By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC’s progression into the last eight of the Ebac Northern League first division cup following a 1-0 win over Thornaby on Wednesday night was tarnished by an injury to Thomas Kalthoeber.

On the hour mark, the 20 year old defender made a brilliant last ditch tackle inside the Colliers penalty area but seconds later was in pain before being stretchered off with a hamstring tare.

The Wansbeck side have already got Max Emmerson and Tom Bramley on the long term injury list and manager Ian Skinner said of Newcastle-born Kalthoeber: “It’s early days but we think he (Thomas) could have potentially torn his hamstring so that could be him out for the season. We wish him well. Thomas came back into the side recently and has been really, really good and was solid again tonight. However, injuries are part and parcel of football.”

After being on their travels for four consecutive matches at Newcastle Benfield, Redcar Athletic, Northallerton Town and latterly Thornaby – during which time they clocked up a round trip of 380 miles – the Colliers make a welcome return to Woodhorn Lane on Saturday (March 12) when they take on Seaham Red Star.

Skipper Ben Harmison, Lewis Suddick and Paul Robinson – who all missed the cup tie at Thornaby – come back into contention for the 3pm kick-off.