By Brian Bennett

Newly installed Ashington manager Nick Gray has targeted a place in the play offs come the end of the season.

Gray – who was announced as the new boss on Sunday afternoon – supervised his first training session at the club on Tuesday evening ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Stocksbridge Park Steels and he said afterwards: “Its easy to just say consolidate – but that’s a cop out for me. I look at the league table and there is not a lot in the games but we need to go on a run. I’m sure we will tweak and refresh things a little bit but if we can generate a good team spirit and a good work ethic plus a little bit of luck which you always need then who knows? No matter what age you are, you are in football to win games – and I’m a different person when I win a game of football opposed to if I lose one.”

He continued: “We’ve got to think positive. We are only nine points away from a play off spot and there are always going to be teams who pick up or drop off. Ashington has got the nucleus and the shell of going higher and being where Morpeth Town are now – in the premier division on the NPL – it all depends on how far they want to go. That said, it doesn’t come easy but I do think we have got to target the play offs. If we don’t get there then I’m confident that I would know what was needed to make sure that we are in the middle of the play offs next season because that’s what you have got to do – keep on learning.”

Gray began his managerial career at Seaton Delaval where he spent four years working alongside Jon McDonald who is now the manager of Dunston. From there he joined Morpeth Town and had a highly successful period of nine years during which he won promotions and the fabulous triumph over Hereford in the final of the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium in 2016.

After he left the Highwaymen, Gray had a three year break before joining Ebac Northern League first division outfit Whitley Bay where he was in charge for a period of two years.

Since leaving Hillheads in February, Gray has continued to watch matches in the area – including Ashington’s recent clash against Sherwood Colliery – until his appointment with the Woodhorn Lane outfit was announced on Sunday.

He said: “There are only certain jobs that I would go for because its got to be the right club for yourself. You’ve also got to have ambition. Although I had quite a few commitments, the club (Ashington) were keen to get me onboard and I agreed to take the job.”

By Brian Bennett

Paul Robinson, Gary Ormston and Andrew Cartwright have stepped away from interim management duties after Ashington appointed Nick Gray as their new boss on Sunday afternoon.

And Robinson said that it’s a really good opportunity for Gray to ‘put his stamp’ on things: “Ashington is a brilliant club and I think it’s a terrific job for the new manager to really drive it forward. We have a free midweek so it’s a good time for the new boss to come in and put his stamp on things.”

He continued: “I think the lads are ready for that. Results haven’t gone our way in the last three games. The first two were a little bit flat and disappointing but I’ve seen enough character and fight out there from the lads to see that there is still lots to play for. It’s early October with 33 league games left in the season and we have got more than enough in that dressing room to go on a run, pick up points and fight for the play offs which I think everybody wants.”

By Brian Bennett

Paul Robinson thought Ashington ‘possibly deserved a point’ despite going down 3-2 against Consett at the Belle View Stadium on Saturday.

After Marc Costello’s opener for the home side, Jack Camarda levelled from the penalty spot but the Steelmen got their noses back in front through Brandon Holdsworth before substitute Jake Jensen added a third.

Andrew Johnson reduced the arrears but Consett held on to take all three points.

Robinson who was in the dugout as part of the interim management team, said afterwards: “We had a careless start to the game but got back into it and deservedly levelled at 1-1. Then two sloppy goals in the second half have cost us but credit to the lads after that because they dug in and showed some good character. We pulled a goal back and could have got another which would have been an equaliser. Eddie Thomas has had a good chance and on another day we could have come away with a 3-3 draw.”

He continued: “We huffed and puffed and it was an okay performance if not our best but I thought we possibly deserved a point on chances at the end. It was disappointing but I’ve just thanked the lads for their efforts.”

By Brian Bennett

Andrew Cartwright fronted up to deliver the postmatch assessment from the Ashington camp following their 4-1 defeat against Sheffield FC at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

Charlie Exley scored what turned out to be a mere consolation goal for the Colliers with an honest and frank Cartwright saying that the visitors wanted it more than Ashington and labelled the performance by the Wansbeck side as ‘not good enough.’

“In football, people have played for long enough without somebody standing telling them whether their performance was good enough or not and I think the boys will all walk away from tonight knowing that it wasn’t good enough,” said Cartwright, “However you can’t sulk about it and we’ve just got to go again when we got to Consett on Saturday which for us now is our biggest game – the next game is always your biggest.”

Cartwright – who was in the dugout – continued: “In the first half, I thought we were passive. From our point of view, the first goal for Sheffield was sloppy but these things happen and its not one thing that defines the performance. I didn’t think we were aggressive enough in the times where we had to compete and in fairness to Sheffield who had had a long travel, it just looked like they wanted it more than we did which for me is something which can never be an excuse – that can never be the case. You can talk about us having no manager or about players who are injured but I think when you get beat because a team look they want it more, that nullifies everything else because that’s not good enough. For the boys I think that should dent any footballers’ pride. We are here because we love playing football but to go home after the game thinking that the other team have wanted it more, that’s something which has hurt me and I’m sure the boys will be hurting as well but listen, the top and bottom of it is you’ve got to go again. If you sulk about it, it’s not going to be productive at all so we’ve just got to dust ourselves down, train on Thursday and go to Consett on Saturday and we’ve got to perform. There’s got to be a reaction.”

Trailing 3-0, Ashington reduced the arrears through Exley and Cartwright added: “When Charlie netted from a set piece, momentum shifts are a big thing in any sport but did we really look like a threat? We had a couple of half chances and then they (Sheffield) scored a fourth on the break. They got the ball forward quickly and that wasn’t because they lumped it – they got the ball in good areas and hurt us and you can’t expect to win a game after conceding four goals. Probably everyone in our changing room knows that they weren’t good enough. If that happens you’ve got to pull your mate out and perform to get back into the game – and we just didn’t do that so we’ve got to be upset and I hope it puts fire into our bellies for Saturday.”

The interim management team of Gary Ormston, Paul Robinson and Cartwright have been in charge for five matches and the latter went on: “We started well after the departure of the joint coaches (Andy Coyles and Richie Hill) and I said recently that you can’t get too high when you do well or too low when you don’t. The last time I did a postmatch interview was a high point – this time it is a low point. However, we will turn up at Consett ready to play at 0-0 so we have got every opportunity to put something right and I’m hopeful that we will do that. We’ve got a top, top squad but we were so below par tonight. Fair play to Sheffield – they came up here and battered us really.”

The interim management team has performed exceptionally well since their appointment, with the positive performances and results, allowing the club the necessary time to conduct a thorough recruitment process involving applications, shortlisting, and discussions. Their professionalism and commitment have been instrumental during this transitional period.

On Tuesday, the interim management team met with the club and expressed their desire to return to their playing roles as opposed to continuing in their current interim management roles. As a result, the club has decided to accelerate the managerial appointment process. We are confident that a new manager will be appointed within the next 7 days, which will allow them a full week to prepare ahead of their first game in charge.

In the meantime, it’s business as usual, with two important games this week, both of which will be overseen by the current interim management team.

We thank the interim management team for their continued hard work and dedication and look forward to announcing the new managerial appointment soon.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ben Williams says he is delighted to be back at Ashington – after signing for the Colliers at the end of last week on loan from Gateshead until January.

The 19 year old was a big hit with supporters at Woodhorn Lane last season which was confirmed when they named him as their ‘Player of the year’ at the awards ceremony and he was rewarded in the summer when the Vanarama National League side offered him a professional contract.

Newcastle-born Williams said: “I was in the 19’s programme with Gateshead last year whilst obviously playing here at Ashington where I thought I did quite well so to get the contract was a pleasing thing for me. I got the supporters player of the year (at Ashington) and was really pleased because it was my first season in proper men’s football. The award gave me the knowledge that I did have a good season and that I wanted to keep going and kick on.”

He continued: “I was told that I would spent the first half of pre season with Gateshead but with the depth of the squad they have got then probably go out on loan. It means I should get 90 minutes into my legs every week and develop that way whilst obviously still training every day with Gateshead.”

Williams – who is based in Bedlington – initially went out on loan to Northern Premier League Premier Division side Workington and he said: “I wanted to see what it was like to play in the league above Ashington’s – I had to give it a go. When the loan finished a couple of clubs came in for me in the NPL East Division but I said if I was going to come back into this league I wanted to return to Ashington where I had enjoyed my football last season. I thought it was only right – and I’m delighted to be back. They have got a top set of lads at the club and it feels as if I’ve never been away because I’ve fitted in really well again.”

Williams was in the starting line up for Ashington’s home match against Sherwood Colliery on Saturday which the Colliers lost 1-0: “The result obviously wasn’t the one we wanted today,” added the central defender, “I thought there were some good things in the game today and things which we could have done better. We’ve got to finish chances especially when you are only getting beat 1-0 and you feel as though you have done well defensively. I know it is putting the emphasis on the strikers and the attacking players to grab the goals that will win us the game – and that didn’t materialise today – but hopefully we can put it right on Tuesday night when we are at home against Sheffield.”

By Brian Bennett

Paul Robinson has urged the hierarchy at Ashington to ‘act sharp’ and install a new manager in the wake of Saturday’s woeful display and 1-0 defeat against East Division newcomers Sherwood Colliery at Woodhorn Lane.

Robinson, Gary Ormston and Andrew Cartwright were appointed by the club as the interim management team following the departure of Andy Coyles and Richie Hill at the beginning of September.

Robinson commented: “I have said to the lads that the performance today looked like it came from a team that needed a manager – not just one of the lads on the sidelines doing it – and I think the club need to act sharp and get someone in before the season kind of tails off.”

After a low-key contest against the Nottinghamshire-based outfit, Robinson reflecting on the game added: “I thought the first half was really flat and lack-lustre and nothing really happened. I thought they (Sherwood) were marginally better than us. I said to the lads at half time that they had to liven up and that the game was passing to many people by. We changed a few things tactically on how we got out from the goalkeeper which worked to be fair but ultimately we haven’t done enough in the final third and we only really looked threatening when we put Eddie Thomas on and started going a bit more direct.”

He continued: “It was a close game that looked like it was heading for a 0-0 draw to be fair and although they probably had the better of the chances, we’re disappointed to come out on the wrong end of it. After they scored their goal, I thought we huffed and puffed but ultimately a lack of quality in the final third has cost us. We chucked balls into the box and looked as if we might score but before that there was no real spark possibly until AJ (Andrew Johnson) and Cam Gascoigne came on.”

Michael Ndiweni had a couple of chances and Robinson said: “The header he had near the end was after a good passage of play and a really good ball in from Craig Spooner. Michael got across but the ball has just landed the wrong side of the post. Did we deserve to win today? Probably not. A point might have been fair but they (Sherwood Colliery) will probably say they deserved it so I’ve got no issue with that.”

Ashington move onto Tuesday night’s NPL East Division home match against Sheffield FC with Robinson setting the players a challenge: “I’ve just said to the lads that I don’t think our home record this season is particularly good – so that is something that needs to change because for a club that wants to get into the play offs and possibly even higher you need to start winning your home games.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Andrew Johnson has had quite a mixed bag since he re-joined Ashington last week.

The midfielder who played for the Colliers as a teenager, left his hometown club nine years ago and went on to have highly successful four year spells with both Spennymoor Town and Morpeth Town – two clubs higher up the footballing pyramid – before coming back to Woodhorn Lane.

He came on as a substitute in the 1-0 home victory over Bradford Park Avenue before being named in the starting eleven to face Grimsby Borough at the Lane. He scored in the second half to put his side 2-0 ahead against “The Wilderness Boys” but the visitors staged a late comeback to claim a 2-2 draw and a share of the spoils.

It was a case of so far so good for Johnson – who celebrated his 37^th birthday last month – until he limped off just before the half hour mark in Wednesday’s 4-1 win against North Shields in the first round of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup.

With time to reflect, Johnson – an area development manager at the Newcastle United Foundation – spoke about his return to the club: “It’s good to be back and it was also good to get a win and be a part of it against Bradford. The game was open a little bit because they were pushing forward so it suited me and I thought we looked threatening going forward. I haven’t had any pre season but I got in a couple of times down the left and felt okay when I came on. I think I’ve started two games all season and probably played a combined total on 150 minutes overall so it’s not a lot of football.”

After his goal against Grimsby, he said: “I thought it was a good team performance bar the last five to ten minutes. They were a decent side but I thought we were really dangerous going forward and always looked like scoring. On a personal note, I felt good and sharp and I was delighted to get a goal because I’ve always tried to pride myself on goals and assists. Wilson Kneeshaw did brilliantly to dance past a couple of players and he’s put it on a plate for me. I thought that the defender was going to cut the ball out and my first shot was blocked but thankfully I put the rebound in.”

On the down side, Johnson was forced off against North Shields at the Daren Persson Stadium and says Ashington’s ten day break without a game is perfect timing: “To start two games in five days was probably a bit too much for me at this stage,” he said, “I picked up a leg injury when I had a shot – so the rest will do me the world of good.”

He concluded: “I’ve always wanted Ashington to be successful so I’m no different to anyone else – I just want to represent myself well, try my best and put on some performances.”

By Brian Bennett

Paul Robinson – who alongside Gary Ormston and Andrew Cartwright form the interim management team at Ashington – said the trio were ‘really pleased’ after the Colliers had advanced into the next round of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup following a 4-1 win over North Shields on Wednesday night.

Robinson commented: “It’s a cup competition so winning is the priority and we have done that – but I also thought we played well. North Shields were good in spells and we rode our luck a little bit at times but overall Gary, Andrew and myself were really happy and we’re through to the next round.”

Casting an eye over the first 45 minutes, Robinson added: “It was pretty even but I thought we had that quality with the run by Wilson Kneeshaw which led to a top, top finish for the goal by Michael Ndiweni. Having that little bit of quality which we had sometimes makes a difference in a game so it was good to go in ahead at half time.”

After second half strikes from Kneeshaw and Jay Errington, ex Colliers skipper Ben Harmison reduced the deficit to make it 3-1 and Robinson said: “There were a few nervous jitters when Ben netted. North Shields were getting up a little bit and fancied their chances and they are dangerous. They have got some really good players – and some really dangerous ones as well – so we had to sit in and soak up a little bit of pressure. However, our lads scored the goals at good times and when Craig Spooner got the fourth it certainly took the wind out of the home sides’ sails. Overall though, I thought our lads were fantastic.”

Ashington now have a ten day break before they host Sherwood Colliery on Saturday week (September 28) and Robinson stressed: “Some of the lads need the rest because there are a few of them carrying and nursing injuries so we’ll give the players the weekend off and go again next week.”

He continued: “Hopefully the club will appoint a new manager – but whoever takes over the reins are going to get an outstanding group of lads and a group who are in form. We have got threats all over the pitch which is brilliant.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Paul Robinson expressed his disappointment after Ashington – who were leading 2-0 – conceded two goals in the closing stages against Grimsby Borough with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.

Robinson – who along with Gary Ormston and Andrew Cartwright are forming the interim management team until the appointment of new boss – said afterwards: “It was a disappointment with the way it happened. I didn’t think we threatened the goal massively either but we managed to score two really well worked goals. I thought we were quite comfortable as we limited them to corners and they’ve scored two goals at the end which was really disappointing. However, I can’t fault the lads for their efforts throughout and I give credit to Grimsby for finding a way back.”

Reflecting on the first period, Robinson said: “I thought we could have played better. It was a bit scrappy but the goal we scored was excellent. I said to the lads in the dressing room that we needed to get Wilson (Kneeshaw), Cyril (Giraud) and Andrew Johnson on the ball as often as we could. The goal was so well worked with a little ball into Wilson (Kneeshaw) who has turned and slipped Jay (Errington) in and it was another brilliant finish by him and probably the only bit of quality in the first half.

He continued: “I was relatively happy at half time and we knew that they (Grimsby Borough) would come out and have a go. I thought we controlled it really well – certainly for the first half an hour and we managed to get a second goal and were looking relatively comfortable. The lads were excellent and probably deserved a little bit more but it wasn’t to be – but credit to them (Grimsby Borough) for coming back as they showed a bit of spirit.”

For the goal by Andrew Johnson who was making his first full start after signing last week, Robinson said: “Wilson (Kneeshaw) has gone past two players as if they weren’t there and AJ did what AJ does at the back post and got himself on the score sheet which was brilliant to see.”

After Wednesday night’s trip to face North Shields in the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup (September 18), Ashington’s next league fixture is on September 28 at home against newcomers Sherwood Colliery and Robinson said: “With our injury list, the ten day break will be beneficial to us. Ideally today I would have liked to have brought a midfield player on but we only had strikers and myself on the bench. If we had been able to bring a midfielder on for one of the attackers it probably would have helped us to shore things up a little bit more but we didn’t have that option available to us.”