By Brian Bennett
Ashington completed their programme of pre season warm up matches on Wednesday night when they went down to a goal against at the death against Hartlepool United Under 21s at Woodhorn Lane.
The Colliers – who played some decent football in spells – gave both goals away in the first half after losing possession.
They trailed as early as the eighth minute to a header at the far post but got back on terms just past the quarter hour mark with a good finish from a trialist.
The Under 21s regained the lead in the 23rd minute before Josh Gilchrist levelled with a left foot shot from the edge of the area.
Ashington missed some great opportunities to edge ahead and paid the penalty when the visitors netted a third with the last kick of the game when a corner was played to the far post.
Marc Ellison’s side now go into what is thought to be an unprecedented period of just over two weeks as they have no more friendlies ahead of their start to the season when they entertain Horden CW in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday August 8.