By Brian Bennett | Photo: MJT Photos (Shildon AFC)
Ashington FC’s joint head coach Andy Coyles said the win was all that mattered after his side had advanced in the Emirates FA Cup following their 4-2 win over Shildon at Dean Street on Saturday.
Coyles did add however that the substitutes contributed significantly to the result.
Cyril Giraud and Eddie Thomas were introduced for the start of the second half followed later by Matty Slocombe, Jay Errington and Paul Robinson.
“First of all we are delighted to get through,” said Coyles, “At the end of the day in cup competitions it’s not about the performance it’s about the result. First half we didn’t have the strongest of performances but we certainly put on a much improved second half display. In the first half, we were just a little bit sluggish in possession on a really dry sticky pitch and the grass being a little longer than what we are normally used to. In brief, we just didn’t move the ball quick enough – certainly to the standards the lads usually set themselves. We were a bit poor in our decision making at times and at half time we decided to change the formation and personnel. However we reiterated in the changing rooms that the changes weren’t down to poor performances by any means – it was simply down to changing the dynamics of how we wanted to set up – and we thought that the substitutes contributed significantly to us winning the game,”
He continued: “It was an extremely tough decision in terms of leaving some players out and asking some to start the game on the sidelines but everyone has conducted themselves as we wanted them to do. We were a little bit sloppy at the end of the game where we’ve conceded the second goal and are disappointed about that but overall, we are pleased that we are not only through to the next round but that we will now have a home tie in front of our supporters.” Ashington’s reward is to face Bishop Auckland – who beat rivals West Auckland 2-0 – at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday August 17.
As it has panned out, it means the two sides will have a dress rehearsal for the cup tie a few days beforehand as they meet in their NPL East Division clash on Tuesday August 13 – also at Woodhorn Lane.
Coyles is undaunted at the prospect of the double header: “Playing Bishops twice in five days will be games of cat and mouse,” he added, “but at the end of the day we will pick our strongest squad available for the first encounter and we’ll do exactly the same a few days later. Whether it’s the cup or league we are there to win the game.”