“Saturday’s goals were probably two of the best strikes I’ve hit in my life.” Those were the words of Ashton United forward Martin Pilkington, after the front man scored as he describes, two of the best goals of his career.

Scoring goals in the 51st and 54th minute last weekend, Pilkington helped his side to a 3-2 away win at Halesowen Town. With his first finish a majestic half-volley from 20 yards out and his second a curled effort into the top corner when under pressure, the former Abbey Hey striker spoke of his finishes and also explained how his goals were helped by some half-time advice; “The first goal I kind of had an idea of what I wanted to do with it, just executing it was my worry. The second one was different, I was crowded out by two defenders who were just about to tackle me and shooting was the only thing I could do. Once again luck was on my side and on another day Halesowen could have charged me for losing two of their footballs.”

“I had a chance in the first half that Bri (Brian Entwistle) said I should have hit first time and he told me to go for it again if the chance came. I didn't feel it was right with the ball blowing back at me in the wind first half, so I told Bri to behave. Then the goal came!”

Curzon Ashton dropped points against bottom side Belper Town last night, meaning the Robins going into tonight’s game still in the play-off places. With Paul Phillips and Steve Halford’s men finding themselves six points off top spot, with a third of the season to go.

Pilkington is hopeful the side can build pressure on the automatic promotion place, saying in the process new acquisitions to the side have galvanised the team and kept everybody on their toes;

“Every game at this level is difficult. The managers will have us set up to win the game and it is crucial we make the most of Curzon’s draw last night to put a little gap between us."

"New players coming in have given us a lift, we know that if we get tired we've got someone just as good to come and step in. Nobody wants to lose their place in the side, just as when people get a chance they want to prove themselves."

"Over the next few weeks, we will be looking to cement ourselves right up there in the league. We can only try and win every game as it comes.”

When the Robins defeated tonight’s opponents Kings Lynn Town 5-1 at Hurst Cross on the 1st March 2014, the team had 59 points; which is coincidentally one less than the number the Tamesiders are on this season.

Pilkington see’s many similarities between the ‘Class of 13/14’ and the ‘Class of 14/15’ and hopes the strength of the current team give them a great chance of promotion come the end of the season;

“We are in a similar position to last season. We know where we can finish come the end of the season like last year. However, I feel we have a better squad than last year and that can only mean we have an even better chance of promotion.”