By Brian Bennett
Luke Salmon’s goal in Ashington FC’s 3-0 victory against Newcastle Benfield on Saturday may not have been in the spectacular bracket – but that didn’t alter the happiness which it brought to the versatile defender or midfielder.
After a spell on the sidelines, Salmon was recalled to play at full back for the Bishop Auckland game recently which the Colliers won 2-1 and last weekend, was handed a role on the left hand side of midfield – and poked home the crucial third goal.
North Shields-born Salmon, who lives in the town, netted in the 57th minute to record his second league goal of the season and he said later: “It’s always good to get back into the side. I try hard in training and I try hard in the game but without a doubt, it’s always a better feeling when you score a goal.”
The 30 year old – a teacher – was withdrawn towards the end of Saturday’s contest – replaced by Bobby Taylor – and described his goal: “I thought the Benfield lad was trying to block it (the ball) and I thought I’d just kick it into the net – it was a simple as that! When I was taken off, I said to Mark (Ramsden) in our dugout: ‘a goal is a goal’ – whether it’s a 30 yard screamer or a scrappy affair.”
Salmon spoke of an attribute in the Ashington camp which is playing a vital role: “The attitude has been great,” he added, “The boss (Ian Skinner) has been honing in on good attitudes and today even though we won, it might not have been our perfect performance but the attitude of the lads counted for a lot.” He went on: “I think as a group, we’ve done brilliantly so far this season. We’d lost twice to Newcastle Benfield in the FA Cup and FA Vase so it was good to get a win.”