Preview: Ashton United

The Robins had a tough time last campaign, suffering relegation from the National League North (Conference North). While clubs tend to continue on a downward trajectory following a demotion there is a real sense of optimism around Hurst Cross as the club are led by brand new owners, David and Jonathan Burke, a Dad and Lad duo who have been helping to assemble a strong squad over the summer. Notably for Colls fans, they captured winger Connor Hughes following his departure from Curzon Ashton. Also coming in are twin strike force Steve Tame from Bala Town and Josh Wilson who achieved promotion to the National League with Chorley but was unable to commit to the Magpies with the demands of traveling due to work. The manager has also hinted that one or two last minute arrivals may be added to their squad. During their long histories, Colls and Ashton have spent only one season in the same league and this came during the 1987/1988 campaign. It was Collieries who came out on top in the home fixture, winning 3-1 with a double from Karl Gorse and a strike from Dave Liptrot. It was the latter who struck his own double later-on in the campaign to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw in the away fixture at Hurst Cross. Other than that, the clubs met in a pre-season friendly in July 2012 when winger Phil Williams scored the only goal of the game to hand Collieries an unexpected victory over a side who were three divisions higher than them at the time. The Robins are currently managed by Jody Banim who made a solitary appearance for the black and white stripes. Unsurprisingly Ashton have watched Colls over pre-season and will be fully prepared for us! Date: 17th August 2019 Time: 15.00 Adults - £12 Concessions - £8 Under 12’s accompanied with a paying adult - free Hurst Cross stadium Surrey Street Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 8DY