By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor said the dressing room was ‘buzzing’ after the Colliers had claimed a merited 3-1 success over Newcastle Blue Star to advance into the semi finals of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

“We only come here for one thing – and that’s to win,” said a delighted McIvor, “I don’t care how it happens as long as we win and we have done that tonight. Now we move onto Saturday’s away clash in the NPL at Emley and this result should be a confidence booster. We’re through to the semi finals of the Northumberland Senior Cup which means we are only one game away from the final at St James’ Park which is the best cup realistically to play in. Some have done it, some have not – but it’s a one off game and you never know.”

McIvor would prefer a home tie if possible – but reached out to the fans at Woodhorn Lane for the support which the management and players have received: “I’d love another home draw and to get the crowd behind us,” he said, “To be honest we got applauded off after losing 2-0 against Cleethorpes Town on Saturday when we didn’t deserve to but both Nick and myself have noticed that the fans back us no matter what the situation is. They are absolutely fantastic – and credit to them.”

As he reflected on the game, McIvor said: “We needed a reaction after Saturday and since we have been in charge that is the best 45 minutes performance by the players. There were a few hard conversations after the defeat against Cleethorpes which will stay in the changing room but we got the response we wanted. The opening goal finished off by Wilson Kneeshaw was class and one of the best goals I have seen this season. It was well worked and absolutely brilliant. We also cut them open (Blue Star) a few times and we were in cruise control in the first half against the wind then we got the second goal from Craig Spooner.”

He continued: “After the break, I thought we started off a bit slow but nevertheless managed the game and the penalty scored by them (Newcastle Blue Star) made it a lot closer than it was. After that, we came strong again and the third goal killed it off.”

McIvor added that there was more pleasing news on the night: “We were delighted to get Karl Ross and Cam Gascoigne back onto the pitch following their injuries,” he said, “It was also good to get 70 minutes into Bailey Geliher because it strengthens the squad and that’s what we need.”