Match Report

By Brian Bennett

A goal in the last minute of added on time by Ben Ramsey denied Ashington victory from this NPL East Division clash which finished 1-1 at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

The Colliers – who had taken the lead just past the hour mark through substitute Liam Henderson – put in a tremendous shift against one of the favourites for the play offs but they were left deflated when Ramsey’s low effort crept in between ‘keeper Matty Alexander and his near post.

The result meant the Wansbeck side extended their unbeaten in the league with a third consecutive draw and following their disappointing showing when they exited the Emirates FA Cup against Thornaby on Saturday, it was a much improved performance by Marc Ellison’s outfit.

Defender Scott Lowery made his first start of the season whilst new signing Jude Cogdon was named amongst the substitutes.

In the early stages, Wil Shaw had a shot cleared off the line then Harvey Neary volleyed wide after connecting with a left wing cross.

Ashington’s first effort came in the 11th minute during a spell of pressure when ‘keeper Olly Marshall held a shot from Josh Gilchrist then visiting skipper Michael Pearson fired over from a Phil Turnbull free-kick.

Benji Shodeinde was denied by Marshall and when play switched, full-back Chris McDonald cut inside but chipped his effort narrowly over.

The final chance of the period came in the 33rd minute and was route one. A clearance by Alexander bounced over the top of a Dunston defender but Gilchrist directed his lob well over the bar.

After the break, the skilful Ramsay found David Robinson but the midfielder dragged his shot across goal then in the 53rd minute, an audacious quickly taken free-kick by Turnbull from fully 40 yards was tipped over by Alexander.

Ashington had introduced Jamie Holmes and Liam Henderson for the start of the second half and the substitutes combined superbly to put their side ahead in the 61st minute.

Holmes produced a clever turn near the by line and when he crossed low to the near post, Henderson got the vital touch with the assistant flagging to the referee that the ball had crossed the line.

Minutes later, Alexander flung himself to his left to push out a long range effort by McDonald before Tom Devitt had a header deflected behind for a corner.

Ashington had defended magnificently for large periods of the game but in the fifth minute of additional time, they were caught out by a snap-shot from Ramsey and forced to settle for a share of the spoils.