By Brian Bennett
Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor – delighted with the 3-1 win over Heaton Stannington on Boxing Day – reckons the Woodhorn Lane outfit have ‘turned a corner.’
After the hosts had opened the scoring through Daniel Stephenson, the result was sealed with goals from Wilson Kneeshaw, Paddy Almond and Ben Sampson and extended the Colliers unbeaten run to three games – but McIvor says they have got to keep focussed: “Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut but we’re now in 16th place and have just got to keep looking forward. Anyone can beat anyone in this league and we don’t want to be jumping back into the bottom four. I said to the lads before the game that I think we’ve turned a corner – I honestly do – and maybes the new additions have added a little bit of spice but we look like a different team. However, we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground.”
McIvor was disappointed with how Ashington began against ‘The Stan’: I thought we
were slow and didn’t start for 25 minutes,” he said, “Initially we were well beaten all over
the pitch but after that we came into the game and got an equaliser just before half time
which was important.”
He continued: “Second half I thought we were the better side even after Josh Gilchrist had been sent off. We had to get into the trenches and apart from having to battle with ten men, when we adjusted, we set up well and the two goals by Paddy Almond and Ben Sampson either side of the red card were both wonder strikes.”
McIvor said of Gilchrist’s dismissal: “I thought it was a harsh second yellow card,” he said, “However, ‘Gilly’ has run the risk and given the referee a decision to make.”
Meanwhile Gary Ormston came in for special praise from McIvor: “I said to Gary Ormston and in front of all the lads before the game at Heaton Stannington that it was like rolling back the years because I thought Gary was fantastic on Saturday against Ossett United – and he was fantastic again today.”
Looking ahead to Monday night’s clash against Dunston UTS (December 30), McIvor said: “It will be a very hard game. Dunston are a good side who are in form but if we get the crowd behind us then anything can happen.” Kick off is 7.45pm.