BRIGGS: “THAT GOAL IS PROBABLY THE BEST I’VE EVER SCORED”

First Team

By Brian Bennett

Dean Briggs picked up two trophies on Saturday night – as top goal scorer as well as goal of the season – at Ashington Football Club’s presentation evening.

And afterwards, the midfielder admitted that his stunning effort from close to the half way line in the 4-4 draw at Consett ranks as being one of his best ever!

“I was pretty confident that the goal at Consett was going to be goal of the season,” he said, “It’s got to be up there as being one of my best strikes and probably the best goal I’ve ever scored. It has to be. And I meant it as well. It was just instinct and touch – and to be honest, it was the touch which probably made the goal. I then had a quick look up, saw the ‘keeper off his line and went for it.”

Wideopen-born Briggs left during the campaign to explore a career move which unfortunately didn’t work out – and which he says effectively cost him being the Ebac Northern League’s top goal scorer: “I was really pleased with the form I was in before I went away,” he commented, “When I returned, I didn’t score for eight or nine games and ended up with 19 league goals. If I hadn’t left, I think I would have been right up there at the top of the charts.”

The 26 year old reckons Ashington could be knocking on the promotion door next season: “I think most of the lads are staying which is great because we have got a good side,” he said, “But I think we just need to bring in a couple of players with a bit of experience and if we do, then I think we’ll be right up there next term.” Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner said: “Dean emerging as our top goal scorer reflects his early season form where he was unplayable at times as when he netted all four goals in our 4-2 away win at Newton Aycliffe. He went away on a career move but when he came back it took him a little while to re-adjust – but then he finished the season in red hot form. He scored the goal of the season at Consett and also notched a couple of important goals for us as well. The awards he got were really merited and deserved and I’m pleased for him.”