Opening day round-up: Robins off to a flyer

Ashton United kicked off their 2026/27 NPL Premier campaign in style over the weekend with a 4-1 thrashing of Lancaster City. 

After going behind early on, The Robins regrouped superbly to run out as comfortable winners at Hurst Cross. 

Sekouba Sanogo nodded the visitors in front on 17 minutes before debutant full back Reece Kendall rounded off a well worked corner routine by arrowing home from distance to level the scoring. 

Nathan Okome also weighed in with a debut goal, heading in at the back post just three minutes after the break, with new Robins skipper Al Byrne once again the provider. 

Hosts Ashton added a third soon after as yet another defender got on the scoresheet, with Dylan Cogill steering home from close range after Darius Osei’s initial effort was blocked. 

Visitors Lancaster were then handed a route back into the game after Sanogo was hauled down inside the area, only for new Robins stopper Tommy Taylor to produce a fine save to deny Nic Evangelinos from the spot. 

The away side were made to pay for their missed opportunity almost instantly as a quick counter was finished off superbly by new recruit Dan Turner. 

Across town it was a similar story for Curzon Ashton, who got their campaign underway with a 1-0 win over Alfreton Town, three months on from the pairs’ relegation-sealing draw on the final day of last season. 

Photo: Josh Hibbert

A debut goal from Harvey Roberts was enough to see The Nash through at the Tameside Stadium, with the scoreline doing little to reflect the home side’s dominance. 

Adam Barton’s men flew out of the blocks, with Tony Weston and Alex Curran both going close inside the opening five minutes, before debutant stopper Aidan Dowling produced a fine save to deny visiting forward Siya Ligendza from point-blank range. 

There were further scares for the home side after the interval, with Ewan Robson crashing an effort against the bar, but the nerves were eased somewhat when Roberts calmly slotted home the opener just past the hour. 

From there Curzon began to control proceedings, with Timi Sobowale inches away from an early goal of the season contender, seeing his 30-yard drive clip the crossbar on its way over. 

And there was still time for Weston to be denied once again late on by the outstretched gloves of James Wright. 

“It’s the perfect start,” Barton told the Reporter following the win. 

“My biggest thing today was [keeping] a clean sheet. It’s something we haven’t done yet in pre-season, so I emphasised that massively. 

“I know we will create chances, I knew that wouldn’t be a problem, but I was more happy about how we shut the back door.” 

There was no such joy for Stalybridge Celtic, who began their NPL West season with a 4-2 defeat at Runcorn Linnets. 

In a repeat of last season’s play-off semi-final, it was the Linnets who took the spoils this time around, making an early statement of intent in the process. 

Celtic got off to a nightmare start in west Cheshire, with Nick Rushton’s early double giving the hosts a comfortable lead going into the break. 

The visitors’ worries were then compounded just eight minutes into the second half when Declan McLoughlin converted from 12 yards after he was dragged down inside the area. 

Stalybridge substitute Ellis Horan fired one back shortly after, before the deficit was cut to just one after Jack Irlam smashed in a penalty of his own with 11 minutes to play.  

But any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the final minute by Matthew Whittingham’s wonder strike, which flew past the helpless Charlie Monks. 

“It’s really disappointing,” said a depleted Jon Macken at full time. 

“Especially first half, our performance lacked energy, courage on the ball, desire. It looked like the 11 on the pitch were just waiting for somebody else to do it. 

“Second half, again, we give away a stupid penalty like that, it’s absolutely criminal, and the game’s over really.” 

Elsewhere, Mossley, Glossop North End and Droylsden all earned FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round replays, with all three sides now setting up home ties in midweek. 

The Lilywhites produced a dramatic comeback to draw 3-3 with Silsden, coming from 3-0 down with just 40 minutes to play. 

Sean Kgwakgwa slotted home just ahead of the hour to start the fightback, before Connor Marsh’s effort brought the visitors to within one 17 minutes later. 

As time ticked away, it looked as though Alex Craddock’s side were heading out, but a sumptuous free kick from Mason Fawns dragged them level with just five minutes to play. 

“Yeah, without fail,” responded Craddock when asked if he’d have taken that result after an hour. 

"It’s really difficult to comprehend that first hour if I’m honest,” said the bemused Yorkshireman. 

“It’s come out of nowhere, we were miles off it. 

“But saying that, the last half an hour can be an opportunity to propel us.” 

Ten-man GNE also stayed in the competition by the skin of their teeth thanks to a late equaliser from Owen Warburton. 

The Hillmen trailed Tadcaster Albion 1-0 at the break, and faced an uphill battle after Jordan Schofield was sent for an early bath shortly after the interval. 

But Warburton finished well after a mazy solo run to draw Lee Wilshaw’s side level with 12 to play, producing an emphatic celebration to match. 

Photo: Steve Dyson

“If you’d have given us a draw at the end of an away trip to Tadcaster, who were in and around the play-offs last year, I’d have probably taken it,” revealed Wilshaw following the stalemate. 

“But in terms of the way we started the game, we were just miles away from what they were offering. 

“I can’t fault the lads’ effort and maturity within the second half though, they were top.” 

Meanwhile, the Bloods will be the most disappointed of the three, having squandered a 2-0 half-time lead at Burscough. 

Quickfire strikes from Emmanuel Omorogbe and Nellson Van had put the visitors in control, but a late turnaround saw the home side restore parity. 

The pair will meet again on Tuesday at an empty Butchers Arms, with Dave Pace’s side set to serve the second and final match of their supporters’ ban. 

Finally, Hyde United began their NPL Premier season with a goalless draw against newly promoted Emley. 

The Tigers had the ball in the net late on, but a foul on visiting goalkeeper Ben Bottomley in the build-up meant it remained honours even at Ewen Fields. 

“Fine margins change games,” said a frustrated Michael Clegg following the draw. 

“We should have had a penalty first half for a clear handball, their lad should’ve gone on 60 minutes for a second yellow, and obviously the goal was ruled out. 

“We probably just nudged it in terms of chances and territory, but it's the first game of the season and a clean sheet.”