With a dominant display in midweek, an exciting Non-League Day awaits as Ashton United visit the Neuven Stadium on Saturday. The Robins are on the hunt for three points as they continue in their search for a play-off spot, while Radcliffe look to move one step closer to becoming Champions of the division.  

The Opposition  

Coming into Saturday’s fixture, Ashton are unbeaten in their last five and with three wins on the bounce, Steve Cunningham’s men have found form at both ends of the pitch at a crucial stage in the campaign.

Over the past five matches, the Robins have scored an impressive 11 goals whilst only conceding on two occasions as Barnsley loanee Paul Cooper has kept three clean sheets in a row.

With two games in hand on Guiseley and Marine, Saturday’s visitors could reach the top five with victories in both their games in hand. However, with nine fixtures left to play before the end of April, it will require an almighty effort from the Ashton players which could come down to the final day when as they host Marine.

In other competitions, Ashton have reached the final of the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup after victories against West Didsbury and Chorlton, Chadderton and Trafford, they will face NPL West Division outfit Avro in the final, which adds another game added to their busy fixture list.

Stat Pack 

1st - League Position – 8th
34 – Played – 31
77 – Points – 52
25 – Wins – 14
2 – Draws – 10
7 – Losses – 7
89 – Goals For – 55
46 – Goals Against – 47
Jordan Hulme (21) - Top Scorer – Jason Gilchrist (16)

Ones To Watch 

Lois Maynard has been in good form as of late, making him one to look out for. In both defence and midfield, he hasn’t looked out of place and has been calm on the ball under pressure. It isn't only his defensive skills to admire, as the big man has scored five times this season, looking like a danger with the ball at his feet in the opposition box.

  Luke Burke has featured in 29 of the 31 league games for Ashton United. The defender has been present in every game that Ashton has kept a clean sheet in and has proved his importance in their recent solid defensive displays.

Last Time Out 

When the two sides met in October; Radcliffe won by two goals to nil in an emphatic display on the road with only ten men for the majority.  

After just three minutes on Tameside, the Boro were a goal to the good as Lois Maynard poked the ball into the back of the net from close range after the home side failed to clear their lines.  

Midway into the first half, Radcliffe were reduced to ten men. Scott Duxbury was shown a straight red after tensions flared after a series of tough challenges between the two sides.  

On the cusp of half-time, Ashton went close through Alex Byrne but fortunately for the visitors, the ball struck the outside of the post. The hosts controlled the majority of the second half as they hit the post again, along with a shot from Mitchell Rose that forced Mateusz Hewelt into action.  

Three minutes from the end of the ninety Nicky Adams sealed the victory with his second goal of the season, as he exchanged a quick one-two with Jordan Hulme which allowed the experienced midfielder to run in behind and chip the ‘keeper.

Matchday Information 

Date: 23/03/24 
Time: 3pm 
Location: Neuven Stadium 

Adult: £5 
Concession: £5 
U16: Free

Buy your tickets online here.

Can't Attend The Game? 

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:55pm.

Around The Grounds 

Bamber Bridge v Stafford Rangers
Bradford (Park Avenue) v Worksop Town
FC United of Manchester v Basford United
Gainsborough Trinity v Workington AFC
Guiseley AFC v Ilkeston Town
Hyde United v Warrington Rylands
Lancaster City v Marine AFC
Macclesfield FC v Morpeth Town
Matlock Town v Whitby Town