By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie
It was a case of deja vu for teenage striker Louis Burns after he scored a sensational goal for Ashington on Saturday in their 2-0 win over North Ferriby.
Burns – who recently celebrated his 19th birthday – cut inside then unleashed a terrific right foot thunderbolt from 25 yards which screamed into the top corner to give the Colliers the lead before Liam Wotherspoon sealed the three points on Humberside with a goal near the end of stoppage time.
Earlier in the week, National League North outfit South Shields – who are top of the division – had agreed to extend Burns’ loan with Ashington until the end of the season.
Of his goal, Burns said: “As I got the ball, when I turned, the space opened up and I thought ‘I’ll let fire and have a go’ and it has gone into the top corner. It was similar to a goal I scored when I was at Newton Aycliffe and I was very happy but the most important thing was that we got three points.”
Durham-born Burns was named in the starting line up and added: “Despite games being called off we have trained a lot and been positive. Today I got my chance which I have worked for and have taken it.”
He continued: “I’m here until the end of the season and I’m happy. I need experience and game time – that’s what I’m hoping for – and also looking to help the club to stay in the league which is where they belong. As players we want to turn things around and I want to be part of that. Hopefully the weather is kind and we can get more games in.”
Ashington’s joint interim manager Marc Ellison said of the loan extension “To be honest it was me who kick started the loan as I used to play alongside South Shields manager Ian Watson. We were having a chat and he said that he had a young energetic kid (Louis Burns) who he thinks really highly of, so I mentioned it to then manager Nick Gray and negotiations went from there. Louis has come from good stock and is getting well coached at South Shields and is learning the right way. He’s a great kid with a brilliant attitude and I think we’ll see the best of him now. I asked South Shields if we could have him for the rest of the season and I’m delighted we’ve come to an agreement and would like to thank them for their co-operation.”