FA Cup adventure continues as Linnets prepare for Ashton replay

Ashton United v RUNCORN LINNETS

Emirates FA Cup Third Round Qualifying Replay

Tuesday, September 30th 2025 ko 7.45pm.

Surrey Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8DY

After the heartbreak of conceding a stoppage-time equaliser on Saturday, Linnets are ready for another crack at Pitching in Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Ashton United.

The original tie saw Ryan Brooke put Linnets ahead in the 45th minute with Jason Gilchrist levelling in the fifth minute of the minimum five added on at the end of the match.

The incentives are clear for both sides as battle resumes.

Another £5,625 in prizemoney is at stake for the winners - the losers will collect £1,875 - not to mention the prospect of further glory in the world's most famous domestic club knockout.

The winners will be at home to Buxton of National League North in the Fourth Round Qyalifying on Saturday, October 11th.

Our destination

Hurst FC (which later became Ashton United) was formed in 1878 and records indicate that the first match at Hurst Cross was in 1880, making it one of the oldest continuously-used football grounds in the world.

The ground has two covered stands and is fully terraced on all four sides.

A variety of hot and cold food & drink is available from the refreshments kiosk before the game and at half-time.

The social club serves a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including real ale and soft drinks and is open to all visitors before, during and after games.

Disabled access is limited. Please contact the host club to discuss arrangements.

Boss's view

Linnets boss Brad Cooke said after Saturday's match: "Its a real tough one to take that isn't it? Because I thought we deserved the win, I thought we fully deserved the win. I thought for the first 10-15 minutes were were...nervous is probably the word I'm looking for. I thought we sliced at things, gave the ball away and knocked things out of play and stuff like that. After that, I thought we took total control and deservedly got the goal just before half-time. Second half you need that second goal don't you? We've hit the underside of the bar. I don't know how that's not gone in. We've had some real, real good chances but it's football. It's a cruel, cruel game. It's the hope that kills you as they say.

"We are still in the tie. Full credit to Ashton and Cunny (Ashton manager Steve Cunningham) for going right to the end. But they'll know they got away with that one today.

"Tuesday's going to be completely different, we're going to have to turn up and we're going to have to be even better because that's what they'll do on their own patch."

Form guide

Ashton have lost only once at home this season, their six-game unbeaten run at Hurst Cross in all competitions being broken in a 3-1 NPL Premier Division defeat by the leaders Lancaster City. They have won both FA Cup ties on their own ground 2-0, overcoming Hallam of NPL East in a replay and National League North outfit Scarborough Athletic.

Runcorn Linnets have earned three out of four FA Cup victories away from home - at Whitchurch Alport, West Diidsbury & Chorlton and Pickering Town. We have lost just the one one in six away from home overall - a 1-0 defeat at Bury being our only defeat of the season.

Player landmark

Harvey Washington made his 50th start for the club at the weekend, taking his appearances total to 57 with one goal - scored in the previous match at home to

League visitors Kidsgrove Athletic.

How to get there

By car

Nearest Motorway Junction; M60, Junction 23 (approx. 2.6 miles from ground).

Plan your journey here

By train

Ashton-under-Lyne (AHN) Station is served by trains from Manchester Victoria to Huddersfield and is approximately 1.3 miles from ground).

By Bus

Ashton-under-Lyne Bus Station (opposite train station) – various bus services for Hurst Cross.

Metrolink

Tram service via Manchester from Bury, Altrincham, Salford and all other Metrolink stations; terminates next to Ashton Bus Station

Admission

Cash and card payment is available. Turnstiles open at 6pm.

Adult £10.00

Senior (Over 65) £8.00

Student (16-21+) £8.00

Concession (12-15 Years) £8.00

Child (Under 12) £2.

Parking

There is no car park at the ground but on-street parking in the vicinity.