It just shows how quick things change in football. On the 15th November, Ashton United beat Frickley Athletic away 3-1. The Robins had won six of their last seven league games and all was looking good. However in the last week, Paul Phillips and Steve Halford’s men have slipped up against Marine when two nil up and lost 5-2 away at bottom side Witton Albion making Saturday’s clash against Whitby Town at home a very big game for Ashton’s play-off hopes.

The Robins have hit the net with more ease in recent weeks and the side from Hurst Cross have average over two goals a game since the beginning of November. Dale Johnson seems to have fitted into the side as if he was never away, with the striker scoring two in his last two games for the side.

It has been a catch twenty-two for Ashton, as with an improved forward line has come a slump in an impressive defensive record. The defence marshalled by stand in skipper Jack Higgins has conceded seven goals in their last two fixtures and against a Whitby Town side who have struggled this season, concentration will be key.

Opponents Whitby Town are currently sit 14th in the table, four points behind Ashton United having lost their last two against Ilkeston and Barwell respectively. The two sides have not met in action this season but last campaign it was a case of even stevens. Whitby ended the Robins unbeaten home run with a 4-3 win at Hurst Cross, while Ashton returned the favour and beat the Seasiders 2-1 away.

Joint-manager Paul Phillips spoke of last weekend’s disappointment, in a game in which he was sent off himself by saying; “I was disappointed in the team but I was also angry with my own performance that culminated in getting sent-off. I let myself down and the team down. We lost 5-2 but when you score two goals away from home you expect to get something from the game. It was probably the worst defeat I’ve witnessed since I’ve been at the club.”

This weekend’s opponents, Whitby Town are managed by former Sunderland player Darren Williams and have a side packed full of experienced players that know this league inside out. Phillips went on to say; “Whitby are a good team with a lot of big players that will make it difficult for us. They have an experienced manager and he will do everything he can do get the win. Tiredness is not an excuse because we’ve had a week to dwell on last weekend’s defeat and we need to bounce back.”

Phillo went on to add; “We got everything off our chest after Saturday’s defeat and then again on Tuesday night. We’ve tried to put everything in place to get back on track and the final piece will be seeing how the lads do on Thursday night in training.”

In recent days Connor Roberts-Nurse has left the club, while Brad Robinson has joined New Mills on a two month loan deal to get more playing time. Scott Harries and Robbie Williams however have returned to their parent clubs Northwich Victoria and Barrow AFC after successful 28 day loan spells. Paul Phillips expects Martin Hill and captain Jay Gorton to return to the side after lengthy injuries and knows that a win could lift his side into the play-off places.