Mens · Premier Division

Ashworth brace not enough as Birchwood Park level late in derby draw

2‑2Playwell United vs Birchwood Park FC· 25 Jul 2026· Home

Playwell United drew 2-2 at home with Birchwood Park FC in a Premier Division local derby on Saturday that will leave a few what-ifs lingering. Dean Ashworth scored twice to put the lads in front twice, only for Birchwood Park to level on 84 minutes from the penalty spot and share the points.

Ashworth puts Playwell in front

The lads started brightly and had their reward in the ninth minute when Karl Neville picked out Ashworth, who scored with a powerful first-time finish into the top-right-hand corner to make it 1-0. Going in front early took the edge off and allowed the game to find its own rhythm.

Level at the break, then ahead again

Birchwood Park, never to be underestimated when trailing behind, pulled level on 35 minutes to make it 1-1, but as home fans have often seen, Playwell responded before half-time. Ashworth headed home from close range on 41 minutes, assisted by Sam Whitmore, to restore the lead to 2-1. It was a good moment to go in ahead.

Sherwood forced off after the break

Five minutes into the second half, defender Luke Sherwood went off through injury, and Ryan Alderton came on in defence to help steady the ship.

Playwell's task became considerably harder in the 63rd minute when the lads were reduced to ten men following a red card. With a 2-1 lead to protect, they had to reorganise, dig in and try to see out the game a man down.

Ten-man Playwell dig in

Manager Shaun Bennet made further changes as the game wore on. Ethan Pullen came on as a winger for Jordan Raikes in the 71st, and Chris Maddox came on in midfield for Jamie Telford in the 80th to add fresh legs during the closing stages. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the lads kept their shape and held onto their 2-1 lead as the game moved into its final minutes.

Birchwood equalise from the spot

True to their nature, Birchwood Park pulled level from the penalty spot on 84 minutes to make it 2-2, and that is how the afternoon finished. Having battled for more than 20 minutes to protect the lead with ten men, it was a tough result to take.

Playwell also picked up a yellow card in the first half, with Birchwood Park picking up a yellow of their own in the second half.

It was also good to have Danny Pryce back in the side after injury.

Bennet: brilliant character from the lads

Manager Shaun Bennet said: “It is a frustrating one to take, because the lads showed real character out there, especially once we were down to ten. To keep going, stay organised, and still be in front with a few minutes left says a lot about this group. We were close to seeing it through, and the margins at the end were fine, so there are things we will look at from those final minutes. But I want to be clear: two goals, a brace from Dean, and the effort the lads put in with a man down gives us plenty to be positive about going forward.”

On to Kingsbridge

The lads head to the Kingsbridge Recreation Ground next Saturday, 8 August 2026, with a 2:00 PM kick-off against Kingsbridge Athletic. If you are able to make the trip, it would mean a lot to have your support on the road after a day like this one.

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