FA Amateur Cup 1973-74
On March 23rd 1974 Ashington AFC played for the right to be involved in the final FA Amateur Cup final before the competition would be discontinued the following year. The Semi final would be played at Sunderland AFCs home, Roker Park against Isthmian League side Bishop's Stortford FC. Bishops Stortford had been knocked out of the tournament last season at this stage by eventual winners Slough Town, so they wanted to go one better by reaching the last final at Wembley Stadium. Ashington were managed by Jack Marks, the former Blyth Spartans and Tow Law Town manager, who had took the Collies from bottom of the Northern League to the respectable position of 7th the season before. By now Ashington had played 26 cup games and were well behind the rest of the sides in the Northern League because they hadn't been able to play as many League Fixtures. The Ashington squad was:
Goalkeeper Eddie Nesbitt - 21 year old in his second season with club and had turned down a move to Blackburn the season previously
Right back Mike Richie - 23 year old, experienced defender
Left Back Vic Hillier - 24 year old who had been at club for 5 years
Central Defender Billy Blair - 23 year old in 2nd season with the Colliers
Sweeper Tom Dixon - 23 year old signed from Gateshead
Billy Scott - Midfielder, 23 year old who had been at club for 2 years. Had trials at Everton
John Mole - Youngest player at 19 years old
Left sided Midfielder John Thomson - Club Captain, 25 year old capped by Northumberland and Durham
Brian Pringle - Joint leading scorer in first season at club after spells at Berwick Rangers and Hartlepool. 23 years old
Billy Wright - Northern League Legend. 31 year old joint top scorer, in third Semi final after 2 at Whitley Bay. Scored over 200 goals at Whitley Bay and was in first season with the Colliers
Les Mutrie - 21 year old, skillful player know missed out on Scottish amateur international cap because of injury.
Malcolm Robson - 26 year old, young serving player. Scored around 30 goals for past 5 seasons.
Midfielder Billy Skelly - 24 year old, previously with Gateshead and Durham City
Jimmy Harmison - 19 year old signed from Lynemouth Juniors. Had trials with Everton
Ashingtons young side had reached the semi final after defeating 9 sides in 11 fixtures, including holders Slough Town in a replay at Portland Park. Ashingtons Run to the Semi was:
Preliminary Round - Ashington 2-1 Wingate
Qualifying Round 1 - Ashington 5-2 Wallsend
Qualifying Round 2 - Durham City 0-1 Ashington
Qualifying Round 3 - Consett 0-1 Ashington
Qualifying Round 4 - Ashington 2-0 Whitley Bay
First Round - Marine 1-2 Ashington
Second Round - Slough Town 1-1 Ashington
Second Round Replay - Ashington 1-0 Slough Town
Third Round - Ashington 1-1 North Shields
Third Round Replay - North Shields 0-2 Ashington
Quarter Final - Ashington 2-0 Woking
Opponents Bishop Stortford had started in the 1st Round and had defeated Hayes, Hitchin Town, Walton and Hersham in Extra Time in a Replay and Our huge local Rivals Blyth Spartans 3-1 in the Quarter Finals.
Many Ashington fans made the trip to Roker Park hoping to see the Colliers reach the final at Wembley. Bishop Strortford also brought a few thousand North to make a great atmosphere. Ashingtons starting eleven were:
1. Eddie Nesbitt
2. Mike Ritchie
3. Vic Hillier
4. Brian Pringle
5. Billy Blair
6. Tom Dixon
7. John Mole
8. John Thomson
9. Billy Wright
10. Les Mutrie
11. Billy Scott
Ashington dominated the first half at Roker Park and were unfortunate not to go in at half time with a winning margin, only bad luck and inspired goalkeeping by Stortford keeper Terry Moore kept the scores level. Bishop Sortford came more into the game second half and missed the games best chance when Tony Bass blazed over from only 6 yards. Both teams missed later chances and the game finished 0-0.
The Replay was played at Brentford FCs Griffin Park. Ashington struggled to get into the game, but managed to go off at half time with the game goalless. Unfortunately for the Colliers, Bishops Stortford took an early lead in the second half with Dennis Murphy finding the net. More bad luck went Ashingtons way when keeper Nesbitt went off injured. This allowed Stortford to add to their lead with goals by John Dere and Murphy getting his second of the game and they held on for a 3-0 win and a place in the final at Wembley.
Despite the loss it had been a great achievement for a side that had finished bottom of the Northern League only a couple seasons previously to reach the Semi Final of a national competition and had been unfortunate to lose. Bishops Stortford went on to beat Ilford 4-1 at Wembley in the final in what was the last ever FA Amateur Cup game.