By Brian Bennett
Ashington FC prepare to go into their final trio of friendly matches against Morpeth Town, Workington and Spennymoor Town next week with joint head coach Richie Hill saying he is not only looking forward to the clashes but is also excited at the prospect of facing what he describes as being stern challenges against clubs higher up the footballing pyramid.
The Colliers had scheduled warm up games last week against Blyth Town and Seaham Red Star respectively both fall victim of the weather but Tuesday’s match away to Whitley Bay at Hillheads got the green light where the Wansbeck side 2-1.
Hill said: “Andy Coyles and I discussed at length how we wanted the pre season programme to look and we felt we needed a nice balance between Northern League opposition and opposition from leagues above because it’ll be a good opportunity to see where we are at. Not being disrespectful to the teams we have already faced or were due to face but the three games against Morpeth Town, Workington and Spennymoor Town will present extra tough challenges. We’re looking forward to them; we’re excited about them and confident that we’ll be competitive. They will really test our discipline without the ball and our shape – but that’s what friendlies are all about.”
Hill added: “The weather has a habit of surprising and disappointing us. It’s something which we can’t control but we’re in the heart of the summer and already we’ve had games called off! It was disappointing because we needed these games to get minutes into the systems of the players; trial new ways of playing and also for new players to start to forge working relationships with our established players. That’s so when we begin the season, we are well drilled and well organised and people are very familiar with the way we want them to play.”
Ashington’s remaining list of friendlies reads: Tuesday July 23 – Morpeth Town (away 7.30pm); Saturday July 27 – Workington (home 3pm); Tuesday July 30 – Spennymoor Town (home 7.30pm).