By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Liam Wotherspoon scored his first goal for Ashington in the 2-0 victory over North Ferriby on Saturday – and was delighted to get off the mark.

However, the 29 year old said afterwards that securing the win was the most important aspect and that the club must kick on.

Wotherspoon – who joined the Colliers from Newcastle Blue Star earlier in the campaign – commented: “It was my first goal for the club today which I was delighted with but I was more pleased that we got the three points. It was one of those where we were hanging on for as long as we could for the last 10-15 minutes. We really dug in and got a chance with them (North Ferriby) piling forward and the ‘keeper coming up for the corner near the end. The ball broke to Liam Noble on the right and I just put the burners on and ran as quick as I could through the middle hoping he would play me in – which he did – and it was an easy finish.”

He continued: “We absolutely deserved it. For a number of weeks now we haven’t really been in a good place because we haven’t been getting the results we wanted but we’ve worked really, really hard in training, trying to implement some things and we put them into practice today. At this time of the season it is all about getting results and we knew that it was a massive, massive game for us today at North Ferriby. Yes they went down to ten men – but even before the sending off, we were dominating the game and I thought we played really well.”

He added: “It’s a huge three points but now we’ve got to kick on. There are some tough games coming up against teams who are in and around us but winning breeds confidence and we’ve got to make sure we win more games and hopefully keep the club in this league. We’ve got a really good bunch of lads with a blend of youth and experience who are all pulling in the same direction and hopefully if we stick at it and keep working hard in games and in training, the results will come.”

Newcastle-born Wotherspoon gave a special mention to the travelling fans who were vocal with their backing throughout: “It’s a long way to come and despite results not being the way we wanted recently, they have still travelled in their numbers,” he said, “The supporters make a difference 100 per cent and when I scored, the first thing I wanted to do was run over and celebrate in front of them as a big thank you for coming down. They could be doing other things on a Saturday but they have come to watch us and we are all really grateful to them for doing that.”

Ashington now move on to Tuesday night’s game against Blyth Town – one of Wotherspoon’s former clubs and he said: “I was at Blyth Town for a number of years and I know their management team of Gav Fell and Michael Connor will make it really tough for us – so we’ve got to make sure we’re up for the fight.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

It was a case of deja vu for teenage striker Louis Burns after he scored a sensational goal for Ashington on Saturday in their 2-0 win over North Ferriby.

Burns – who recently celebrated his 19^th birthday – cut inside then unleashed a terrific right foot thunderbolt from 25 yards which screamed into the top corner to give the Colliers the lead before Liam Wotherspoon sealed the three points on Humberside with a goal near the end of stoppage time.

Earlier in the week, National League North outfit South Shields – who are top of the division – had agreed to extend Burns’ loan with Ashington until the end of the season.

Of his goal, Burns said: “As I got the ball, when I turned, the space opened up and I thought ‘I’ll let fire and have a go’ and it has gone into the top corner. It was similar to a goal I scored when I was at Newton Aycliffe and I was very happy but the most important thing was that we got three points.”

Durham-born Burns was named in the starting line up and added: “Despite games being called off we have trained a lot and been positive. Today I got my chance which I have worked for and have taken it.”

He continued: “I’m here until the end of the season and I’m happy. I need experience and game time – that’s what I’m hoping for – and also looking to help the club to stay in the league which is where they belong. As players we want to turn things around and I want to be part of that. Hopefully the weather is kind and we can get more games in.”

Ashington’s joint interim manager Marc Ellison said of the loan extension “To be honest it was me who kick started the loan as I used to play alongside South Shields manager Ian Watson. We were having a chat and he said that he had a young energetic kid (Louis Burns) who he thinks really highly of, so I mentioned it to then manager Nick Gray and negotiations went from there. Louis has come from good stock and is getting well coached at South Shields and is learning the right way. He’s a great kid with a brilliant attitude and I think we’ll see the best of him now. I asked South Shields if we could have him for the rest of the season and I’m delighted we’ve come to an agreement and would like to thank them for their co-operation.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Not surprisingly, Marc Ellison wore a broad smile when he gave his post match assessment following Ashington’s 2-0 victory over North Ferriby on Saturday.

Ellison and captain Karl Ross – who were recently installed as the interim management team at the Woodhorn Lane based outfit – looked on in sheer delight as the Colliers clinched the result with a stunning goal from Louis Burns and an effort in the last minute from Liam Wotherspoon.

Ellison said: “It was our first game for three weeks and I couldn’t be prouder of the lads. We have been through a rocky period of results but the players are over the moon in there (dressing room) and they should be after what was a great result. I would have taken any positive result on the road but to perform the way we did and to get three points was really, really satisfying. I know they (North Ferriby) had a man sent off early doors but we looked comfortable before that. We’ve dominated the game and had the lion’s share of possession and should have been ahead at half time.”

The Wansbeck side went into the interval all square at 0-0 and Ellison added: “The problem for us in the first half was without the ball. Even when we had the extra man, we were getting caught too high up the pitch. They were breaking on us too easily because we weren’t working hard enough out of possession. We changed things at half time and in the second half the lads done exactly what we have asked them to do in the three weeks we have been in charge as they played the way we want them to play. We’ve got a style of play which we are going to stick with and what we are looking for was all there – yes it still needs polishing and sharpening up but it’s brand new to all of us.”

He continued: “I’m absolutely delighted for Louis Burns who produced a great finish for the opening goal. However, I must also mention Liam Noble who was absolute brilliant in the middle of the pitch and who ran the game but Ryan Wombwell was my Player of the match. With Jeremy Perera picking up an injury before half time, we asked Ryan (Wombwell) to step into midfield from left back and I thought he was phenomenal from minute one whilst the two lads at the back – Ryan Donaldson and Chris Reid – were solid. If we can sharpen up in the final third and start to put away some of the chances, then I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to.”

By Brian Bennett

A familiar face re-joined the board of directors at Ashington Football Club last week.

Brian Shotton – who as chairman steered the Colliers out of a dark period in the club’s history to a highly successful time during his six years at the helm – admitted that he stepped down due to exhaustion and other priorities but returns recharged, refreshed and revitalised for a ‘different type of challenge.’

A lifelong supporter of the club, Brian said at the weekend: “I’ve returned to what is the football board. I was still a director of the company that operates the ground and the bar, so I’d never fully stepped away from the club. I just moved back from the football side a couple of years ago. It felt like the right time. I’d worked very closely with Ian Skinner during his spell as manager, and as he moved on, new board members were coming in. I thought it was only fair to give them the space to settle in and bring their own ideas and direction to the club.”

He continued: “At that point, others were stepping in to take on some of the responsibility, which I felt was the right move. My day job at Hirst Welfare was also at a key stage of change, requiring my full focus at an important time. But with recent events and the club entering another period of change, I met with the board last week and agreed to return to offer some support. I feel refreshed and ready to contribute again. Running a Football Club is very demanding. From the outside, it can look straightforward, but the reality is very different. You’re balancing work, family life and football in what is already a busy world. My main priority will always be my day job and family life, with the football club alongside that.”

He added: “With Marc (Ellison) and Karl (Ross), I think we have got a good interim management team. We certainly have some good players who have a mix of experience and youth. I am confident results will come. We undoubtedly want to remain in the Northern Premier League. There was some discussion at the fans’ forum about whether dropping into the Northern League below might suit us better overall as a club, but I don’t share that view. It might reduce costs, yes. But I know the club’s mindset. We all want to test ourselves at the highest level we can. That’s where the challenge is, and that’s where we believe we belong. A lot of work went into getting this club into the Northern Premier League, and I’m not prepared to simply accept giving that up. I know others feel the same.”

Brian, 42, said: “My grandad was a lifelong Ashington supporter. He used to stand at Portland Park in the 1950s watching us play the likes of Peterborough and Wigan Athletic, and he took me along as a youngster to see teams managed by Keith Grant, Cec Irwin and John Connolly. I’m a Sunderland supporter through my dad, but Ashington is different. I bleed black and white for this club. I’ll always do what I can to help, and I hope I can bring some of the drive we had during my previous spell, when we enjoyed success on the pitch after the pandemic. Looking ahead, we need to be more community-focused, build stronger local links and be smarter commercially. We don’t currently run a junior section of our own, largely because of falling numbers, the challenge of attracting volunteers and the fact that we only have a grass pitch, which limits how much the facility can be used and does not lend itself to being as inclusive as we would like to have been as a club. That makes it even more important to work closely with junior clubs in the area and

ensure Ashington is seen as the natural next step into senior football. The landscape is tougher than it once was, both financially and structurally, but the objective is clear – connect with the community and compete at the highest level we can.”

He went on: “I’ve always seen myself as someone who gets on with things. I’m not one for just talking; I prefer to put things into action. People will always have views on how things are done, but the reality is that they are done in the best interests of Ashington Football Club. I genuinely believe everyone at this football club is giving what they can within the circumstances we’re working in. If anyone feels they can offer time, skills or support, I’d encourage them to step forward. Help is needed, and it’s always welcome.”

He concluded: “But all said I’m very pleased to be back. It’s a different challenge from last time, and I’m ready to play my part.”

By Brian Bennett

Marc Ellison says he is ‘more than confident’ that the relegation clouds will move away from the Woodhorn Lane based club come the end of the current campaign.

Ellison – charged with the task of taking over as an interim boss alongside Karl Ross following the departure of previous manager Nick Gray and his assistant Liam McIvor by mutual agreement  – was speaking on Saturday lunchtime after the wet weather had once again intervened and led to the Colliers home clash against Emley being called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Earlier in the week Ashington’s match with Consett was also cancelled.

The Wansbeck side who are already in the drop zone, moved another place down the table after Bishop Auckland’s 2-0 win over Heaton Stannington but as his side prepare to face Bridlington Town on Tuesday night (February 10), Ellison pushed everything to one side to predict that Ashington will retain their status in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League next season.

The 35 year old said: “The lads seem excited and are looking forward to getting the games on to have a much better experience in the second half of the season. As a management team we’ve been able to get them on the grass at training and change a couple of things. We’ve also been able to talk to them and put over new ideas as to how we want them to play.”

He continued: “I can’t wait for Tuesday (v Bridlington Town). I’m probably not going to play this year whereas Karl (Ross) is the captain and nine times out of ten he’s going to be playing and he is there for me to bounce ideas off. I feel as if I’ve been put in a tumble dryer over the past week. My phone hasn’t stopped and I’ve been thinking about this and that but I’m really looking forward to it because management – as I have already stated – is something which I have thought about. I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into things, seeing where we go and for us to push on.”

Ellison – who is hoping the passionate supporters at Woodhorn Lane will get behind the team – added: “I’m more than confident and quite excited about the end of the season. The lads we have got in the squad are good players who have been about and we have got a really strong spine. With different ideas, they can implement what we are trying to do and change the way we play and I think that will also alter the way teams on the outside look at us as well. If we have a good month and get some results, that will make things easier – but if we don’t, I still reckon we’ve got more than enough in the squad to keep us up.”

🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍

Since Boxing Day, we’ve had just one home game at Woodhorn Lane. For a club at our level, that’s been a tough run. Long gaps without football affect everyone connected to Ashington AFC.

A special mention to Scott Robson, who continues to put the hours in trying to give us every chance of getting matches on. No one wants football back more than the people working behind the scenes.

Home fixtures are our main source of income. Gate receipts, bar sales and the 50/50 draw usually keep things ticking over. When games are postponed, that income isn’t there – but player wages, rent, utilities, insurance and the rest of the weekly costs still have to be paid.

We understand times are difficult for many, so any support, in whatever way you can manage, is appreciated. We’re fortunate to have some of, if not the best, supporters around.

If you’re able to help the club through this spell:

1️⃣ Call into Colliers Bar when live football is on TV and help keep things moving.

2️⃣ Make a donation to the club:
https://www.ashingtonafc.com/donate

3️⃣ Get your Woodhorn Wall Fan Tile:
https://www.ashingtonafc.com/wall

4️⃣ Sponsor a piece of the pitch for 2025/26:
https://www.ashingtonafc.com/pitch

5️⃣ View our Sponsorship packages:
https://www.ashingtonafc.com/sponsorship

We’re also planning an upcoming Fans Forum with the club directors and interim management team to provide an open update and answer questions. We’ll confirm the date shortly.

Thank you for sticking with the Colliers. We’ll be ready to go again as soon as the weather allows.

🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍

Ashington AFC is pleased to confirm that Brian Shotton has re-joined the football board.

Known to many as a lifelong supporter of the club, Brian previously served as Chairman from 2018 to 2024 during a period of recovery and one of the most successful spells in the club’s recent history.

He returns determined to play his part again, offering experience, stability and a strong belief in the club’s future both on and off the pitch.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington lynchpin Scott Lowery has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The tall defender has been sidelined since the middle of October with a knee problem but has now received the diagnosis: “The injury happened in the first half of the home game against North Ferriby,” said Lowery who will celebrate his 30^th birthday next week, “I felt a pop in my knee and the initial pain was pretty bad. However I played the rest of the match and was okay – until I woke up the following morning and couldn’t move! I thought it was something which I had twisted or jolted and I tried to return to training after a month but the knee popped again. I’ve had an MRI scan and I’ve torn the posterior cruciate ligament in the back of my right knee.”

Ashington-born Lowery continued: “It’s not a full rupture or fully severed but is a grade two tear. I think surgery was an option but it can basically heal by itself with rest and restrengthening. Kev Chapman, the club’s physiotherapist has given me some workout plans to do and I could probably catch the last couple of games of the campaign. However for the long run it’s better off maybes strengthening it a bit more and not forcing things and looking to come back next season.”

Cramlington-based Lowery added: “I’m devastated. It’s a lonely place being injured because you forget just how much you see the lads which is twice a week at training – unless we have a midweek match – plus a Saturday. I do try to support the lads as much as I can but when I watch the games, I’m kicking every ball and jumping for every header.”

He went on: “It’s so tough watching because all I want to do is to be playing and helping the lads as much as I can and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than back out on the pitch to be honest.”

By Brian Bennett

Jeremy Perera says he has two primary targets after signing for Ashington following his release from neighbours Blyth Spartans.

The Gibraltar international is hoping to become a leading light in the Colliers’ squad as well as looking to help steer the club away from the clutches of the relegation drop zone.

Whilst the Colliers were idle on Saturday, Lincoln United’s 2-0 victory over Ossett United saw them leapfrog from the basement in the table above Ashington on goal difference and push the Wansbeck outfit into the bottom four.

Perera – who trained with his team mates after the Colliers’ match away to Blyth Town had been called off – said about his move: “Obviously it’s a big step to take but I had no hesitation in putting pen to paper. I wasn’t playing at Blyth but I want to be a key player here at Ashington – that’s my aim – and hopefully to help the club to stay in this league.”

The 20 year old, who plays in a defensive midfield role, is raring to go: “The club look as if they have got a good fanbase and I’m itching to get going,” he added, “The game at Blyth Town was called off which was sad news but hopefully we can get going against Consett on Tuesday night.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Marc Ellison and Karl Ross have agreed to take over team affairs during the interim at Ashington Football Club.

The move comes after manager Nick Gray and his assistant Liam McIvor left the club by mutual agreement last week.

Unfortunately the duo’s first game in charge turned out to be an anti climax as the Colliers’ away fixture at Blyth Town was called off on Saturday morning due to a waterlogged pitch.

Now the pair turn their attentions to Tuesday night’s home clash against Consett – a fixture which has already been postponed on two previous occasions.

Ellison and Ross are both members of the current playing staff – and both spoke at the weekend about having ‘no hesitation’ in taking on additional duties at Woodhorn Lane.

In Ellison’s case, a move into management had already crossed his mind: “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t something I hadn’t thought about anyway as age wise I’m 35,” he said, “I had no hesitation. My body doesn’t feel great so was it something I’d be looking at? Yes. Did I think it was going to happen now – no. I probably was going to be thinking about it at the end of the season anyway so from a selfish point of view I can get to dip my toes in and see if I like it. Will I be needed to play again this year? I don’t know.”

Apart from being skipper, Ross is the longest serving player in the squad. He is in his eighth season playing for his home town club after signing in November 2018 and making his debut in a 1-1 draw at Shildon.

The 27 year old said: “We had a little conversation about it and I had no hesitation in saying ‘yes’. It was a no brainer for me because I’ll do anything I can just to try and help the club which will give them a bit of time to get things into place.”

Hartlepool-born Ellison added: “Did anyone expect Nick (Gray) to leave the club on Tuesday? No – but quite simply, we haven’t been good enough from the start of the season to where we are now. It was disappointing that the match at Blyth Town was off because you always want to play on a Saturday. We’ve got a couple of games coming up where we play teams around us so it would have been ideal to have played today (Saturday) to try and get some points on board. On the flip side it gave us a chance to have a training session and work on things.”

Tuesday’s game against Consett has a 7.45pm kick-off.