Match Preview - Ashton United
The Blues had a second consecutive 0–0 draw at home in our last match, this time against play-off chasers Stockton Town. Leek began brightly, with an early save being forced out of The Anchors’ goalkeeper following a shot from Ollie Shenton. Despite this early pressure, the visitors began to grow into the game and take control of possession, with multiple attacks testing Dino Visser.
The second half followed the pattern created in the first, with The Blues’ resilient defending preventing any sniff of goal the opposition might have had. Leek created threats occasionally, most notably following an example of strong play from Alex Hurst, which found its way to Lucas Weir, who fired his shot narrowly wide. Stockton fought hard in the final moments to get the winner, with Lewis King heading the ball onto the crossbar in stoppage time.
Despite the late scare, Leek held on for a well-earned point and a strong finish to a tough month of fixtures. Ashton United, similarly, drew last Saturday; however, their point came away at relegation-threatened Morpeth Town.
The True-Blue Army Will Assemble At?
All Blues travelling this weekend should head towards Macclesfield Road and turn left onto the A523, continuing for around two miles. Turn right onto Leek Old Road, then continue back onto the A523 and follow it towards the A555 Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road.
From there, join the A34 and then the M60 motorway, following signs towards Manchester before exiting onto the A635 towards Ashton-under-Lyne. Continue to Lees Square (B6194), then follow the B6194, Mossley Road (A670) and Queen’s Road (B6194) into the town centre.
Finally, turn onto Surrey Street, where Ashton United FC play at Hurst Cross Stadium. The journey is approximately 33 miles and takes about one hour.
How much to get in?
- Adults: £14
- Concessions (Over 65 or students 16–21): £10
- Children (12–15): £8
- Under 12 (with an adult): £1
The Opposition
- Ashton United – The Robins
- Formed – 1878
- Ground – Hurst Cross Stadium (capacity – 4,500)
- Gaffer – Steve Cunningham
Their website
How are they doing?
The Robins are currently placed 11th in the league, which is exactly the position they were in when we played them earlier this season. In their last five league fixtures, they have only won one and lost three, with their one victory coming against Warrington Town.
Ashton United’s current league position is not as good as last season, when they were placed fifth in the league, earning themselves a play-off spot, where they were beaten by Worksop in the semi-finals.
Their Main Man
In recent weeks, Jason Gilchrist has been a top performer for The Robins, having scored three goals in their last five matches.
His career began in the youth system at Newcastle United before moving into senior non-league football, where he quickly built a reputation as a prolific goal scorer. Gilchrist has played for several clubs in the National League and National League North, including Gateshead FC and FC Halifax Town, as well as later sides such as Buxton FC and Scunthorpe United FC.
He is particularly well known for his successful spell at South Shields FC, where he scored many goals and became one of the strongest attacking threats in the Northern Premier League.
Their Gaffer
Steve Cunningham is the manager currently leading Ashton United in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. He began his managerial career at Colne, where he managed the club before moving to Curzon Ashton in July 2020.
In November 2021, Cunningham took over at Buxton FC, guiding them to the Northern Premier League title during the 2021–22 season. However, he resigned shortly after the title win, citing personal reasons.
Cunningham returned to management in January 2023, this time at Hurst Cross Stadium, replacing Michael Clegg. Under his guidance, Ashton United secured a play-off spot in the 2024–25 season, narrowly missing promotion. In May 2025, Cunningham signed a contract extension to remain with the club until the end of the 2025–26 season.
Cunningham had a modest playing career in non-league football, mainly as a midfielder for clubs including Colne. While not high-profile, his playing experience certainly gave him a strong understanding of the non-league game, which has proven useful in his successful approach as a manager.
Ashton United – have we met before?
The Blues and The Robins have met on 21 previous occasions, the first recorded dating back to 1980. Out of the 21 matches, Leek have won 11 of them, while Ashton United have won eight.
Their first match was a tight contest where Leek Town managed to win 2–1 at home due to goals from both Steve Smith and Alan Harrison. The most recent meeting between these two sides took place in March this year, when The Blues left the F. Ball Community Stadium as 2–0 victors over the away side, with Louis Potts and ex-player Tunde Owolabi both scoring.
Across the 21 fixtures played, both sets of fans have witnessed 63 goals. That is just over three goals per game. Thirty-six of those were for Leek, while the other 27 fell to The Robins.
