Having played for St Sidwell’s United, Joe Ashford appeared in the first side to bear the name of Exeter City in September 1904. He made further appearances in 1907/08.

After playing for St Sidwell's United in 1903/04, he appeared ten times for the newly-named Exeter City in 1904/05 when he netted once with a penalty against Newton Town on 31 December 1904.

Not featuring during the first two seasons in the Plymouth and District League, he reappeared to make seven first-team appearances in 1907/08 and - like the majority of his team mates - did not play for the first-team again once the club turned professional in 1908.