in the first season in both League and League Cup, returning to win the League Cup the following season beating Sandbach Ramblers in the final.

Apart from many successes in the Ashton Challenge Cup and various Manchester Cup wins Mossley had many lean years in the League, rarely finishing in the top half of the table, although, in 1961 they won the Cheshire League Cup for only the second time when they beat a strong Tranmere Rovers Reserve side 6-3 at Hyde United's ground under the guidance of former Blackburn Rovers star Eddie Quigley.

Mossley's most successful season in their Cheshire League days was in 1969-70 when Don Wilson's side finished runners-up in the League, reached the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in 20 years, losing narrowly in a replay to Stockport County and, made it to the quarter finals of the inaugural F.A. Challenge Trophy going out to then Southern League giants Barnet.

After more than fifty years in the Cheshire League, the Lilywhites were elected to the Northern Premier League in 1972.

During the late 70's, Mossley grew into a formidable force in non-league football. They won successive League titles in 1978-79 and 1979-80 and finished runners-up in each of

A crowd of 26,000 were at Wembley, and a memorable day for the Club and town was captured for posterity by Granada TV in their documentary “Mossley Goes To Wembley.”

At this time Mossley had the most formidable strike force in non-league football with the legendary Leo Skeete, Dave Moore and Ian Smith alongside first Eamonn O'Keefe (sold to Everton for a club record £25,000 fee), and then Kevan Keelan.

The following season saw Mossley take their only Football League scalp in the FA Cup when they beat Crewe Alexandra at Seel Park. Other League clubs faced in the FA Cup during the glory years were Rotherham United, York City, Mansfield Town, Stockport County, Huddersfield Town and Darlington.

The great run of success ended abruptly in 1984 when following financial upheavals the Lilywhites finished bottom of the then one division NPL and had to seek re-election.

A gradual recovery took place through the 80's with 1988-89 being the most successful since the glory days. Under the guidance of Bryan Griffiths and the now Cardiff City manager Dave Jones, Mossley won the NPL Cup, Manchester FA Premier Cup, Reporter Floodlit Cup and at the start of the following season, the NPL Challenge Shield.

After this, fortunes faded again following further financial problems with the Club narrowly avoiding relegation in 1992. The following year, after a calamitous series of

Today’s Opponents

results not even the return of the legendary Bob Murphy could save the Club from the drop.

2002-03 in 3rd position, reaching the quarter finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase for the third time and won their first silverware in over a decade when beating Clitheroe 2-1 to win the NWCL Worthington Trophy at Gigg Lane, Bury.

Over the next two years Mossley saw no fewer than six managerial changes and the Lilywhites run of 23 years in the Unibond/ NPL came to an end in 1995 when they The 2003-04 season saw Jason Beckford were relegated to the North West Counties replace Pickering as manager just prior to the season and the club fought tooth and League. nail to win promotion to the UniBond 1995-96 saw Mossley make a highly prom- League, going on a 21 match unbeaten run ising NWCL debut, involved in the promo- up to the new year. They were then hit by tion race for most of the season they even- a 3 point deduction due to an administratually finished 4th, reaching the final of the tive error and form took a nosedive as the team quickly crashed out of four cups and NWCL Floodlit Trophy into the bargain. lost poll position in the League. The drama continued to the end as Mossley where The following season, after a bright start, just pipped to the title by Clitheroe on the the team failed to stay the pace with the leaders and finally finished in 7th position, last day of the season. but did have a great run in the FA Carlsberg Vase, reaching the quarter finals.

Promoted in second place, 2004-05 season saw Mossley consolidate back in the UniBond League, being unfortunate to miss In 1997 the Club parted company with manager Kevan Keelan and installed anoth- out on a place in the promotion play off's er former Lilywhites player, Benny Phillips after finishing in 7th place. as his replacement. Season 1998-99 then saw Mossley more than unfortunate not to In the 2005/06 season Mossley excelled by becoming Champions of the UniBond win the title, losing out in controversial League Division One on the last day of the circumstances to Workington on the last season, finishing two points above Fleetday of the season. It was a bitter pill to swallow after leading the table for the last wood Town. This despite losing their last three months which included a club record two games earned promotion to the Premier Division where they had last competed 12 successive wins. in 1993.

The Millennium season saw Mossley again reach the quarter finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase, going down 3-1 at eventual winners Deal Town and slip from the title race after that blow to finish 4th. They did though reach the final of the Manchester Premier Cup, unluckily losing by a last minute goal to Droylsden at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park.

2000-01 was a disappointing one after a great start which saw the record 12 successive wins equalled, but hampered by injuries and suspensions to key players Mossley eventually finished in mid-table.

In November 2001 Benny Phillips was replaced as manager by former Coventry City and Stoke City star Ally Pickering and Mossley finished in 8th position.

Mossley finished their Centenary Season

Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived as the Lilywhites were relegated at the end of the season, returning to a newly reconstituted UniBond Division One they were placed in the North Division. Beckford resigned followed quickly by the retirement of the clubs Directors and main sponsors, the Rigby family after a ten year period in control of club affairs.

A new Board of Directors made up of club supporters was appointed in the summer and former Emley, Altrincham and Ashton United boss Gerry Quinn was named as manager in what was a hugely transitional time for the club.

Summer 2008 saw Quinn replaced by former Mossley player Chris Willcock as manager and the team finished in a creditable 10th position, also reaching the final of the

Today’s Opponents

Manchester FA Premier Cup, unluckily losing 2-1 to Droylsden in the final at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park.

In late December 2009 severe weather caused two of the 39 year old floodlights to collapse and the remaining six pylons were condemned meaning midweek home games were played at Ashton United's Hurst Cross for the remainder of the season. A new floodlight system was installed in the close season of 2010.

Chris Willcock resigned in January 2010 to be replaced by his former assistant John Flanagan and the team enjoyed a great run climbing to 7th position. Flanagan resigned at the end of the season and he was replaced by former Stalybridge Celtic reserve boss Shaun Higgins.

Despite a good FA Cup run to the final qualifying round Higgins reign only lasted until March 2011 when following a poor run of results and form he was replaced by former Woodley Sports boss Gareth McClelland, initially on a caretaker basis.

McClelland impressed enough to be given the job for the 2011/12 season Mossley's 100th year at Seel Park.

McClelland resigned in January 2012 and former Accrington and Droylsden defender Steve Halford was appointed player manager and lifted the team to a comfortable mid-table finish. Mossley also reached the final of the Manchester FA Premier Cup but the final was never played as scheduled opponents Droylsden couldn't raise an eligible team and so the Lilywhites were awarded the trophy by default.

The 2012/13 season saw Mossley competing at the top end of the Evo-stik League Division One North throughout the campaign finally achieving a play off position on the final day of the season.

However, the team were then desperately unlucky to lose to an injury time goal at Cammell Laird in the play off semi final.

The Lilywhites did, however, retain the Manchester FA Premier Cup beating Salford City on penalties in the final at

Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground following a 2-2 draw.

Manager Halford departed to Ashton United just prior to pre season and Mossley appointed his former assistant Peter Band and ex Winsford United boss Lloyd Morrison as joint managers for the 2013/14 season and with a completely rebuilt team finished just below midtable.

The 2014/15 season saw Mossley competing all season for a play off place only losing out in the last week of the campaign. That disappointment was waylaid by success in the Manchester FA Premier Cup as the Lilywhites beat Curzon Ashton on penalties in the final at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park to win the trophy for the third time in four seasons.

2015/16 saw the Lilywhites on the fringes of the play offs throughout the season but injuries and suspensions took their toll on League form and the team had to settle for a mid table finish. However, Mossley retained the Manchester FA Premier Cup beating National League North neighbours Stalybridge Celtic 3-1 in the final at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields Stadium to win the trophy for the fourth time in five years.

Today’s Opponents

MANAGEMENT Peter Band - Joint Manager (age 41) Peter joined Mossley as a player in August 2011 and made 42 appearances for the Lilywhites in the 2011/12 season. As Peter wound down his playing career he made just 6 appearances and was more often than not named as an unused substitute while honing his management skills as Steve Halford's right hand man in the 2012/13 season and the following season made just a solitary appearance as a substitute. Peter is now in his fourth season as joint Team Manager at Mossley with Lloyd Morrison, having previously been assistant manager to Chris Willcock at the former Woodley Sports and then to Halford at Mossley following Gareth McClelland's departure in January of 2012. As a player, Peter was late into the semi pro game having played for Cheshire amateurs Bollington Athletic for several years before joining Hyde United in 1998 at 25 years old. He started out as a striker but reverted to midfield and was often used as a centre back as well, a position he eventually featured in regularly for his later clubs. He left a struggling Hyde team to join Altrincham and then stepped up to the Conference with Northwich Victoria. On Altrincham's promotion to the Conference he switched back to Moss Lane in the summer of 2006, making his 200th appearance for Altrincham in that season. He rejoined Hyde for his second spell at the club in 2007, quickly making his 200th appearance for them also. He joined New Mills in the summer of 2008 and then on to Woodley Sports from where he joined Mossley.

Lloyd Morrison - Joint Manager (age 43) Lloyd Morrison was appointed as joint team manager alongside Peter Band in July 2013 having spent the previous season in charge at North West Counties Leaguers Winsford United where he led his side to a 4th place finish, just 4 points behind champions Padiham and also led them to success in the Mid-Cheshire FA Cup where they beat Northwich Victoria in the final. After an amateur playing career which saw him play for Chadderton, Maine Road and Mid Cheshire League side Styal, Morrison became player manager at Styal winning the League title in his second season in charge and also the Cheshire Amateur Cup. He then stepped up to the North West Counties League with Flixton and with little or no budget took the now disbanded club from adrift at the bottom of the NWCL when he took over to avoiding relegation. They then finished 15th in his first full season and 8th place in 2011/12 before he took over at Winsford in July 2012.

Winsford United. He signed for Mossley in the closed season of 2013. He was Mossleyweb Player of the Year’ in 2013/14 and also scored the ‘goal of the season’ with a bullet 35 yard shot against Warrington Town. John moved on to Curzon Ashton in the closed season of 2015 but returned to Mossley after only a month with his new club.

Jordan Bove - forward (age 20) Jordan is a young forward signed in the closed season 2016 following his release by Oldham Athletic.

He made 5 first team appearances for Oldham and also had loan spells with Hyde, Colwyn Bay, Ashton United and Ramsbottom United.

Connor Bower – forward (age 21) Connor is a quick and clever forward signed in the closed season of 2016 from Ossett Albion. He was previously with Bardford City, BK Sports (Sweden), FC United of Manchester, Ossett Town and Harrogate Town.

Dougie Carroll - forward (age 21) Striker Dougie was signed from Winsford United in the closed season of 2013. He finished as Mossley’s leading scorer netting 17 goals in 2013/14 but missed most of last season through injury. Dougie was previously a prolific goalscorer in the Manchester League for Wythenshawe Town.

Tom Dean – defender (age 24) Tom is a skilled central defender signed in December 2013 after being spotted playing impressively in Sunday football in the Macclesfield area. He went on to be voted joint ‘Supporters Player of the Year’ last season after some outstanding defensive performances. Tom began his playing career as a junior with Macclesfield Town.

Mike Fish - forward / midfield (age 30) Mike re-signed for his third spell with Mossley in the closed season of 2014 after finishing as top scorer at New Mills in the 2013/14 season. Mike is an experienced, clever and skilful striker originally signed

by Gerry Quinn from Stalybridge Celtic in September 2007. He was leading scorer for Mossley in 2008/09 with 25 goals. Mike then transferred to Curzon Ashton in the close season of 2009 but returned to Mossley for a second spell in November 2009 when re-signed by Chris Willcock. He re-joined Curzon Ashton in the closed season of 2011 before joining New Mills in 2012.

PLAYERS Ryan Barrow – defender (age 24) Ryan is a versatile dfender originally signed in September 2010 following his release by Bury and made 21 appearances scoring one goal in the 2010/11 season. He was previously a junior with Manchester United. He later played for Woodley Sports and resigned for Mossley from Winsford United in the closed season 2014. Ryan unfortunately missed the entirety of the 2015/16 season through injury but has now returned to fitness.

John Bennett - midfield (age 25) John is a versatile midfield player or left back who came through Altrincham's successful youth system before spending the 2012/13 season with

Tom Fisher – forward (age 23) Tom is a strong talented forward signed in the closed season of 2016 from Nantwich Town. He began his career with Stockport County and graduated to the first team making 29 appearances for the Hatters in the Football League. He then had a spell with Macclesfield Town before switching to non league with Droylsden and then FC United of Manchester.

Andy Fitzgerald - defender (age 22) Andy is a central defender who can also play as a full back signed in November 2015 from Glossop North End. He was previously an academy graduate with Hyde FC making his senior debut in Conference North in the 2013/14 season before playing for Ramsbottom United.

Today’s Opponents

Liam Flynn - goalkeeper (age 22) Liam is a big agile goalkeeper signed in February 2015 from Stocksbridge Park Steels. He is a former England Colleges captain who has played non league gootball for Hednesford Town, Romulus, Willenhall Town, Sheffield FC, Worksop Town and Goole having begun as a trainee with Shrewsbury Town.

Jonah Gosling – midfield (age 25) Jonah is a talented wide midfielder signed in the closed season 2016 after moving north to live in Manchester. He began his playing career with Ipswich Town and Colchester United Academies and has since played for Braintree Town, Sheffield FC, Brightlingsea, Halstead Town and latterly Chalmsford City.

Kyle Harrison – defender (age 21) Kyle is a versatile defender and former Bradford City trainee who has since played for Ossett Albion, Guisleey, Frickley Athletic and most recently for Farsley Celtic.

Caldon Henson - defender (age 29) Caldon is a versatile player, able to play as a striker or wing back, who was signed in October 2014 after previous experience with Rossendale United, Ossett Town, Wakefield, Athersley Rec, Radcliffe Borough and Ossett Albion.

Logan Jeffs - defender (age 18) Logan is a central defender or right back who has joined Mossley in August 2016 after spending pre season with Curzon Ashton, who he joined following his release by EFL Championship club Barnsley at the end of last season where he completed his second year as a professional.

and has since played for Garforth Town, Wakefield, Brighouse Town and last season Ossett Town.

Kyle McGonigle – midfield / central defender (age 23) Kyle is a versatile defensive midfielder or central defender who originally signed for Mossley on 'work experience" from Bury in March 2011. He signed for Woodley Sports in August 2011 following his release

by Bury but re-signed for Mossley in March 2012. He joined Winsford United in 2012, before returning to Mossley for a third spell in the closed season of 2013.

Omar McKenzie – midfield / forward (age 20) Omar originally joined the Mossley youth team in 2011 from Fletcher Moss Rangers started the following season in the first team squad but was released without appearing in the team. He then had spells with Stockport Sports, Bacup Borough and Radcliffe Borough before re-signing for Mossley in the closed season of 2016.

Tom Pratt - midfield / striker (age 21) Tom is a lively young striker who came through the ranks at Bury FC, scoring prolifically as a junior and youth. He graduated to the Bury first team squad in 2012 making 2 first team appearances in the 2012/13 season. He signed on for Mossley initially on loan in August 2013 before departing briefly for Ashton United in the closed season of 2014. He returned to Mossley to finish as top scorer with 16 goals in each of the last two seasons and he was also voted Supporters Player of the Year on both occasions.

Nathan Quinlan – defender / midfield (age 20) Nathan is a left sided full back or midfielder signed in August 2016. He came through the Academy at Stalybridge Celtic before joining Ossett Town at the start of last season.

Will Jones – goalkeeper (age 24) Will is a well travelled goalkeeper signed in July 2015 after previous experience with Colwyn Bay, Stamford, Spennymoor Town and Droylsden, having begun as a youth player with FC United of Manchester.

Dave Short - striker (age 26) Dave is a powerful striker signed in July 2015 after a brief spell with West Didsbury & Chorlton after previously playing for Leek CSOB and 1874 Northwich.

Andy Keogh (Team Captain) – midfield / forward (age 28) Andy is a strong and skilful attacking midfielder or forward who was re-signed from Nantwich Town in the closed season of 2014. Having begun his playing career as a youth teamer at Altrincham he then played for Manchester League side Wythenshawe Town and then Flixton before joining Winsford United in 2012 and Mossley in August 2013, departing for Nantwich in December 2013 after scoring 9 goals in 29 Mossley appearances.

Callum Warburton - midfield (age 27) Callum is a strong and skilful midfield player signed in December 2015. Callum began his career as a trainee with Rochdale, turning professional in the 2006 he went on to make 4 first team appearances. Following his release by Rochdale in 2008 he joined Kendal Town and from there signed for Stalybridge Celtic in 2010. He became a regular in their Conference North side before an Achilles injury lost him his place. He has more recently been with New Mills.

Damase Kiwanda – midfield / forward (age 21) Damase is a strong and skilful wide midfielder or forward who joined Mossley from Curzon Ashton in August 2016. The Huddersfield based speedster began as a junior player with Arsenal, Watford and Cambridge United before playing for Ryman Leaguers Boreham Wood. Since moving north he has had spells with Salford City, Hyde United and Ossett Albion.

Steve Yarwood - midfield (age 27) Steve is an attacking midfielder originally signed in February 2012 from North West Counties League side Abbey Hey. Previously with Flixton he resigned for Mossley in the closed season of 2016 after another spell with Abbey Hey.

Cameron Lyn – midfield / forward (age 25) is a quick and tricky winger who has signed from Harrogate Railway Athletic. He was previously with Leeds United and Sheffield United as a youngster

Back row (l to r) Adam Gilchrist, Matt Farnworth, Calum Wilson, Ross Shepherd, Martin Pearson, Luke Holden, Chris Webster, Aaron Cringle, Isaac Kusaloka, Sam Bailey Front row (l to r) Danny Smith, Danny Blythe, Tom Williams, Alison Houghton (Physio), Jay Foulds (Joint Manager), Ben Kay (Player/Joint Manager), Darren Mullen Coach), Paul Watson (Captain), Danny Regan, Michael Mylona Left inset: Dougie Pitts (Joint Manager) Right inset: Joel Brownhill

Jay Foulds Joint manager

Ben Kay Player/Joint manager

Darren Mullen Coach

Alison Houghton Physio

Martin Pearson Goalkeeper

Michael Mylona Defender

Aaron Cringle Defender

Luke Holden Defender

Isaac Kusaloka Striker

Adam Gilchrist Striker

Paul Watson Midfielder

Danny Regan Midfielder

Chris Webster Midfielder

Danny Smith Striker

Matt Farnworth Midfielder

Joel Brownhill Midfielder

Sam Bailey Midfielder

Daniel Blythe Defender

Ross Shepherd Defender

Calum Wilson Defender

League Table

Premier Division

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

Irlam

7

4

2

1

2

14

2

Bootle

6

4

0

2

10

12

3

Barnoldswick Town

6

4

0

2

8

12

4

Runcorn Town

6

4

0

2

6

12

5

1874 Northwich

5

4

0

1

5

12

6

Atherton Collieries

5

3

1

1

8

10

7

Hanley Town

6

3

1

2

4

10

8

West Didsbury & Chorlton

5

3

1

1

3

10

9

Congleton Town

6

3

1

2

-1

10

10

Squires Gate

5

2

1

2

2

7

11

New Mills

6

2

1

3

0

7

12

AFC Liverpool

5

2

1

2

0

7

13

Ashton Athletic

5

2

1

2

-1

7

14

Padiham

6

2

1

3

-1

7

15

Barnton

7

2

1

4

-11

7

16

Runcorn Linnets

6

1

3

2

-1

6

17

Abbey Hey

6

2

0

4

-6

6

18

Maine Road

4

1

2

1

0

5

19

Winsford United

4

1

1

2

-4

4

20

Cammell Laird 1907

5

0

3

2

-2

3

21

AFC Darwen

5

1

0

4

-15

3

22

Nelson

6

0

1

5

-6

1

*League as of 31/8/16

Next 2 fixtures Hallmark Security League FA Vase Ashton Athletic v AFC Ashton Athletic v Athersley Darwen Recreation Tuesday 6th September 2016 KO 19:45

Saturday 10th September 2016 KO 15:00

Pens

Player Stats

Goals

Adam Gilchrist Adam Howard Ben Kay Calum Wilson Charlie Middlemore Christopher Simm Chris Webster Conal Gallagher Daniel Blythe Danny Regan Danny Smith Harry Johnson Isaac Kusaloka Joe Sargent Joel Brownhill Luke Holden Martin Pearson Matt Farnworth Michael Mylona Paul Watson Ross Shepherd Ryan Rowland Sam Bailey

Apps

Aaron Simpson

Sub

Aaron Cringle

Starts

Ashton Athletic

2 0 2 5 2 7 0 1 6 0 5 6 7 0 5 0 6 4 7 2 3 2 2 0 5

1 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 0

3 3 3 5 2 7 3 1 6 1 5 6 7 0 5 1 6 4 7 3 3 5 2 2 5

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 7 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Match Report

Hallmark Security League Premier Division 27/8/16 Saturday saw the first visit of Hanley left-hand touch line and cut inside to Town to Brocstedes having had a fantas- smash the ball past visiting 'Keeper, tic season last year and gaining promo- Joseph Hemmings. tion from NWCFL Division 1.

Hanley didn't panic and once again took the lead in the 60th minute. A ball in the box was only half cleared and after a clip forward the ball fell to defender Josh Thorpe who helped the ball over an advancing Pearson. 2-1 and Ashton had it all to do to get back in the game. Goals The game started off with Hanley show- were coming in seven minute intervals ing their attacking intent as they pressed now and the equaliser duly arrived in forward at every opportunity. The lively the 67th minute. Fantastic work by TuesHanley number 11, Angelo Errico, caus- day night's hero Danny Regan retrieved the ball and it was he who nonchalantly ing problems for the home defence all put the ball through a Hanley players afternoon. The Yellows failed to show the hard-work and passing that had seen legs and whipped a great cross in for them progress in the Emirates FA Cup in Kusaloka to finish at the front post for his second of the match. the week.

Hanley were in good form and adapted to life in the Premier Division well where as Ashton had yet to pick up a win this season in the league having drawn one and lost two.

It was indeed Hanley who opened the scoring and it was nothing more than they deserved. A good cross from the right hand side was head back across goal and Cope was first to react to prod the ball home. Ashton lost their captain straight after the goal to a hamstring injury that hopefully won't see him sidelined for too long. Hanley continued to be an attacking threat and created further chances to extend their lead. Saves from Martin Pearson and good defending from the ever impressive Callum Wilson kept the half time score line to just 1-0.

After a few home truths from the home management Ashton came out with renewed vigour and set about putting their poor first half performance behind them. After just eight minutes they did just that. Isaac Kusaloka was starting to cause trouble to the home defence and it was him who picked up the ball on the

Both sides continued to create chances but very few that trouble either 'Keeper.

Substitute and academy graduate Ryan Rowlands was introduced and showed some great touches on his debut. With the game looking to be over Kusaloka struck to secure the three points for the home team. A through ball from the impressive Adam Howard found the Ashton number 9 advancing to the Hanley goal. He took the ball wide and slotted it into the far corner to the delights of the yellows players, management and supporters.

The scoreline was a little harsh on Hanley who had dominated the first half of the game but credit must go to The Yellows for battling back and not accepting defeat. Attention now turns to an important week for Ashton as they face a very difficult away game to Padiham followed by a home tie in the FA Cup on Saturday to Mossley F.C

On The Spot...

We asked Alison some quick fire questions.

Name: Alison Houghton D.O.B: you should never ask a lady (12/7/90) Position: Physio Occupation: Business owner of Sports Spa Siblings: 2 brothers Previous Clubs: Marine AFC Favourite Drink: Pepsi Max Favourite Food: Pasta

Favourite Film: Dirty Dancing Favourite Music: Pop Dream Car: Range Rover Best Player at AA: How can I choose one player?

Longest on the Treatment Table at AA: They're all lazy and won't get off it.

Cleverest: Me, of course.

Thickest: Similar answer to best player.

Worst Banter: Luke Holden Best ground you've ever played on: Central Park, when I played rugby.

Best player you've ever played with: I'm not that type of Physio Who do you support: Wigan Warriors and of course, Ashton Athletic

Something interesting about yourself: My family are farmers and I can drive a tractor, pity I couldn't drive a mini!!!!!

Final league position for AA: Third

Date Sat 2nd July Sat 16th July Tue 19th July

Time 14:00 14:00 19:00

Competition Friendly Friendly Friendly

Home Styal FC Coppul Utd Golborne Sports

Result 0-4 1-3 1-3

Away Ashton Athletic Ashton Athletic Ashton Athletic

Thu 21st July

19:00

Sat 23rd July

15:00

Friendly

Turton FC

1-4

Ashton Athletic

Friendly

Dunston UTS

5-0

Tue 26th July

Ashton Athletic

19:45

Friendly

Ashton Athletic

7-0

Skelmersdale Utd

Fri 29th July

19:45

Friendly

Airbus UK Broughton

1-3

Ashton Athletic

Tue 2nd Aug

19:45

Friendly

Ashton Athletic

4-2

Stockport Town

Sat 6th Aug

15:00

FA Cup Extra Prelim

AFC Blackpool

1-0

Ashton Athletic

Mon 8th Aug

19:45

League

Barnton

1-0

Ashton Athletic

Sat 13th Aug

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

2-2

Maine Road

Tue 16th Aug

19:45

League

Bootle

3-0

Ashton Athletic

Sun 21st Aug

15:00

FA Cup Prelim

Worksop Town

2-2

Ashton Athletic

Sat 23rd Aug

19:45

League

Ashton Athletic

2-2 (4-1P)

Winsford Utd

Sat 27th Aug

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

3-2

Hanley Town

Wed 31st Aug

19:45

League

Padiham

2-4

Ashton Athletic

Sat 3rd Sept

15:00

FA Cup 1st Qualifying

Ashton Athletic

Tue 6th Sept

19:45

League

Ashton Athletic

Mossley AFC AFC Darwen

Sat 10th Sept

15:00

FA Vase 1st Qual

Ashton Athletic

Athersley Recreation

Wed 14th Sept

19:45

League

New Mills

Ashton Athletic

Sat 17th Sept Wed 21st Sept

15:00 19:45

League League

Ashton Athletic AFC Liverpool

Abbey Hey Ashton Athletic

Tue 4th Oct

19:45

League

Ashton Athletic

Atherton Colls

Sat 8th Oct

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

Congleton Town

Tue 11th Oct

19:45

League

Ashton Athletic

West Dids & Chorlton

Sat 15th Oct

15:00

League

Runcorn Town

Ashton Athletic

Tue 18th Oct

19:45

League

Ashton Athletic

Nelson

Wed 26th Oct

19:45

League

AFC Darwen

Ashton Athletic

Tue 1st Nov

19:45

League

Ashton Athletic

Bootle

Sat 5th Nov Tue 8th Nov

15:00 19:45

League League

Ashton Athletic Barnoldswick Town

Padiham Ashton Athletic

Sat 12th Nov

15:00

League

Atherton Colls

Ashton Athletic

Sat 19th Nov

15:00

League

Winsford Utd

Ashton Athletic

Sat 26th Nov

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

New Mills

Sat 3rd Dec

15:00

League

Nelson

Ashton Athletic

Sat 10th Dec

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

Irlam

Sat 17th Dec

15:00

League

Cammell Laird 1907

Ashton Athletic

Mon 26th Dec Sat 31st Dec

15:00 15:00

League League

Squires Gate Ashton Athletic

Ashton Athletic Barnoldswick Town Ashton Athletic

Sat 7th Jan

15:00

League

1874 Northwich

Sat 14th Jan

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

Barnton

Sat 21st Jan

15:00

League

Abbey Hey

Ashton Athletic

Sat 28th Jan

15:00

League

Irlam

Ashton Athletic

Sat 11th Feb

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

Cammell Laird 1907

Sat 18th Feb

15:00

League

West Dids & Chorlton

Ashton Athletic

Sat 25th Feb

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

Runcorn Town

Sat 18th March Sat 25th March

15:00 15:00

League League

Hanley Town Ashton Athletic

Ashton Athletic 1874 Northwich

Sat 1st April

15:00

League

Congleton Town

Ashton Athletic

Sat 8th April

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

Runcorn Linnets

Sun 16th April

TBC

League

Ashton Athletic

Squires Gate

Sat 22nd April

15:00

League

Ashton Athletic

AFC Liverpool

Sat 29th April

15:00

League

Maine Road

Ashton Athletic

TBC

TBC

League

Ashton Athletic

Winsford Utd

TBC

TBC

League

Runcorn Linnetts

Ashton Athletic

Ashton Athletic

Mossley AFC

Martin Pearson

Liam Flynn

Aaron Cringle

Ryan Harrison

Luke Holden

John Bennett

Daniel Blythe

Logan Jeffs

Ross Shepherd

Javan Benjamin

Calum Wilson

Kyle McGonigle

Michael Mylona

Callum Warburton

Aaron Simpson

Damase Kiwanda

Paul Watson

Andy Keogh

Ben Kay

Mike Fish

Danny Regan

Tom Pratt

Chris Webster

Ryan Barrow

Sam Bailey

Will Jones

Adam Gilchrist

Jonah Gosling

Isaac Kusaloka

Jordan Bove

Danny Smith

Dougie Carroll

Joel Brownhill Matt Farnworth Adam Howard Charlie Middlemore Harry Johnson

Joe Sargent

Managers: Jay Foulds, Ben Kay & Dougie Pitts Physio: Alison Houghton Kit: Yellow Tops, Blue Shorts & Socks

Managers: Peter Band & Lloyd Morrison Kit: White Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Please note: Today’s teams and player numbers will be announced prior to kick off.

Today’s Match Officials Referee - Mr Lee Freeman Assistants - Mr Wayne Cooper & Ms Melissa Burgin