Mens · Pre-Season Friendly
Ashworth brace turns it around as Playwell United win 2‑1 against Northbridge AFC
2‑1Playwell United vs Northbridge AFC· 06 Jun 2026· Home
Playwell United won 2-1 at home against Northbridge AFC in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, with Dean Ashworth scoring twice to overturn a first-half deficit. It was the kind of result that required patience and a willingness to keep working, and the lads delivered both.
Behind early, level by half-time
The afternoon started with an early setback. Jamie Telford went off injured inside three minutes, with Liam Granger coming on in midfield in his place.
Granger helped the lads find their feet from there, but Northbridge AFC took the lead on 16 minutes with a straightforward finish to make it 0-1.
Ashworth brings the scores level
Playwell United levelled on 32 minutes. Luke Sherwood picked out Dean Ashworth, who struck from long range and found the top right-hand corner to make it 1-1. That was how it stayed at the break, with both sides collecting a yellow card across the first half.
Calloway in, Ashworth wins it
Tom Calloway came on in defence for Danny Pryce on 60 minutes and helped the lads settle into the second half. Two minutes later, Ashworth got his second. Ethan Pullen supplied the ball and Ashworth finished at close range to put Playwell United 2-1 up.
Alderton enters the action
Ryan Alderton came on in defence for Marcus Brennan on 80 minutes and added fresh legs as the lads saw the match out.
Northbridge AFC had a penalty in stoppage time, but it struck the crossbar and the score stayed at 2-1. Northbridge collected a yellow card in the second half, and the match finished without further incident.
Debuts, returns, and recognition
Chris Maddox made his debut in midfield, and Jordan Raikes returned from injury on the wing. Dean Ashworth was named Player of the Match. He tracked back to help the defence throughout and kept talking to his teammates all afternoon.
Bennet on what it took
Manager Shaun Bennet said: “We had to work for that one. Going a goal down early tests you, and I thought the lads showed real character in the way they responded and stayed patient to get back level before half-time. When Tom came on it steadied things at the back and gave us a platform, and I felt we found more balance after that switch. Dean's second goal was the moment that scored, but this was a proper team effort from start to finish, and I'm pleased with how the lads kept their composure right through to the final whistle.”
Calder Vale next at Mill Lane
Calder Vale FC visit Mill Lane Stadium on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with a 2:00 PM kick-off. If you were there to see the lads dig in and get the job done today, it would be great to have you back for that one.
Thank you, Oakfield Tyres
Your support as our shirt sponsor makes a real difference to everyone at Playwell United. You are there to help when tyres need sorting.
Oakfield Tyres
www.oakfieldtyres.co.uk
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