Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Ashington completed an unwanted hat-trick when they crashed out of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup after a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle University at Essity Park last night.

This season, the Colliers have exited the Emirates FA Cup, Isuzu FA Trophy and now the County Cup at the first hurdle – and they can have no complaints after a totally abject display against the Students who were full value for their victory.

In fact, the defeat could have been heavier had it not been for ‘keeper Matty Alexander who pulled off three terrific saves.

The hosts – kicking down the slope – were the better side throughout the 90 minutes and they started off the evening by testing Alexander as early as the third minute, the stopper pushing aside a left foot strike by full back Lucas Aldcroft.

Ashington – playing at Prudhoe’s ground for the first time in 21 years – responded with Jake Orrell going close from 25 yards but back came the Students with Alexander called into the action again, making an even better save when he tipped around an effort from Matthew Foster.

Early in the second half, Ben Sampson played a one-two with Jay Hornsby and after cutting across the area, the midfielder fired over the bar.

But the home side hit back and took the lead in the 49th minute. Alexander made another fine stop to thwart Stephen Pennington but shortly afterwards a ball played in from the right found Joel Manning whose header was deflected into the net by Ryan Donaldson.

Four minutes later, the University ought to have doubled the lead. Adam Redford crossed from the right but Jacob Milner missed a great opportunity, clipping the ball wide.

Sam Davison headed wide then just before the hour mark, Orrell put Liam Henderson through but his low effort was blocked by ‘keeper Paul Herberholz.

Midway through, the Students effectively sewed the game up when substitute Andrew Anderson sliced the ball into his own net following a free kick from the left.

Ashington have a quick turnaround as they board the coach tomorrow (Saturday) for a trip to face Grimsby Borough, a side who sit just outside the play off places.