Off: NPL Match 22 Ashton United (A)

Match Off. We have received confirmation from our hosts, Ashton United, that today's game has been postponed. A frozen playing surface at Hurst Cross means for the second time in four days, the Holy Blues have been frozen out of action. A new date will be advised, in due course. Thank you for your understanding. Should the forecast weather complete a remarkable you-turn, we will be heading to the Greater Manchester region (historic Lancashire) on Saturday, where the Holy Blues are scheduled to play Steve Cunningham's Ashton United, at Hurst Cross. 3PM Kick off in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier Division.

Details

The snow and icy blast currently sweeping the country, has already wiped out our Tuesday night trip to Bamber Bridge this week, as Russ Wilcox’s boys had looked to build on the New Year's Lincolnshire Derby victory over Cleethorpes Town - and now the lads will be hoping the worst of the weather has passed & the ground staff (Matty C) at Ashton can work some miracles, getting their playing surface ready for 3pm on Saturday!

Following a near foot perfect pre-season, Ashton brought Trinity back down to earth with a bump. Beating the Holy Blues by three goals to nil on opening day. And Wilcox's side will be determined not to let the Tameside based side complete the double over them. Ashton's home form is rather similar to that of Trinity's. Picking up a disappointing 15 points from their eleven games at Hurst Cross. Their four wins coming against Morpeth, Stocksbridge, Hebburn & FC United of Manchester.

Two wins in their last seven home games, perhaps gives the Holy Blues some confidence that they can pick up a valuable three points that would separate the sides currently sitting seventh (Trinity) and eighth (Ashton). The Blues' goal difference is five better than Ashton's -2. Though Saturday's hosts have scored two more goals (in two more games) they have conceded seven more. 30 in 23 games.

It will be a game of fine margins, but if Trinity can pick up the three points maximum - and with a couple of games still in hand on the play-off spots... things could start to get a little tasty!

New signing, Ashton Offler, is ready to make his Trinity bow, having been announced on Monday. The centre back arriving from NPL West side Mickleover FC, having had spells at Stamford, Matlock, Guiseley and Rushall.

Safe travels to anyone making the trip, cross country. Your support is, as ever, greatly appreciated. Woodhead Pass was closed for a large chunk of the day on Friday, so please factor that in when calculating journey times. And if you can let the Away Travel Club take the strain of your journey. Reach out and get in touch with Darren Gray through the Travel Club Facebook page to see if he has any spaces available!

Matchday Information:

Gates and the Cross Bar, at Ashton, open from midday. At the turnstiles, the Robins take both cash and card payments. Adult tickets are priced at £14, Over 65s at £10, 16-21s at £10, 12-15 year olds £8 and Under 12s £1.

For those needing the address/ postcode for Saturday - Ashton United Football Club, Hurst Cross Stadium, OL6 8DY

Elsewhere

Other games in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, that may, or may not be affected by the icy blast, are listed below:

Cleethorpes Town vs Warrington Town
Guiseley vs Bamber Bridge
Hednesford Town vs Hebburn Town
Ilkeston Town vs Morpeth Town
Lancaster City vs Hyde United
Leek Town vs FC United of Manchester
Stockton Town vs Prescot Cables
Warrington Rylands vs Rushall Olympic
Whitby Town vs Workington AFC

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)