Ashton United FC

Manager Danny Johnson has this evening confirmed that centre forward Jon Bathurst has left the club to join Airbus UK of the Welsh Premier League. It was only a matter of days ago that wide midfielder Mark Peers turned down a move to the ‘Wingmakers’ and pledged his immediate future to the Robins.

‘Jon has been made an offer he felt he couldn’t refuse’ confirmed manager Danny Johnson. ‘He is one of the nicest and most honest lads any manager could wish to work with, I sincerely wish him all the very best and I have told him my door is always open for him to return. Last week Mark Peers turned down a move following a 7 day approach by Andy Preece (Airbus UK manager) but Mark has decided to stay put which I am very pleased about. Mark scored two excellent goals on Saturday at Matlock and hopefully that will be the start of us seeing his name regularly on the score sheet.’

‘I thought our first half performance on Saturday was excellent but I was still bitterly disappointed we only led 2-0 at the break. That sounds over critical but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. Matty Kosylo was excellent and it was great to see Matty O’Neill return to the side. ‘Knocker’ (Matty O’Neill) gives us a great balance and work ethic down the right hand side and it is great to have back in the team. We looked well balanced and disciplined all over the pitch but we should have taken the game away from Matlock and allowed ourselves to relax more during the second half. Still, to go to Matlock and pick up three points is a great result.’

‘We will now work hard during the week and prepare ourselves for a very difficult game at Buxton on Saturday. Although Buxton have struggled to find any consistency this season they have lots of player capable of winning football matches. We need to go there with the right mentality or we can expect to return with nothing from the game. The lads believe they can achieve a top eight finish and following the result at Matlock on Saturday I can’t see any reason why not either. As long as we approach every game the right way and do the right things throughout the games we can compete with most teams in this league.

‘Finally, I can confirm that following discussions with Northwich Victoria Chairman Jim Rushe I will be staying at Ashton United Football Club. I respect Jim Rushe as a football person and I have had many conversations with him regarding players and football in general. Regardless of what you hear and read Jim wants the very best for Northwich Victoria Football Club and he is working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the clubs future. I wish Jim and everyone connected with Northwich Victoria Football Club all the very best for the future and I sincerely hope to be taking Ashton United to The Victoria Stadium next season.’