Stockton Town fell to their first home defeat of the season at the hands of Ashton United.
Words by Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo by Harry Cook
Stockton Town 1-2 Ashton United | 18th October 2025
It was a challenging first half for Stockton Town, as both sides got off to lively starts with early chances. Darius Osei’s shot across goal narrowly missed the far corner, while Jamie Bramwell’s header for Stockton was well kept out by Ashton United goalkeeper Jordan Eastham.
Ashton were rewarded for their early momentum by opening the scoring, with Darius Osei rising highest to head past Nathan Harker. The Anchors responded with a spell of extended possession, which paid off in the 24th minute when Josh Scott found the back of the net with a superb strike from outside the box to level the score at 1–1.
Stockton quickly looked to build on that equaliser, but Jake Petitjean’s sliced effort sailed just over the crossbar.
It was Ashton, however, who restored their lead after a mistake at the back, allowing Enock Lusiama to tap in, making it 2–1.
Just moments after Ashton almost find a third with a header which lifted just over the bar. In the final moments of the half, Michael Sweet tested Eastham with a powerful strike, but the Ashton ‘keeper was again equal to it.
Half-time: Stockton Town 1-2 Ashton United
The second half saw Stockton tighten up defensively, and immediately put pressure on the relentless Ashton backline.
Substitute Amar Purewal almost made an instant impact with a powerful header, but again Eastham came to the rescue for Ashton.
Kevin Hayes then launched a fierce effort that flew just over the bar as Stockton continued to push for an equaliser. They looked threatening from set pieces, with one corner causing real panic in the Ashton box before it was cleared.
Amar Purewal also had a headed chance, but it was a routine save for Eastham. A final substitution saw Jack Spears replace Josh Scott, and he nearly made an immediate impact with a shot that went just wide.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Amar Purewal had the best chance to equalise, but Eastham pulled off a superb save to deny his header. The game closed with Stockton unable to find the goal they needed, leaving the visitors to take back a victory.
Full-time: Stockton Town 1–2 Ashton United
Attention once again turns to the FA Trophy next weekend, where a trip to NPL West’s Clitheroe awaits.
