By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Derick Thomas Thornton Cleveleys vs Ashton Athletic
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Fulwood Amateurs smash five past Colne
Fulwood Amateurs made a little bit of history this weekend – earning their first ever win in the North West Counties First Division North by beating Colne 5-2.
The game started quickly – with Colne’s Jack Holt breaking the deadlock within two minutes – although this would prove to be the high point for the home side.
Quickfire return goals from Spencer Lucas and Sam Higham had the visitors in front by the quarter hour mark – a lead they carried into the break.
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Lucas added a second after the break – and completed his hat-trick with the last goal of the game. Team-mate Owen Watkinson added the fourth before Miles Storey gave Colne faint hope with his first of the season.
It’s a first loss for Colne since relegation to Step 6.
Squires Gate pick up first win
Fellow relegated side Squires Gate are off and running with their first victory of the season while beating Darwen.
Saad Mekkaoui-Abouzaid put the home side ahead on 12 minutes, and they held that lead until just before the hour when Ryan Talbot equalised.
Dean Ing would win it for the Blackpool side with his second of the season with 20 minutes to play as Squires Gate joined Darwen among a gaggle of teams on 4 points.
First WIN of the season!!
— Squires Gate FC (@squiresgatefc) August 9, 2025
Manager Luke Evans give his reaction to an impressive 2-1 victory over a battling @DarwenFC in front of fantastic support at the Skiddle Community Stadium.
Next up is a trip to @Droylsden_FC on Saturday August 16.#WeAreGate pic.twitter.com/3vBT2GPfB9
Thornton Cleveleys go top
The season may only be three games in, but that won’t stop Thornton Cleveleys celebrating going top as they remained unbeaten in a last-gasp 3-2 win over Ashton Athletic.
The home side were 2-0 up at half time thanks to goals from Oliver Wilkinson and Josh Few, but Athletic pulled one back through Will Adams midway through the second half.
Joe White’s red card for the visitors followed, but his team were still able to draw level in the final minute through Emmanuel Ujahchuku. It would be Dominic Ritchie who won it for Thornton Cleveleys in added time.
The 290 in place at Gamble Road was the highest attendance across the First Division North this weekend.
Garstang surprise Bloods
Garstang moved above Droylsden in the table after beating the Manchester side 2-1 at The Riverside.
Luke Draysey’s double got the job done for Guy Heffernan’s team either side of Nellson Van’s second in as many matches.
Droylsden managed the league double over the same opposition last season, but it’s back-to-back losses now for The Bloods.
Top five hit for Maine Road
Maine Road moved through the gears in the second half and ended up thrashing league newcomers MSB Woolton 5-0 at Brantingham Road.
Loui Williams netted the opener on 18 minutes, and the score would remain 1-0 until the last half hour when the same played doubled his side’s advantage.
Further goals from Mark Pearson, James Hampson and Harvey Woodhouse hammered home Maine Road’s dominance as they moved into the top five. The visitors are yet to pick up their first points.
James Hampson makes it four 🔥@Zdpsport#MaineRoad #GoalCam #NWCFL #UpTheRoad pic.twitter.com/RDuePLJH6J
— Maine Road FC (@MaineRoadFC) August 10, 2025
Maghull remain unbeaten
Maghull are up to third after beating pointless AFC Blackpool 2-1.
The Mechanics took the lead through David Lang on 22 minutes, but Harrison Worden’s equaliser within four minutes sent Maghull in level at the break.
Nathan Moffitt won it for the visitors with ten minutes to spare, as AFC Blackpool suffered a third straight defeat.
Ashton Town claim first win
Ashton Town came out on top with a 2-1 win over near neighbours Daisy Hill at Edge Green Street.
Danny Squires put Ashton ahead on 22 minutes before ex-New Mills striker Chad Whyte levelled the game before the break.
Noel Inneh’s goal two minutes into the second half would prove to be the winner. The Cutters are yet to win this season.
Holker lose 100% status
A first defeat of the season for Holker Old Boys let Steeton leapfrog them in the table into second place.
The Yorkshire side were 2-1 winners at Rakesmoor Lane, despite Farryl Foster giving them the lead after a goalless first half on 51 minutes.
Lewis Gartland equalised, and Mbako Chalashika ensured that Holker dropped points for the first time this season with his winner on 75 minutes.
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