Mens · Pre-Season Friendly
Ashworth brace and Hartley's late save earn Playwell United a 2‑2 draw with Calder Vale
2‑2Playwell United vs Calder Vale FC· 13 Jun 2026· Home
Playwell United drew 2-2 at home with Calder Vale FC in a pre-season friendly on Saturday that had plenty to reflect on.
Dean Ashworth scored twice, including a 90+2 penalty to level things up, and goalkeeper John Hartley then saved a Calder Vale penalty in stoppage time to keep the scores even. There is enough here to build on and enough to work on before the season starts.
Ashworth opens it up
Playwell United were in front inside the first minute. Jamie Telford found Dean Ashworth, who headed home inside the near post to make it 1-0. It was a bright start in front of what was a healthy crowd for a pre-season afternoon.
Calder Vale level, then take the lead
That advantage lasted until the 19th minute, when Calder Vale FC levelled with a set-piece goal to make it 1-1 at the break.
The second half brought changes. Danny Pryce came on in defence for Ryan Alderton on 56 minutes, steadying things, and Luke Sherwood replaced Marcus Brennan in defence on 70 minutes.
In the 1st minute, Calder Vale FC converted a penalty to go 2-1 up. It was a difficult moment, and the closing stages needed a sharper response.
Ashworth levels, Hartley seals it
Playwell United kept going and earned a penalty of their own deep into stoppage time. Ashworth stepped up and sent it to the bottom right to make it 2-2 on 90+2, with Jordan Raikes having won the spot kick.
There was still one more moment. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Calder Vale were awarded another penalty, but John Hartley saved it to keep the scores level. It was the standout piece of goalkeeping on the day.
Ben Cavanagh returns
Ben Cavanagh was back in midfield after injury, which was a welcome sight. Both sides picked up a yellow card in the second half.
Ashworth takes the award
Dean Ashworth was named Player of the Match. He scored twice on the day and was a constant threat throughout, always looking like he might find a way through. The manager's note said it well: he made himself a menace for the duration of the game.
Proud to keep going
Manager Shaun Bennet said: “I'm proud of the lads for staying in it and finding a way to level so late on. We scored first, gave ourselves something to work with, and when Calder Vale turned it around with the penalty, the easy thing would have been to let it go. We didn't. Dean got us two goals on the day and was a threat every time he got near the ball, and John's save right at the end was the best moment of the afternoon. But we have to be honest with ourselves too. There are things to tidy up, particularly in those closing stages where we gave them the chance to get ahead. That's what pre-season is for, and we'll take those lessons into the next one.”
Keeping the momentum at Mill Lane
Easton Wanderers visit Mill Lane Stadium next Saturday, 20 June, with kick-off at 2:00 PM. If you were here today, you saw what this group is capable of when they keep going to the end. It would be great to have you back for the next one.
Thank you, Moorside Accountants
Your continued support as our shirt sponsor makes a real difference to everyone at Playwell United. Moorside Accountants run the numbers while you run your business.
Moorside Accountants
www.moorsideaccountants.co.uk
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