By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray secured the loan signing of Ryan Wombwell from neighbours Morpeth Town last week – and the defender made his debut in the midweek 0-0 draw against Carlton Town in Nottingham.

The 23 year old commented: “I’ve known Nick for a while and have worked with him over the last two years at the Morpeth Academy. As soon as he said he wanted me to come to Ashington I was keen to get started. I know a few of the lads already, I’m good mates with Josh Gilchrist who joined Ashington recently and I’ve enjoyed settling in.”

Newcastle-born Wombwell was impressed with the Colliers when they defeated Morpeth 3-2 at Craik Park in a pre season friendly: “I thought they were a really good side on the night so it was surprise when I noticed that they were so far down the table,” he said, “I know they were on a poor run but after two good results from their last two games, they need to build on it.”

Wombwell – who set up the first of Gilchrist’s hat trick on Saturday in the 3-2 win over Bridlington Town – added: “Its no good just winning one game then going on another losing run so we need to back it up next week and get another three points to kick start the season. It wasn’t the prettiest game against Bridlington but I thought we deserved to win.”

Manager Gray said: “I’ve known Ryan for years. I played football with his dad Bobby – a 100 per cent player on the pitch who gave his all – and Ryan has obviously taken a leaf out of his book. He has got the right mentality and is an honest, hard working lad who you can trust. He was not featuring for Morpeth Town and just wants to play games of football. He’s a diamond of a kid.”