By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC midfielder Liam Smith reckons there is more to come from the Colliers – even though the Woodhorn Lane side have won their last five matches in the Ebac Northern League and sit third from top of the first division table.

South Shields-born Smith scored his second goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over West Allotment Celtic and is happy on several fronts: “Obviously it’s been a while since I played a consistent amount of matches so I’m still not at my peak,” he said, “but I’m getting nearer and nearer with every game and as a team we haven’t dropped any points over the last five games so that’s the main thing.”

Ironically, Smith opened his account after being on target in the 3-1 away win against West Allotment Celtic in the Techflow Northumberland Senior Cup – but Saturday’s effort which put the Colliers into a 2-0 lead – was a venomous left footer from the edge of the area: “I just wanted to make good contact with the ball,” he said, “It was pretty much straight at the ‘keeper but it (the ball) went through a few players so I think it caught him by surprise. Nevertheless I was delighted when it hit the back of the net.”

The 27 year old – a strength and conditioning coach – who signed for Ashington in mid August added: “I’ve settled in and I’m enjoying it. Everything is good – the group of lads, the coaching staff and the fans so I’m happy. I don’t feel we are playing great at the minute but we are still winning and that’s the sign of a good team. Eventually I think things will all come together – where we are playing well and picking up the points.”