By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie
Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor was delighted after watching the Colliers master a stamina-sapping pitch at Woodhorn Lane before sealing a 3-0 victory over Brighouse Town on Saturday.
Josh Gilchrist put them in front on the stroke of half time with the striker – who was celebrating his birthday – adding a second from the penalty spot with quarter of an hour of the contest remaining.
Louis Burns wrapped up the win towards the end with another penalty which had seen Brighouse reduced to ten men when ‘keeper Michael Acquah was sent off.
Beaming manager Nick Gray and McIvor emerged from the dressing room and the latter said: “It was a fantastic win – and in conditions which were similar to the previous week when we took all three points against Lincoln United. Nick (Gray) said if we don’t make a mistake we’ll win this game – and he was right. Brighouse were dangerous on set pieces because second balls can just land anywhere but credit to the boys who were solid – as well as being brilliant.”
With the interval approaching, Gilchrist broke the deadlock and McIvor added: “The goal changed the half time team talk a little bit. All we said to the players was to continue what they had been doing; get men behind the ball and get the ball out wide because we thought our wide players – who have got pace to burn – would cause them (Brighouse) damage. We popped the ball around and it was a great second half for us. As a rule when you play in conditions like we experienced this afternoon games are never pretty – and it was all about us digging deep; holding onto our lead and getting that second goal.”
McIvor thought Ashington were awarded two ‘stonewall’ penalties which he said were expertly converted by Josh Gilchrist and Louis Burns: “For the first, the defender has had two bites at Josh (Gilchrist) whilst for the second, credit to young Sam Davison who chased the ball down,” he commented, “I thought Sam (Davison) was excellent when he came on as a substitute because he harried the Brighouse defence and skipper Karl Ross was excellent after jumping in as an emergency right back after Ryan Wombwell had gone off injured.”
Ashington now turn their attentions to Friday night (December 5) when they host Consett: “I can’t wait,” added McIvor, “We have got players returning to the squad which is another boost for us. We’ll assess everyone over the coming week and we’re hoping for another big crowd.” Kick-off is 7.45pm.