ANDERSON: “THE FANS DESERVE A LOT OF CREDIT”

Photo: Ian Brodie

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC midfielder Danny Anderson paid a glowing tribute to the supporters at Woodhorn Lane labelling them as being ‘quality’ – following the Colliers thrilling 3-3 draw against Consett at The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday.

With only four minutes of normal time remaining and his side trailing 3-2, Anderson popped up to not only score his first goal of the season but his first for two years to help his side salvage a richly deserved point against the league leaders.

And afterwards, a beaming Anderson said: “Fair play to the supporters who were quality as they cheered us on all the way. Full credit to them because they were behind us even when we were losing and making mistakes – and that pushed us on to get the equaliser.”

Ashington-born Anderson reflected on his goal – and says he has a hunger for more: “I was only about four yards out when the ball came to me but I got in front of the defender and it was an unbelievable feeling when it (the ball) hit the net. The stats will correctly point out that it was my first of the season – but it was also my first since I scored at North Shields two years ago when we went on to win the game! However, I’m hoping it’ll be the start of something special because I want to get on the score sheet more regularly. As a box to box midfielder I would like to pick up some goals like some of other the lads do but sometimes I’ve been playing in a four, which alters my role in the side.”

North Seaton-based Anderson – who turned 20 in September – added that the Colliers need to add consistency to their game: “We always seem to bounce back after a loss but now we need to kick on,” he said, “We have drawn today but it feels like a win when you grab a goal so late on. I was really happy and it was great to get a point against the league leaders but we need to keep our levels up and find that consistency no matter who we are playing. It was a good game to play in today and even when I scored it felt unreal with the amount of noise from the supporters and it’s great that people continue to come through the turnstiles and support us.”

Ashington FC boss Ian Skinner said: “Danny has been in good form over the last few weeks – and I think the recent spell when we had Damen Mullen here with us on a month’s loan really helped him. Damo was good for the team and I always say to the younger lads in the squad when the more experienced players are around to learn from them because they are good players as well as being good people who look after themselves and do things right. When Damo went back to Hebburn I said to Danny; ‘you’ve got to step up now and I want you to play in that deep lying role and I want you to get on the ball and pass it for us.’ He’s tried to do that for us in the last couple of games and today he has kept going; got on the ball and has done what I asked him to do.” He continued: “If he makes a 60 yards ball and it doesn’t come off he’s confident to still try and get on the ball and do it again. I was pleased for him that he got his goal because he never stopped working. We were behind in the game and were pushing bodies forward and the ball has gone wide and he’s done what centre midfielders should do – make a run into the box – and thankfully the ball dropped to him and he’s finished it and helped us earn a point. It’s a challenge we had with all the midfielders at the start of the season where we needed them to chip in with goals to take the burden off the strikers and today (v Consett), all of our goals have come from midfield players – Craig Spooner, Luke Salmon and Danny (Anderson) so I’m delighted with that.”