By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie
Ashington FC midfielder Craig Spooner took his goals tally to a round dozen for the season on Saturday when he scored in the 3-0 win over Glossop North End in the Inter step play off contest in Derbyshire.
And afterwards, the 24 year old said that promotion to the Northern Premier League East Division – was the biggest achievement of his career.
Speaking minutes after the game, Spooner commented: “This is an unbelievable feat for the club – and especially the fans that have been absolutely brilliant so hats off to every single one of them who have supported us.”
Ben Harmison gave the Colliers the lead on the 26 minutes mark – but Ashington-born Spooner said: “I thought we dominated the first ten to 15 minutes and to be fair, we could have had two or three even before Ben put us in front. We knew they (Glossop) were going to come out fighting after the break so we wanted to get another goal and try and kill the game off.”
Harmison got the second – with Spooner quickly adding a third when he gobbled up a rebound: “Andrew Cartwright told me to be ready for any rebound,” he said, “He struck a great free-kick and when the ‘keeper spilled it, I was standing to right of the goal and put the ball into the near side. It was a surreal moment to be able to celebrate with all of the fans. It was then a case of game management and keeping things tight.”
Cramlington-based Spooner also described Karl Dryden’s save ten minutes from time as being the save of the season: “It was unbelievable,” he said, “But our ‘keeper Karl Dryden has been fantastic all season.”
Dryden’s superlative effort came in the middle of a torrential downpour and Spooner admitted: “If the rain had started 15 minutes earlier, I think the game would have been in danger of being called off – but thankfully we got through it. Promotion was our aim and we have done that. The cup run was an amazing bonus but this has been one of the best seasons I’ve had in football. It’s my biggest achievement and it’s a great feeling.”