Match Report

By Brian Bennett

On-loan striker Louis Burns scored his first goal in Ashington colours which steered his side to their first league win in two months with a 2-1 verdict over fellow strugglers Lincoln United on Saturday.

Earlier Liam Henderson had edged the Colliers in front before Kane Hutchinson-Wilkes pounced on an error to equalise.

On a cold and drizzly afternoon in Lincolnshire, the Wansbeck side – making their first ever visit to Ashby Avenue – gave the travelling supporters something to shout about with a good performance which helped to ease the gloomy conditions of the day.

The home side created the first chance in the second minute when they forced a corner and an 18 yarder from Tristan Drummond was taken low by ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

Ashington responded with Josh Gilchrist playing the ball out wide for Liam Miller but his centre went across the face of goal.

Ryan Wombwell went close from long range before the visitors ought to have taken the lead in the 18^th minute through skipper Karl Ross, on his return to the side following injury.

Gilchrist found Wombwell who crossed from the by-line but Ross – coming in at the near post – headed wide.

On the half hour there was an amazing incident. A quickly taken free-kick by Liam Noble found Miller inside the area and after turning home stopper Heath Richardson, Ashington supporters were just waiting for the net to bulge until Miller’s shot was headed off the line by Stefan Galinski.

Lincoln immediately broke to the other end and a cross by Drummond was turned behind for a corner.

In time added on, Hutchinson-Wilkes produced a stunning finish from distance which flew into the top corner of the net but his joy was short-lived as he was penalised for a foul.

Play switched again and Miller lashed over after a cross by Gilchrist.

Ashington started the second half strongly with an overhead by Henderson smacking against the bar then Alexander was brought into the action saving with his legs from Hutchinson-Wilkes.

However in the 57^th minute, Henderson nudged Ashington ahead. Miller again got in behind the home defence and when he crossed, Henderson applied an assured finish hammering the ball into the net.

The home outfit immediately surrounded the referee appealing for a foul in the build up but the goal stood.

Hutchinson-Wilkes sent a 25 yarder which whistled wide before ‘The Whites’ drew level in the 70^th minute.

Harry Powell’s sliced clearance fell for Hutchinson-Wilkes who headed over Alexander and into the vacant net.

The match had turned into a basketball-like contest and after Cormac Daly went close at one end, Henderson just missed the target with a right footer at the other.

In the 78^th minute, Ashington withdrew Ross and sent on Louis Burns – and the substitute made an immediate impact as he netted within 60 seconds.

Gilchrist had an effort parried by Richardson and Burns was onto the loose ball in a flash to blast home.

For the remainder of the game, Ashington defended stoutly with the only opportunity of note seeing an audacious 35 yards chip by Henderson go over advanced ‘keeper Richardson but land on the top of the netting.