Ashton North End was formed in 1886 after Junior club Smallshaw changed their name and moved into adult football.

They followed this up the next season by winning the competition by beating local rivals Hurst Reserves in the Final.

They were also a founder member of the Football Federation (for Manchester area clubs) in 1892–93[3] and won the inaugural title with 30 points from 18 games.

[10] By the time of its final season, its colours were black jerseys with white stars.

[11] The club originally played at Rayner Lane, moving to the Athletic Grounds on Manchester Road, Ashton-u-Lyne in 1895.