By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Marc Ellison says long standing friendships will be put on hold on Saturday (August 8) when the Colliers open their 2026-27 season with a home tie against Horden Community Welfare in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Not only is Ellison a former player with the County Durham side but he’s also good mates with Horden manager Jonny Payne as well as several of their players.

The Woodhorn Lane boss says he will be pleased to catch up with Payne before the 3pm kick-off – but reckons it will be after the final whistle when the pair meet up again: “I couldn’t believe it when the draw came out,” said Ellison, “On a personal level, the game has that little bit extra because earlier in my playing career, I had a really enjoyable spell with Horden. On top of that their manager Jonny Payne, is one of my best mates and I’m still good friends with a few of the players. It’ll be good to see plenty of familiar faces but once the match starts, Jonny and myself will be in our own bubbles and our friendship will temporarily go on hold. Jonny will be wanting to beat me just as much as I want to beat him so hopefully it’s got all the makings of being an enjoyable game. They (Horden) have made a good start to the season in the first division of the Ebac Northern League and if I know Jonny and Horden as well as I think I do, they’ll turn up full of energy, aggressive and on the front foot, so it’ll be a really tough test for us.”

Ellison is delighted that his side will begin the campaign on home soil: “I think we’ve had away draws for the last couple of seasons, so it’ll be great to start in front of our own supporters,” he said, “Everyone knows how important a good FA Cup run can be for clubs at our level. The prize money can make a real difference and it’s a clash which we are all looking forward to.”

The winners will be at home to either Guisborough Town or Thornaby.