By Brian Bennett

Youngster Mason Hardy scored Ashington’s winner in the 2-1 result over Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday – and said that the super strike meant ‘the world to him.’

Charlie Exley headed the Colliers in front early in the contest in Sheffield but the hosts levelled with a penalty from Luke Rawson before Hardy struck just shy of the hour mark.

“It was my first goal for the club and it meant the world to me,” he commented afterwards, “but it was also great that we got the win and put three points on the board. When the chanced dropped to me, my aim was to lift the ball over the ‘keeper and hope that it would go in – and thankfully it all worked out well.”

The 18 year old added: “I thought we controlled the game well and it was just a case of trying to see the game out and get the points so at the end I was so happy.” Manager Ian Skinner said: “Mason hasn’t played too many minutes in games but in training what we see is his finishing ability which is second to none at the club and today his goal was sublime – a little chip with the outside of his foot. I was right behind his effort and the ball actually bounced outside of the post and spun in. It was a great finish and I’m delighted for Mason because he’s a lovely lad. He’s quite quiet but technically very, very good and some of his finishing in training is amazing.”