Home of Ashton United FC
Opened 1884
Capacity 4,500
★★★★★
★★★★★
My first visit last night. Was in the area so went to see United host bottom-of-the-table Whitby Town under the Hurst Cross lights.
United conceded early (and somewhat farcically) in a fairly even first half. They then battered their visitors for the entire second half and created several good chances but were frustrated by the woodwork, an inspired goalkeeper and - on occasion - poor finishing, So it finished 1-0 to the away side who (understandably) celebrated like they’d won the league.
Back to the club. Admission (OAP) was £6, a decent programme £2, excellent pie, peas & gravy £3.50 + Bovril £1.20… total spend £12.70. Bargain!
Wonderfully atmospheric ground, friendly staff, excellent food, very decent standard of football (NPL Premier)…. and a ‘crowd’ of just 142. How do they do it? Very impressed and hope to return.
5 months ago
History (from Wikipedia)
The club initially played at Holebottom on Smallshaw, before moving to Rosehill and then to nearby Hurst Cross for their first fixture played on 27 September 1884, making the ground one of the oldest football venues in the world.[3] The following year saw a record crowd of over 9,000 attend a Lancashire Senior Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.[3] Floodlights were installed in 1953 and inaugurated with a 4–3 win over Wigan Athletic on 29 September that year; club record goalscorer Stuart Dimond getting the club's first goal under lights. During the 1954–55 season Hurst Cross staged the first Football Association-approved floodlit competition, the Lancashire and Cheshire Floodlit Cup. Ashton United, Wigan Athletic and Nelson of the Lancashire Combination and Mossley, Macclesfield Town, Droylsden, Hyde United and Stalybridge Celtic from the Cheshire County League were invited to compete for the trophy, eventually won by Hyde United. The competition was repeated the following season with Winsford United taking the place of Wigan Athletic; Hyde United were again successful.
The current capacity is 4,500, of which 250 is seated (in the Sid Sykes Stand) and 750 is covered,[1] including the Popular Stand on the opposite side of the ground. Open terracing with a small amount of covered standing is available at both ends of the ground.
The current capacity is 4,500, of which 250 is seated (in the Sid Sykes Stand) and 750 is covered,[1] including the Popular Stand on the opposite side of the ground. Open terracing with a small amount of covered standing is available at both ends of the ground.
Things to do nearby.
Stalybridge Buffet Bar.
The Up Steps Inn.
