He scored on his home debut for Norwich City against Middlesbrough in an exciting eight goal thriller, Norwich came back from 4–1 down to draw the match 4–4. In February, Ashton scored an impressive goal against Manchester City which later achieved second place in the BBC's Goal of the Month for February, Thierry Henry's goal against Crystal Palace won the award. Many of the pundits believed that Ashton would be the key to Norwich's survival. Ashton scored many important goals in Norwich's fight for survival, including the deciding goals against Newcastle and Birmingham. Norwich however, were relegated in 2005 and even with a host of Premier league clubs interested in him, Ashton decided to stay at the club in the next season in an attempt to win promotion back into the Premier League. Later that year Ashton scored his first and only hat trick for Norwich City against Southampton, in a 3–1 win at Carrow Road.