By Brian Bennett
Ashington manager Nick Gray apologised unreservedly for the performance from his side which culminated in a 2-0 defeat against Cleethorpes Town on Saturday.
Connor Smythe’s header coupled to an effort from an acute angle by Bradley Dockerty wrapped up all three points for the visitors.
Gray said afterwards: “You cannot expect to win games of football after a performance like we gave in the first half because that is probably the worst 45 minutes since I came here. Reflecting on it, what we did well on Tuesday against Newton Aycliffe to the first half today was chalk and cheese and I think the players knew that at half time. Personally I’d like to apologise to our supporters who were great. I’ve said to the players in the dressing room that i didn’t think they deserved any applause today. The minimum you give is effort and in the first half there was none of that evident from us as we were second best all over the pitch. Not one of our players could say that they got the better of their opponent.”
He continued: “Let’s be honest, the second half couldn’t have been any worse than the first. Trailing 2-0 you’ve got a mountain to climb against a team who are top of the league – and they are there for a reason. You could say the lads gave a little bit (effort) after the break – but how many times did their goalkeeper make a save? The goals we gave away were poor and it’s about getting the basics right. From a throw in which was ours, we’ve given it back to them (Cleethorpes) and then we’ve given a cheap free kick away and their lad (Connor Smythe) has won a header to score. It’s not rocket science. For the second goal, no disrespect to under 8’s but i’d be disappointed if an under 8 team defended like we did. That’s the brutal and honest truth. We had two players against one and then two more covering and consequently you’ve got to be disappointed if you don’t stop the ball from going into the net..”
Gray then focussed on visiting skipper Bradley Abbott: “The captain for Cleethorpes (Bradley Abbott) led by example,” he added, “He was at his players all game and if they weren’t up to the standards, he was at them. They knew what their standards were and they made sure that if they weren’t up to scratch on the first occasion, there wasn’t going to be a second time – and we have got to learn that quickly. We had some disappointing performances out of the park today. The players know that and it was so disappointing that we put in that first half showing after Tuesday night. Cleethorpes showed why they are up there whilst we are where we are due to a lack of consistency.”
He went on: “There were things said in the dressing room which will stay in the dressing room but there were no excuses today and I’ll take the responsibility. Now we’ve got a sharp turnaround as we go again on Tuesday in the quarter final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup against Newcastle Blue Star at home. If the lads are not up for it, then they’re in the wrong team that I and my assistant Liam McIvor pick – that’s for sure.”