By Brian Bennett
Paul Robinson – who alongside Gary Ormston and Andrew Cartwright form the interim management team at Ashington – said the trio were ‘really pleased’ after the Colliers had advanced into the next round of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup following a 4-1 win over North Shields on Wednesday night.
Robinson commented: “It’s a cup competition so winning is the priority and we have done that – but I also thought we played well. North Shields were good in spells and we rode our luck a little bit at times but overall Gary, Andrew and myself were really happy and we’re through to the next round.”
Casting an eye over the first 45 minutes, Robinson added: “It was pretty even but I thought we had that quality with the run by Wilson Kneeshaw which led to a top, top finish for the goal by Michael Ndiweni. Having that little bit of quality which we had sometimes makes a difference in a game so it was good to go in ahead at half time.”
After second half strikes from Kneeshaw and Jay Errington, ex Colliers skipper Ben Harmison reduced the deficit to make it 3-1 and Robinson said: “There were a few nervous jitters when Ben netted. North Shields were getting up a little bit and fancied their chances and they are dangerous. They have got some really good players – and some really dangerous ones as well – so we had to sit in and soak up a little bit of pressure. However, our lads scored the goals at good times and when Craig Spooner got the fourth it certainly took the wind out of the home sides’ sails. Overall though, I thought our lads were fantastic.”
Ashington now have a ten day break before they host Sherwood Colliery on Saturday week (September 28) and Robinson stressed: “Some of the lads need the rest because there are a few of them carrying and nursing injuries so we’ll give the players the weekend off and go again next week.”
He continued: “Hopefully the club will appoint a new manager – but whoever takes over the reins are going to get an outstanding group of lads and a group who are in form. We have got threats all over the pitch which is brilliant.”