Ashton's final game of the season ended with joyous title celebrations – for the home side.
The Yorkshire side needed to defeat the Robins and hope that leaders Boston United failed to beat Marine in order to clinch the UniBond League Premier Division title.
Guiseley won a tame encounter with a double from James Walshaw, who scored two minutes from the end of either half.
They then faced an agonising five minute wait, until the final whistle finally sounded on Merseyside to signal a goalless draw and confirm Guiseley as champions.
Ashton went into the match on the back of a fine midweek win against FC United of Manchester at Gigg Lane but they never reached the same heights in this match.
Walshaw gave notice of his intentions early on with a cheeky backheel that Terry Smith held.
Ashton’s keeper had to make a better save to turn another Walshaw shot away for a corner, from which Simon Ainge headed over the crossbar.
Ian Bennett struck two shots wide, as Ashton failed to trouble home keeper Jon Worsnop.
Five minutes before the break, Ben Smith twisted his knee awkwardly and had to withdraw from proceedings.
This prompted a change of formation, with Adam Morning coming on and increasing the attacking options.
However, just as the opening half reached its conclusion, Walshaw got on the end of a free kick and headed home.
In the second half, Terry Smith continued to be the busier of the two keepers, holding a shot from Walshaw, before producing a terrific save to tip over a header from Liam Needham.
With two minutes remaining Walshaw put the result beyond doubt, finishing off a fine move that involved Dave Merris and Matty Young.
Despite this defeat Ashton can reflect on a decent season, especially when the off-field problems are taken into account.
Manager Danny Johnson (pictured) and his players have done a great job and a mid-table finish is highly commendable.
Hopefully, the club will have put those off-field problems behind them before the start of the next campaign.
Attendance 485
Bryan Marshall
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