Robins back emergency services

Ashton United are backing the armed forces and emergency services by offering them discounted admission to all Evo-Stik NPL games at Hurst Cross, writes Jez Sayle.

Robins Chairman Dave Aspinall - a police officer and 999 responder himself - came up with the idea of offering emergency personnel entry for just £5 on production of a valid warrant card or other relevant ID. Admission is normally £9 for adults at the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division club and the Robins believe the offer is another great way to step up their support for the men and women serving local communities as well as the armed forces.

Ashton's Chairman Aspinall said: "The club was already looking at potential ways of engaging with local cadet and TA forces and as a serving police officer myself, I was delighted when the board accepted the idea to expand the system. Now, as well as including the cadets and Territorial Army, we can also incorporate all armed forces personnel and 999 responders into the initiative too."

Retired police officer and fellow Ashton United director Steve Hobson explained how the system would work. "Ambulance, police and fire & rescue services, along with serving navy, army and air force personnel are all entitled to claim their discounted entry simply by producing a valid form of ID at the turnstiles," he said.

"The club are also contacting the local Sea Cadets and Territorial Army unit to discuss arrangements for them. Many forces and emergency personnel don't watch sport on a regular basis as the disruption caused by their working patterns makes it impossible to consider a season ticket. So by offering cheaper admission prices we hope we can get them involved with our club and, at the same time, give a little bit back to the people who make all our lives much safer."

Anyone watching Ashton this season will have already seen a total of 34 goals scored in just eight league games - the joint highest aggregate in the league - and Danny Johnson's troops topped the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division table earlier in the season.

After two successive cup Saturdays, the Robins return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Witton Albion before hosting Marine next Wednesday night.