By Brian Bennett
Josh Gilchrist became manager Nick Gray’s second signing when he put pen to paper at the beginning of the week after joining from fellow NPL East Division outfit Dunston UTS.
And the 21 year old – an attacking midfielder – was involved immediately as he was named on the bench for Ashington’s home clash against Pontefract Collieries on Tuesday night.
With his new side trailing 3-2 in the second half against the West Yorkshire outfit, Newcastle-born Gilchrist was thrust into the fray for the final quarter hour of the contest and although Ashington threw everything at Pontefract in a bid to salvage something from the game, the visitors held on to take the three points.
Gilchrist – who is based at Wallsend – said afterwards: “Ashington are a good club and I’m really excited to be here. I’ve played against them on a few occasions and there is always a good crowd and they have got a good fan base. It’s a little bit difficult at the moment – and all teams go through these spells – but from what I have seen this season they are still trying to do the right things. There’s a bit of naivety at times but if they continue to play the right way and with a bit of intensity then I’m sure that things will come good.”
Manager Gray said: “Josh has got loads of ability and at his age needs to flourish. He’ll get opportunities here but he is a person who we know about and we are confident that we can get the best out of him. He’s been a bit unlucky at Dunston UTS. They have got a good side with good forwards and players who play in his position but whenever Josh came on as a substitute, he did well. Tonight we saw little glimpses of what he can bring. He’s quite clever and intelligent with his passes and his runs are decent.”
He continued: “It was hard for Josh because it was the first time he’d met the lads and really you shouldn’t have to put a new signing in straight away when he doesn’t know the players. We took a gamble and unfortunately it didn’t pay off but Josh will bring some quality to the final third which I think we’ve lacked at times.”