By Brian Bennett
Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner and stand in skipper Darren Lough have both outlined the key role which the general public can play on Tuesday night when the Colliers meet Ashton United in their Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round replay at Woodhorn Lane.
The Colliers deservedly earned the right to the rematch following a 0-0 draw at Hurst Cross on Saturday – and will be looking to make home advantage count against a side who are second top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League’s Premier Division – two leagues above – for the game which has a 7.45pm kick-off.
Skinner – delighted with the result on Saturday – said: “Ashton have got to travel up to us on Tuesday night – which they’re used to because they travel midweek in their league fixtures – but hopefully we’ll attract a decent crowd. The drums will be out and the fans will make some noise on our patch and on our pitch – so we want Woodhorn Lane to be bouncing. We’ll attack and be looking to win the game because there has to be an outcome. However make no bones about it – it’ll be tough”
Lough – who took over the captain’s armband with skipper Ben Harmison unavailable and Dean Briggs ruled out through injury – said: “I always look forward to Tuesday night matches at Ashington. It’s a massive game – Newcastle United and Sunderland are not in action either – and it’ll be good if the fans can get behind the club. We play some nice football and hopefully we can put on a good show for the supporters – who can be our 12th man – because they certainly help us. It’s great when they (the fans) come out in their numbers and cheer the lads on because it not only gives us all that extra boost to try and kick on – the lads all love it as well.”
On the team news front, Skinner added: “First of all, we’ll see how the players have come through today’s game – but for the replay, we’ll still have to reckon without lads who have already missed out including Ben Harmison, Dean Briggs, Lewis Suddick and Max Emmerson.”
Advanced tickets are already going well and supporters can book ahead at:
https://ashingtonafc.ktckts.com/event/ashtonfacup/ashington-afc-vs-ashton-united-fc-fa-cup