By Brian Bennett

Connor Thomson was happy on Saturday night after he excelled on his debut for Ashington in their 4-0 win over Winterton Rangers.

After linking up with the Woodhorn Lane outfit on loan from Morpeth Town, the 27 year old striker went straight into the Colliers side for their important clash in North Lincolnshire – and made a sensational impact by scoring the opener early in the contest and later adding a second!

“As a debut it couldn’t have gone much better and I’m over the moon,” said Newcastle-born Thomson, “As a forward especially, you want to make an impact – either by scoring or claiming an assist – so for me to get a goal after six minutes gave me that confidence to crack on. My second from the spot was a pressure penalty – but you have to back yourself and I’m glad it went in. I took penalties for Morpeth last season and it’s something I like to do – so hopefully I can keep it up.”

Cramlington-based Thomson added: “I only knew a few of the lads beforehand but I loved every minute of my first game. I was delighted with the win even though we should have had scored more to be honest. I was looking to go on and get a hat trick but my legs started to give way a little bit and that’s why I came off – but I’ve scored two and I’m happy with that.”

Ashington FC coach Ritchie Hill said of Thomson: “He’s what we have needed and he made a great introduction. Connor just gives us a bit of everything. He’s strong; capable of winning headers; he’s quick and very direct and he’s previously played with Dan Maguire and Wilson Kneeshaw at Blyth Spartans so that helps. He just wants to play and he’s buzzing which is important. The management team at Ashington have been trying to get someone in to give us a bit of help at the top end of the field and Connor is a good fit. More importantly he’s a good lad and he’s fitted in well with the group.”