By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ben Sampson scooped a double at Ashington FC’s presentation evening which was held in the Woodhorn Lane clubhouse last Sunday.

The 24 year old won the ‘Goal of the Season’ award for his stunning long range effort in the 5-0 demolition over Bishop Auckland and followed that up when he was named as the ‘Supporters Player of the Season.’

Sampson said afterwards: “I thought my goal against Bishop Auckland would be in contention for the goal of the season but the supporters’ player award came as a complete surprise. It was a great feeling when I heard my name announced and the fans have been amazing. Year on year, the crowds have been getting better and especially this last campaign when apart from clinching promotion we had that fabulous run in the Emirates FA Cup.”

He continued: “Our squad is littered with so many good players and the trophy could have gone to any one of them – and that’s not an exaggeration. It’s been a pleasure to play alongside them including some of the best-ever non league players like Robbie Dale, Paul Robinson, Damen Mullen and Darren Lough but to be honest I could go through the whole squad really.”

Ian Reid, who has been chairman of the supporters club for ten years, said: “There were probably over 100 people who voted and Ben won by quite a large amount. I personally thought it was a good choice because he was consistent all season whether he played in midfield or at full back and the lad gives 100 per cent every time.”

Pegswood-based Sampson first signed for the Colliers at the age of 17. He later joined North Shields and then didn’t play when he was at University. It was November 5 last year when Sampson scored a cracker against Bishop Auckland and he said: “I don’t get many – I had two in the season just ended. One was from about two yards out in the FA Cup replay win over Stocksbridge Park Steels – the other was from about 42 yards out against Bishops – but again it was nice to be nominated.”