NWCFL title Contenders FC St Helens host play off hopefuls Ashton Town at the Windlesham Sports Ground in what promises to be a high scoring affair if previous encounters are anything to go by.
The Stripes sit comfortably at the top of the table 6 points clear of their nearest rivals Ilkley Town with a game in hand. Ashton on the other hand sit just a point outside of the play off places but have played one more game than Atherton LR.
FC St Helens:
After a blistering start to the season the Stripes have stuttered in recent weeks, failing to win in any of their last four games in all competitions.
Mike Smith’s side have been active in the transfer market this week, announcing three new signings. Prolific striker Josh Hall has joined from fellow NWCFL side Garstang and already has 14 goals this season. Seasoned defender Nathan Carnell from Burscough from the league above has been recruited to help shore up a leaky defence.
Hall or nothing. Let’s all give a warm welcome to our newest forward, Josh Hall! The prolific striker joins from Garstang and will be looking to add to the 14 goals he’s already scored this season.#UpTheStripes❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/qb6YlxLBtN
— FC St. Helens (@fcsthelens) November 1, 2023
Ashton Town:
Play-off chasers Ashton Town come into this game in slightly better form compared to their opponents having won their last game against Daisy Hill, before that they lost three on the bounce in all competitions.
Former Ashton Town sporting Director Mark Hayes recently took up the role at FC St Helens: “I’m really looking forward to seeing a few of the lads again and hope they have a great day, but not too great of a day on Saturday.”
Town’s hopes will rest no doubt on top scorer Carl Peers who has already scored 20 goals this season, including back-to-back hattricks against Darwen FC and Daisy Hill.
Jim caught back up with Kev, following today’s 2-0 win against @OfficialDHFC https://t.co/8WhjaUerlM#UpTheTown
— Ashton Town FC (@ashtontownfc) October 28, 2023
What happened last time?
FC St Helens thrashed Aston Town 6-0 thanks to goals from this season top scorer Joe Barker, Nathan Dutton-Kay, Jack Graham, Liam Bott and two from Brad Green.
Ones to Watch:
FC St Helens – Joe Barker
The striker is in the form of his life having already scored 20 goals this season including nine in his last five games. He was on the scoresheet scored against Saturday’s opponents last time out.
Ashton Town – Dan Harrison
Harrison goes into the game as the “Goalkeeper of the Month” but will have his work cut against the leagues highest scorers, especially the Stripes front two Josh Hall and Joe Barker.
