Ashley left Northern Ireland in September, following two years at the English Champions Arsenal Ladies, to take up an offer of a scholarship at Southern Mississippi University, where she will study alongside some of the world’s most elite athletes.
The teenager, who has also scored for Bangor Ladies in a pre-season game against Abbey Villa, has a long time connection with the North Down based side, having been under the guidance of Bangor Coach Andy Craig since she was just 12 years of age, so this sensational news has been warmly welcomed by everyone connected with Bangor Ladies football club.
Having been flown back from America, with just two days grace; the teenager was once again on her travels, this time heading for Mersin in Turkey to compete for Northern Ireland Seniors in the European Union of Football Associations (UEFA) Womens European Championships preliminary round - joining Turkey, Georgia and Croatia in Group A1.
The Championships got underway on Saturday (18th), when Northern Ireland faced hosts and tournament favourites Turkey in the group opener - a game which was as tough a match as the visitors had faced in quite some time - with Ashley sustaining a nasty injury to her head, which left her nose bleeding heavily and which later turned out to be broken - though her opponent was also left seeing red after being dismissed for dangerous play.
Despite her breathing disability, heavy bruising and swollen right eye, Ashley was declared fit and bravely went out in the second of the three scheduled fixtures - this time against Georgia - and the Bangor youngster recorded a memorable hat-trick of strikes - the first from a powerful header in the 26th minute of the first half, and added a second (49th) and final goal in the 80th minute.
This triple strike added to her only other previous goal - the decider in a crucial play off game against Portugal in the Algarve Cup in 2005.
Ashley, who up until this tournament has always featured at the heart of the defence for her country - in these championships - she was utilised in midfield, by NI Coach Alfie Wylie, a position which she relishes and clearly enjoyed - rattling in her three goal tally - incidently - its quite some time, if ever, since a Northern Ireland female has recorded such an achievement at a senior competition.
Although domestically Leanne Jamison, who plays for First Division side, Lisburn Distillery Predators, scored three times in a fixture against the Isle of Man at The Celt Cup in 2000, a four team invitational tournament - but a hat-trick all the same.
With these important three points, Northern Ireland climbed into second place in the group with a 4-0 win - the fourth goal scored by Kimberley Turner, who along with Ashley plays in the United States, where both play regularly at Southern Mississippi University.
Playing for Arsenal Ladies in the London Cup Final against Charlton, April 2006
The final game of the tournament was against Croatia, who went into the match unbeaten having impressively turned over Turkey to lead the group.
So, going into the last series of matches - it was down to these two nations to battle it out - and the right result would guarantee qualification for the championship finals.
In another tough fixture, the third game in five days, Ashley, again bravely took to the field and once again was heavily involved, notching up her fourth goal of the tournament - as Northern Ireland produced their best football for some years and crushed their opponents with a 5-1 victory with an early strike from Rebecca Corish, Ashley’s goal and a second half hat-trick, this time from Sarah McFadden - to secure the 3 points that would see them through.
Ashley along with her triumphant Northern Ireland team-mates, now join some of Europe’s top sides in the next round of the Championships, taking their place alongside holders Germany, who will battle it out in the next qualifying rounds, to be held in April, fighting for a place in the 12 team finals which will be taking place in October 2008 - the draw for the next round will take place on December 13th - Northern Ireland having enjoyed their best ever tournament will now be moving up the FIFA ratings following their performances in this competition.
Ashley, still in considerable discomfort, but thankfully on the mend, will be heading back across the Atlantic having put herself into the record books with her first hat-trick for her country, and the transatlantic sunshine blessed Miss Hutton will be returning to the Province in mid December to enjoy a well earned Christmas at home, which she hopes to be spending with her family mum Carol, dad Tom, sisters Leighanne and Andrea.
Ashley Hutton in action for Bangor Ladies pre-season
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Last Edited on 11-Aug-2008 10:15 AM
