By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Paul Moran Woolton vs Ashton Town
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Last gasp win for Daisy Hill
Daisy Hill lead a clutch of teams on maximum points after taking a late, late 2-1 home victory over AFC Knowsley in the North West Counties First Division North.
Nicky Hunt’s side had to fight back however, after Ben Taylor’s goal in the ninth minute gave the visitors the advantage until ten minutes into the second half.
Will Shawcross levelled the game with his third in two matches, and the game looked to be heading for a draw until James Salkeld’s late intervention – his headed goal coming four minutes into added time.
READ MORE: Halewood Apollo win first game at Step 6
The Westhoughton side lead the way on goal difference, having put five past Steeton on the opening day without reply. League newcomers AFC Knowsley remain without a point, but have already notched up four goals.
Manager Nicky Hunt gives his thoughts on tonight’s win: pic.twitter.com/9d4OM3VSKU
— Daisy Hill FC (@OfficialDHFC) August 3, 2026
Ashton Athletic: two wins, none conceded
Ashton Athletic are the only side in the division to record two clean sheets in their opening pair of games after beating Uppermill 3-0 at Brocstedes Park.
Callum Mahoney opened the scoring after 18 minutes, and his effort was supplemented by late goals from Ryan Knowles and Tom Beswick.
It’s been a much-improved start to the season already for Athletic, who were one of three sides reprieved from relegation in this division.
Cammell Laird win by odd goal in seven
Cammell Laird emerged as 4-3 winners over ten-man Flixton in front of the midweek fixture list’s highest attendance, with 412 watching on at Valley Road Stadium.
The Manchester side took the lead through former Darwen man Leon Creech, but a stunner from Charlie Holland pull Lairds level before half time.
Adam Smith quickly put the visitors ahead after the restart, only for Lewis Byrne to equalise within a minute. Flixton sub Kyle Jacobs was sent off on 57 minutes, and despite this, the home side took the lead for the first time from the penalty spot shortly after – with Milan Lalkovic converting.
Joe Downey then brought the game back to level terms, and Adam Smith had the final say four minutes from time to give the visitors their first win.
🔥 An early goal of the season contender on Tuesday night from Charlie Holland 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/G8u50RrNNX
— Cammell Laird 1907 FC (@cammelllairdfc) August 6, 2026
Woolton beat Town from penalty spot
Woolton made it two wins from two thanks to Daniel Ventre’s crucial penalty ten minutes from time, in a 3-2 home win over Ashton Town.
The same player had scored the game’s first goal, a minute before the break, to alter both half-time team talks. Jonathan Liddle quickly doubled the home side’s advantage, before Noah Inneh pulled one back on the hour.
The comeback looked on for Ashton when Sam Twist levelled the game on 73 minutes, but Ventre and Woolton were not to be denied the three points.
Bacup Borough survive late scare
Another side doubling up are Bacup Borough, who were 3-2 winners at Maine Road.
The Lancashire side were well in control by the hour mark, with Joe Fallon and Josh Walne on target. It would be the 89th minute before Mason Beard scored for the hosts to provide some hope of a turnaround.
Kaiden Barlow looked to have settled it three minutes into added time, but it was more nervy than it needed to be for Bacup after conceding a second four minutes later to Lewis McGill.
Fulwood Amateurs in away win
Fulwood Amateurs picked up their first win and clean sheet double with a 2-0 away victory at Squires Gate.
Substitute Charlie Ridge’s brace gave the Preston side the three points midway through the second half.
Squires Gate have a point on the board after their opening day 1-1 draw with Flixton.
🗣️ The gaffer’s take on tonight’s defeat.👇
— Squires Gate FC (@squiresgatefc) August 4, 2026
🔷 #WeAreGate | #OneClub pic.twitter.com/PX7SqiMPfK
Results in brief
Holker Old Boys picked up a 2-0 victory at Steeton, who have yet to score a goal. Tyler Spence scored both goals in the first half as his side became one of seven with a perfect record to date.
Another club doing well early doors is Halewood Apollo, who were 2-1 winners at Ashville on Tuesday night. Two Jesse Dowling goals before half time were enough, with Peter Morgan pulling one back for the hosts midway through the second half.
⚫️⚪️ Shaun & Dylan share their thoughts after yesterday's game! ⚪️⚫️#utv #interview pic.twitter.com/czVUozEv42
— Ashville Football Club (@AshvilleFC) August 4, 2026
Thornton Cleveleys complete the bloc of teams with a 100% start, with a goal in each half enough to see off Garstang 2-1.
Jordan Beavers opened the scoring, before Osawemwengie Imadiyiosatohanmwen equalised on 63 minutes. Jackson Bateman won it for Paul Gregory’s side with 12 minutes to spare.
Maghull are off and running with a 1-0 win over AFC Blackpool. Jamie Clarke’s second half penalty secured all three points. The game between Colne and Darwen was postponed due to ground issues.
North West Counties First Division North results
- Ashton Athletic 3-0 Uppermill
- Ashville 1-2 Halewood Apollo
- Colne P-P Darwen
- Daisy Hill 2-1 AFC Knowsley
- Flixton 3-4 Cammell Laird
- Maghull 1-0 AFC Blackpool
- Maine Road 2-3 Bacup Borough
- Squires Gate 0-2 Fulwood Amateurs
- Steeton 0-2 Holker Old Boys
- Thornton Cleveleys 2-1 Garstang
- Woolton 3-2 Ashton Town
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