By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s North Shields-born defender Jordan Summerly firmly believes the Colliers can climb up the East Division table in the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

The Wansbeck side remain in the bottom four after Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat against Liversedge – on the day the 28 year old made his return following injury.

But Summerly – who is based at West Allotment – remains positive and upbeat: “We should get out of this situation we find ourselves in because we’ve got the players in the squad to do it,” he said, “Today was not good enough from everyone – I included – and we’re hoping the fans will stick with us through this tough time. We should be challenging for the play offs never mind finding ourselves at the wrong end of the table. It’s not happening for us at the moment and one thing we need as players is to have more belief in ourselves.”

He added: “A couple of decisions didn’t go our way against Liversedge today but we’re looking to put things right which will start on the training pitch on Tuesday.”

By Brian Bennett

Jordan Summerly made his comeback for Ashington in their home match against Liversedge at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

The former North Shields and Blyth Spartans defender has been ruled out with a knee problem since mid August but thankfully came through unscathed after playing for an hour before being substituted.

Now the 28 year old is keeping his fingers crossed for an overdue and prolonged period where he stays injury-free as he admitted that he has come to a crossroads in his footballing career.

“I’ve played collectively for three months in two years and that’s tough at my age,” he said after the 4-0 defeat against the West Yorkshire outfit, “In the last campaign, I played until November then came back for a game and a half at the start of this season before being injured again and out of action for three and a half months. Now my plan is to put a string of games together for the rest of the season.”

Summerly says he was ‘surprised’ when he was told by manager Nick Gray that he was in the starting line up at the weekend: “I was shocked to be honest because I wasn’t expecting it,” he added “I knew Archie Small’s loan period from Darlington finished today (Saturday) so I was expecting him to start. There have been a couple of players who have left the club and I thought I may have made the bench and come on but when the boss told me I was in from the start, I was surprised but delighted all the same. I was happy to play for an hour without any problems and hopefully I can build on that.”

He continued: “I’ve just qualified as a chartered management accountant – so I reckon this is my last chance to stay injury free. I didn’t  think anyone deserved to get applauded off today after the defeat but the fans clapped me when I was substituted so I think they just appreciated seeing me back on the pitch – and I appreciated the support I received from them. I admit that I’m not a good spectator so it’s always good to get back out onto the pitch because I feel I can make a difference.”

Ashington assistant manager Liam McIvor said: “It’s good to have Jordan back – it’s been a long time coming.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor said that the early red card for ‘keeper Dan Staples in Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat against Liversedge ‘killed the game’ as a contest.

Staples was dismissed by referee Thomas James following an ‘off the ball’ incident and McIvor said: “The sending off killed the game straight away. After three minutes and 18 seconds, everything which you have planned for and have trained for all week goes out of the window. The lads put in a good shift as they do every week but Liversedge have scored four – and we concede easy goals. To be honest since Nick (Gray) and I took over, we’ve yet to see a team score what we would class as being a good goal against us.”

After the red card, Ashington had to reorganise and McIvor added: “Ben Williams volunteered to take over in goal and we spoke about having two banks of four; keeping it compact and keeping it tight for the next half an hour – then two minutes later Liversedge go in front. It was already going to be very difficult for us but now we had a mountain to climb.”

For the start of the second half, Paddy Almond replaced Williams between the posts with McIvor explaining: “We thought that we needed a centre half that could travel forward with the ball and that’s why Paddy took over from Ben. However in my eyes, the 4-0 score line flattered Liversedge. We had two good shouts for penalties but in the end, the defeat was purely down to ourselves and there have been a few home truths said in the dressing room. We’ll train twice this week then prepare for Grimsby Borough away on Saturday.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor said the dressing room was ‘buzzing’ after the Colliers had claimed a merited 3-1 success over Newcastle Blue Star to advance into the semi finals of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

“We only come here for one thing – and that’s to win,” said a delighted McIvor, “I don’t care how it happens as long as we win and we have done that tonight. Now we move onto Saturday’s away clash in the NPL at Emley and this result should be a confidence booster. We’re through to the semi finals of the Northumberland Senior Cup which means we are only one game away from the final at St James’ Park which is the best cup realistically to play in. Some have done it, some have not – but it’s a one off game and you never know.”

McIvor would prefer a home tie if possible – but reached out to the fans at Woodhorn Lane for the support which the management and players have received: “I’d love another home draw and to get the crowd behind us,” he said, “To be honest we got applauded off after losing 2-0 against Cleethorpes Town on Saturday when we didn’t deserve to but both Nick and myself have noticed that the fans back us no matter what the situation is. They are absolutely fantastic – and credit to them.”

As he reflected on the game, McIvor said: “We needed a reaction after Saturday and since we have been in charge that is the best 45 minutes performance by the players. There were a few hard conversations after the defeat against Cleethorpes which will stay in the changing room but we got the response we wanted. The opening goal finished off by Wilson Kneeshaw was class and one of the best goals I have seen this season. It was well worked and absolutely brilliant. We also cut them open (Blue Star) a few times and we were in cruise control in the first half against the wind then we got the second goal from Craig Spooner.”

He continued: “After the break, I thought we started off a bit slow but nevertheless managed the game and the penalty scored by them (Newcastle Blue Star) made it a lot closer than it was. After that, we came strong again and the third goal killed it off.”

McIvor added that there was more pleasing news on the night: “We were delighted to get Karl Ross and Cam Gascoigne back onto the pitch following their injuries,” he said, “It was also good to get 70 minutes into Bailey Geliher because it strengthens the squad and that’s what we need.”

By Brian Bennett

Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup Quarter final:

Ashington v Newcastle Blue Star – Tuesday November 19

Ashington manager Nick Gray says supporters are in for a ‘test of nerves’ when his side come face to face with Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday night (November 19).

The two teams clash in the quarter final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup at Woodhorn Lane – a tournament which is close to Gray’s heart: “It’s a great cup competition,” he said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have won it before and been involved in three finals and what makes it even more special is that the showpiece is held at Newcastle United’s St James Park ground which is great for the players as well as the fans. Newcastle Blue Star are having a good season and I know that they will also be up for the game. They include a few of my ex players in their squad in Chris Reid, Liam Henderson and goalkeeper Dan Lister and I reckon for supporters it’ll be a test of nerves on the night.”

He continued: “We’re on home territory and I’d like to think that we’ll go into the clash with confidence and give our all to try and progress into the last four. The league is our bread and butter – however supporters like cup competitions. We may be in the Northern Premier League East Division which is one above Blue Star but that will mean nothing on the night as we know it’s going to be a tough game.”

He went on: “The game should attract a big crowd and our fans can help us without a doubt. They’ve been great since I came – attendances have been excellent – and they are backing us because they are seeing the effort which the lads are putting in. I have also spoken to some of them (the fans) who say that although results haven’t been great, we are making progress and I back those comments up 100 per cent.” Kick off is 7.30pm.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s latest signing, Bailey Geliher says it’s important that the Colliers bounce back after Saturday’ 2-0 defeat at the hands of Cleethorpes Town.

The Durham-born 19 year old signed during the week from Ebac Northern League first division side Whickham and said of the move: “I was excited when Nick Gray (Ashington manager) spoke to me about joining but with having a new born baby, my mind has been on other things! However I’m really happy to be here and happy to get started.”

Consett-based Geliher, who works as a stonemason, came on for his debut 12 minutes into the second half of Saturday’s clash against the league leaders and got a taste of football at Northern Premier League level for the first time: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” he added, “It wasn’t a good start today but we’ve just got to bounce back on Tuesday against Newcastle Blue Star in the quarter final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray apologised unreservedly for the performance from his side which culminated in a 2-0 defeat against Cleethorpes Town on Saturday.

Connor Smythe’s header coupled to an effort from an acute angle by Bradley Dockerty wrapped up all three points for the visitors.

Gray said afterwards: “You cannot expect to win games of football after a performance like we gave in the first half because that is probably the worst 45 minutes since I came here. Reflecting on it, what we did well on Tuesday against Newton Aycliffe to the first half today was chalk and cheese and I think the players knew that at half time. Personally I’d like to apologise to our supporters who were great. I’ve said to the players in the dressing room that i didn’t think they deserved any applause today. The minimum you give is effort and in the first half there was none of that evident from us as we were second best all over the pitch. Not one of our players could say that they got the better of their opponent.”

He continued: “Let’s be honest, the second half couldn’t have been any worse than the first. Trailing 2-0 you’ve got a mountain to climb against a team who are top of the league – and they are there for a reason. You could say the lads gave a little bit (effort) after the break – but how many times did their goalkeeper make a save? The goals we gave away were poor and it’s about getting the basics right. From a throw in which was ours, we’ve given it back to them (Cleethorpes) and then we’ve given a cheap free kick away and their lad (Connor Smythe) has won a header to score. It’s not rocket science. For the second goal, no disrespect to under 8’s but i’d be disappointed if an under 8 team defended like we did. That’s the brutal and honest truth. We had two players against one and then two more covering and consequently you’ve got to be disappointed if you don’t stop the ball from going into the net..”

Gray then focussed on visiting skipper Bradley Abbott: “The captain for Cleethorpes (Bradley Abbott) led by example,” he added, “He was at his players all game and if they weren’t up to the standards, he was at them. They knew what their standards were and they made sure that if they weren’t up to scratch on the first occasion, there wasn’t going to be a second time – and we have got to learn that quickly. We had some disappointing performances out of the park today. The players know that and it was so disappointing that we put in that first half showing after Tuesday night. Cleethorpes showed why they are up there whilst we are where we are due to a lack of consistency.”

He went on: “There were things said in the dressing room which will stay in the dressing room but there were no excuses today and I’ll take the responsibility. Now we’ve got a sharp turnaround as we go again on Tuesday in the quarter final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup against Newcastle Blue Star at home. If the lads are not up for it, then they’re in the wrong team that I and my assistant Liam McIvor pick – that’s for sure.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor is hoping that the Colliers’ 3-2 victory over Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday night will be the first in a positive run of results as they look to escape from the clutches of the bottom four in the East Division of the Northern Premier League.

The Colliers secured the win in a five goal thriller in County Durham – with resolute defending ensuring that they brought all three points back to Wansbeck.

A delighted McIvor said: “We know we have got a good team but it’s just trying to give them the confidence to perform. Sometimes when you are in the kind of rut which we have been on, you’ve got to find a way of winning. We’ve done that tonight with every one of the players getting in the trenches – and we’ve got a great result on what was a fantastic away day.”

Ashington went 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes through skipper Wilson Kneeshaw and Michael Ndiweni before Josh Gilchrist added a third on the stroke of half time.

McIvor added: “We told Michael (Ndiweni) to play on the centre half because the pace of the ball on the zippy pitch was always going to take it away from the defender’s toes. With the little bit of pace which Michael has got, it was trying to get him to anticipate that – and it worked because it led to Aycliffe making mistakes. After Wilson had scored early for us, the second goal was a gift and the third – after a crossfield ball had been worked between Josh (Gilchrist) and Archie (Small) – came at a great time.”

He continued: “In the second half it was one way traffic but I thought we defended very well. We were disappointed to give away the two goals because we should be doing better in those situations. However, we couldn’t have asked any more from the lads tonight and now we need to start climbing up the league table.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray handed a debut to teenager Archie Small in Saturday’s Northern Premier League East Division away clash at Belper Town.

Gray has brought in the left sided player on a loan deal from Vanarama National League North outfit Darlington to give his team a bit more balance – and Durham-born Small is looking forward to his time at Woodhorn Lane.

“I was at Newcastle as a youngster then went to Hartlepool for two years and just signed for Darlington in the summer,” said the 18 year old, “I had a setback with a big injury at the start at Darlington but they’ve got a great group of lads there and manager Steve Watson and his assistant Terry Mitchell are brilliant.”

Small played for the 77 minutes at the Raygar Stadium on Saturday and said afterwards: “I’m really excited about coming to Ashington because I think it is a really good opportunity for me and I’m desperate to get a chance to play. I was happy with my performance at Belper today because it’s been a long time since I started a game.”

On first viewing, Small believes the Colliers – who are third from bottom – will climb the table: “I thought we played really well today and it’s just about putting those pieces together and clicking in the final third,” he said, “It’ll take time but I think it will come 100 per cent.”

Manager Gray said: “Charlie Exley has moved on and although Kyle Errington has done well since he came in, he’s right footed so we’ve looked to balance things up and I thought Archie did well. We’ve got him for a month and we’ll see where we go from there. It was his first game for us today and maybes he had a few nerves but I thought he did smashing.”

He continued: “It was difficult for Archie because he’s only had one training session to meet the lads. You could see that he tired a little bit and I took him off as I did with Harrison Clark and Jay Errington but the three of them hadn’t done anything wrong – it was just about putting fresh legs on.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Before Ashington’s match against Bridlington Town at Woodhorn Lane, Ben Williams presented Colliers supporter Kathleen Kelly with a bouquet of flowers.

Kathleen assists the club with selling the half time 50-50 tickets before every home game and always has a smile on her face.

However in the fixture against Pontefract Collieries ten days earlier a clearance by Williams inadvertently struck Kathleen which knocked her off her feet and she ended up with a grazed chin and two broken fingers.

Williams said: “I cleared the ball and didn’t think anything of it and just got back into position as normal, and then obviously I found out after the game that I had unfortunately hit someone in the crowd which was wasn’t nice to hear. It was on my mind for a few days but I didn’t get a chance to say anything because we didn’t have a home match and Kathleen doesn’t travel to the away games.”

He continued: “I thought the only thing I could do to make it right – as obviously I couldn’t undo what I had done – was to get Kathleen some flowers to show my appreciation in some way and that it was an honest mistake.”

Kathleen said: “It was a lovely gesture and so thoughtful of him. Ben’s my favourite player now!”