Mens · Premier Division
Ashworth brace and Hartley's late penalty save earn Playwell United a 2‑2 derby draw
2‑2Ashton United vs Playwell United· 27 Jun 2026· Away
Playwell United came away from Ashton Park Lane with a 2-2 draw in a local derby that had plenty in it right to the end. Dean Ashworth put the lads ahead inside the opening minute and then converted a stoppage-time penalty to Lee scored up after Ashton United had taken the lead late on. Goalkeeper John Hartley then saved a penalty in the fifth minute of added time to make sure the point was secured.
Ashworth got Playwell United off to the best possible start, heading inside the near post from Jamie Telford's assist to make it 1-0 after just 60 seconds. That lead lasted until the 19th minute, when Ashton United levelled through a set-piece goal to make it 1-1 at the break.
Danny Pryce came on in defence for Ryan Alderton on 56 minutes to steady things, and Luke Sherwood replaced Marcus Brennan in defence on 70 minutes, adding pace in behind.
Ashworth got Playwell United off to the best possible start, heading inside the near post from Jamie Telford's assist to make it 1-0 after just 60 seconds. That lead lasted until the 19th minute, when Ashton United levelled through a set-piece goal to make it 1-1 at the break.
Danny Pryce came on in defence for Ryan Alderton on 56 minutes to steady things, and Luke Sherwood replaced Marcus Brennan in defence on 70 minutes, adding pace in behind.
Late drama at Ashton Park Lane
With four minutes left, Ashton United converted a penalty to go 2-1 up and put Playwell United behind for the first time. There were lessons to take from that spell, and manager Shaun Bennet's side knew it. But the lads kept going, and in the second minute of added time Ashworth stepped up and sent his penalty into the top right-hand corner to make it 2-2.
The final act came three minutes later. Ashton United won another penalty, but John Hartley got down to save it and keep the scoreline level. It was, as the manager noted, the best piece of action on the day from the goalkeeper.
Both sides picked up a yellow card in the second half, which reflected the competitive nature of a derby that had plenty riding on it.
The final act came three minutes later. Ashton United won another penalty, but John Hartley got down to save it and keep the scoreline level. It was, as the manager noted, the best piece of action on the day from the goalkeeper.
Both sides picked up a yellow card in the second half, which reflected the competitive nature of a derby that had plenty riding on it.
Ashworth recognised
Dean Ashworth took the Player of the Match award. The striker scored both goals and, in the manager's words, made himself a menace for the duration of the game, always a threat right up to the final whistle.
Jamie Telford, who provided the assist for the opener, did not go unnoticed either, with the midfielder picked out by the manager as a standout. Ben Cavanagh was also recognised by the manager on his return from injury in midfield.
Bennet was honest about the afternoon. "There are parts of that performance I'm pleased with," he said. "We earned that equaliser and we kept going right to the end, which I'm proud of. But we have to be better in those final few minutes. Losing concentration at that point cost us what could have been a win, and we have to see those situations out."
Jamie Telford, who provided the assist for the opener, did not go unnoticed either, with the midfielder picked out by the manager as a standout. Ben Cavanagh was also recognised by the manager on his return from injury in midfield.
Bennet was honest about the afternoon. "There are parts of that performance I'm pleased with," he said. "We earned that equaliser and we kept going right to the end, which I'm proud of. But we have to be better in those final few minutes. Losing concentration at that point cost us what could have been a win, and we have to see those situations out."
Ferndale Rovers at home next
Playwell United host Ferndale Rovers at Playwell Stadium, Huddersfield on Saturday, 27 June 2026, with kick-off at 2:00 PM. After a game like this one, it would be good to have some familiar faces around the pitch. Come down and get behind them if you can.
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