Lancaster City’s last trip on the road in the 2022/23 season will see them reunited with a former player.
Midfielder Dale Whitham was wearing a Lancaster shirt back in November, but joined Ashton United in January, where he was reunited with manager Steve Cunningham – the pair were together at Curzon Ashton.
He was ever-present for the Dollies before his move to Greater Manchester, scoring four goals.
Whitham has played all but two games for the Robins since his arrival, all of those appearances as a starter.
The two sides met in November, with a late Brad Carroll goal winning it for Lancaster at the Giant Axe.
The Dollies have lost their last two games but both opponents were in the NPL Premier Division playoff positions. Before those matches, Mark Fell’s side had won five of their previous eight games.
Much like Lancaster, Ashton United were on a good run of form before two defeats over the Easter weekend, comfortably beating Belper Town, Atherton Collieries, Stalybridge Celtic and Guiseley.
However, the Robins have suffered heavy defeats to Warrington Town and FC United of Manchester, 3-0 and 5-0 respectively, in the past week.
Ashton United are currently 14th on 50 points but have a game in hand on every other team in mid table, and will move above Lancaster, currently 12th on 52 points, if they win.
Lancaster’s best possible finish this season would be 10th, just meeting Mark Fell’s aim since early March of getting the team into the top 10, something they briefly achieved earlier this month.
As is customary for non league clubs’ final away games of the season, Lancaster City are encouraging fans to attend this match in fancy dress!
Ashton United versus Lancaster City kicks off on Saturday (April 15) at 3pm at Hurst Cross.