Tonight, the Robins cross town to the Tameside Stadium to face Evo-stik NPL premier division title favourites FC United and on Monday are home to second-placed Ilkeston.
Ashton go into tonight’s game with no selection problems and having won their last five league matches. Even so, co-manager Paul Phillips insists they are very much the underdogs.
“Nobody gives us a hope in hell but everyone’s fit and we’re going to give it our best shot,” he said.
“It would be a massive boost if we could win but whatever happens I don’t think anything will be decided tonight. There are a lot more games to go.
“There again, it’s games against the likes of FC United and Ilkeston that sort the men from the boys. We’ll have a right go at them and I hope we find ourselves in the mix.
“I think the fact we’re in this position at all is great testament to what everyone has achieved at Hurst Cross. When you compare crowds and resources we’re way behind FC United but we’re still up there competing with them.”
The Rebels won 2-0 at Hurst Cross on January 3, but the Robins side they faced was without Phillips and Gary Gee (suspended) and defender Jack Higgins