By Brian Bennett

Harrison Clark’s first ever goal for Ashington sealed a draw for his side from their Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division clash against Pontefract Collieries on Saturday.

And afterwards, the 21-year-old – who was Nick Gray’s first signing after he had been appointed as manager in early October – described the result as being precious for his hometown club: “After being 2-0 down, it was a point which will be valuable come the end of the season,” he said, “It was just frustrating to be 2-0 down in the first place especially when you feel that you shouldn’t be. They were maybes goals which we shouldn’t be conceding but we’ve shown great character to hit back and grab a 2-2 draw.”

After home skipper Jack Greenhough had put through his own goal, Clark’s big moment arrived with ten minutes of the 90 remaining and he said: “It was a decent finish with my left peg. I think it was Gilly (Josh Gilchrist) who flicked the ball on and I was at the back stick. It was a tap in to be fair but it was obviously nice to get on the score sheet and help the lads.”

Ashington then missed a golden opportunity to clinch victory in the third of four minutes of time added on and Clark added: “We’ve come away even more frustrated but we’ll learn from it because in football you’re always learning with every game which comes around. Whether you win, lose or draw, you’re always taking things away to work on in training –  that’s how you get better.”

Meanwhile Clark, a personal trainer who is based in Dudley, has been switched from a  midfield role to defence and he said: “I’m enjoying it at the back – that’s where I played most of last season when I was at Blyth Spartans. I was right side of a back three and I do feel comfortable there. However, I’m not bothered what position I play – I just like being on the pitch.”