By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC skipper Ben Harmison believes the Woodhorn Lane outfit are heading in the right direction for success – even though he reckons its ‘early days!’

The Colliers put their first piece of silverware for nine years in the trophy cabinet at the end of last season when they won the Ebac Northern League first division cup – and after a summer of key signings, the club sit proudly in pole position with a 100 per cent record of five wins out of five.

Harmison praised manager Ian Skinner as he spoke about the newcomers in the squad: “The boss wanted to sign lads who fitted into the changing rooms and had good attitudes, were hungry and were obviously good players,” he said, “the players who have joined us were not dropping down in leagues for easiness or luxury – just look at the shifts they have put in tonight against Sunderland RCA – they wanted a challenge and they wanted to get Ashington up the leagues where we want to be so the recruitment has been brilliant.”

And the 36 year old added that after lifting the cup with victory over Newcastle Benfield last season, the players are hungry to add to the success: “We won the first division cup and a lot of it was on the team spirit which is brilliant and long may it continue,” he said, “I know it’s early days but we are hungry for more and we can see some sort of success building. We had won four out of four in the league before tonight’s game against Sunderland RCA and after equalising, we could have settled for a point but we didn’t – we kept pushing and pushing because we wanted to make it five out of five and we achieved it.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC goalkeeper Karl Dryden has put pen to paper on a contract with the Woodhorn Lane outfit.

Manager Ian Skinner said after the 2-1 win over Sunderland RCA on Tuesday night: “Karl (Dryden) has signed a contract and we are delighted. We have got two very, very good goalkeepers – the other being Kyle Hayes – who have both committed to the club which means we are in a very strong position in that department. Both Karl and Kyle are very experienced and have played at a higher level. They are a good pair in terms of when one is playing the other – whilst disappointed at not being selected – takes on the role of goalkeeper coach and makes sure his team mate is warmed up before a game. They also do little bits in training together before I need them in the main session and are going to scrap it out for the jersey – which will only bring out the best in both of them.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC skipper Ben Harmison poured praise on his team mates and the management team at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night after the Colliers came from behind to beat Sunderland RCA 2-1.

The victory kept them at the head of the Ebac Northern League’s first division and also preserved their 100 per cent record after five matches.

RCA took the lead early doors through Mark Davison and it was Harmison – who came off the substitutes bench – who notched a brace inside the final quarter hour.

Afterwards Harmison said of his goals: “For the first, when Dan Maguire got the ball, I just tried to get across the front man. The ball was a little bit behind me and a back flick was the only thing I could try to do – and it came off. Then for the winner, Robbie Dale got so far down the left; cut back in and I was lurking at the back post and as the wind was coming across, Robbie just stood the ball up and I got on the end of it. It was a fantastic feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net and naturally I was delighted.”

The 36 year old believed his sides patience and decisions from the dugout were key factors in the comeback: “RCA had got the goal and the way they played it has helped them,” he said, “They just sat in and got blocks in and cleared off the line and if we had scored in the first five or ten minutes, I think we could have gone on to get five or six. We gave them something to hold onto and we knew we had to be patient but it gets to a point where you are running out of time so the management put some forwards on and we went a bit direct and it paid off.”

Harmison is happy to adapt – whether it be playing in the back four or as a striker up front: “I’ll do whatever is needed,” he said, “I knew before I went on tonight that it would be in a forward position. It suited us a little bit more because we had runners either side so I just had to lurk in, in dangerous areas on the back post as well as the diagonals and try and get little flick ons. It doesn’t come off very often but it did tonight and we deserved it. We must have had something like 90 per cent possession but we didn’t panic – we just kept pushing and our character and belief shone through. It feels like a really good win tonight and the fans helped us massively so for them to go home happy was much deserved.”

By Brian Bennett

Manager Ian Skinner emerged from a noisy Ashington dressing room on Tuesday night following the 2-1 win over Sunderland RCA and revealed: “These lads don’t know when they are beat!”

The boss was referring to his sides late, late show against the Wearsiders in front of a crowd of 427 at Woodhorn Lane. Mark Davison had headed RCA into an early lead before substitute and skipper Ben Harmison scored twice in the closing stages to turn the game around and preserve Ashington’s 100 per cent record after five matches in the first division of the Ebac Northern League.

Skinner said: “Obviously I’m delighted that we have won the game but to be honest, even if we hadn’t managed to claw it (the game) back late, I don’t think my thoughts would have changed. I thought we played as well as we have done all season and I was delighted with the performance. The only negative was that I was really disappointed with the goal we conceded in terms of we could have stopped the cross and then we’ve allowed a free header at the back post. But then again, with this team of ours, you never feel too concerned. I thought we dominated the ball across the 90 minutes; created numerous chances and it will be interesting when I receive some of the stats back from the footage. RCA came and played a 5-4-1 formation which we are going to experience a lot this season. Obviously they had the added advantage of going 1-0 up so that makes them want to defend that little bit more but I just felt we created a number of chances in the first half and their ‘keeper (Keaton Marrs) has made some good saves. Other than the goal which they scored, they (RCA) haven’t really had another opportunity that I can remember of any great note.”

Skinner explained the half time team talk: “We went in 1-0 down and to be honest, I was full of praise for the players because of the way we played and the way we moved the ball. We just talked about a couple of little tweaks in terms of how we could just maybes open the space between their two units a little bit more so we could exploit it. Funnily enough we also mentioned about if we have to win the game late, then so be it. We just had to be patient and keep moving the ball and the deeper they got (RCA), the harder it is for them to get out as the game wears on. The more they had to move and slide and try to protect the goal becomes more difficult and we said we may need to wear them down and may need a bit of clever play or individual brilliance.”

He continued: “Second half we’ve had some very good chances. I was right behind the effort from Robbie Dale which was going into the top corner and their ‘keeper has made a brilliant save. He’s then made a couple of good stops and they threw their bodies on the line and just tried to defend manfully and hang on for a 1-0 lead. You get to the point where there are 15 minutes to go and think ‘it is going to be one of those days’ because we dragged a couple of efforts wide – but these lads don’t know when they are beat and that’s frightening.”

Skinner explained what was to be a game changing decision when he threw Ben Harmison into the fray just past the half way stage in the second period: “We just thought we are nursing striker Lee Mason a little bit at the moment and I thought it was an ideal opportunity to bring Ben on. It was a toss up really between him going up top or slotting him in at the back and sending Robbie (Dale) up there – but I just felt the way Robbie had played and the way the game was going that he was comfortable at the back. He was carrying the ball out of defence really well and I thought with fresh legs that Ben would be that bit stronger and it just gives them (RCA) something else to worry about because they would be concerned due to his height. Fair play to Ben. Before he scored, he probably had a really good chance on his left foot which he put wide of the post and knowing him as I do, he’ll be disappointed with that. But it was a great little deft touch by him for the equaliser.”

He added: “Ben was then clever because which ever side we were looking to exploit or attack down, he would pull off diagonally onto the opposite side so it gave us that option to cross the ball in. We brought Adam Johnson on to play off the back of Ben who is going to run players under the ball and if he misses it, he’ll take defenders with him and if the ball drops, one of our players has got a chance to be a hero. But to be fair, the ball that was stood up for him by Robbie (Dale) was excellent and as soon as I saw Ben rise, I thought ‘this is in.’ People will look at that piece of skill from Robbie (Dale) and ask me ‘why are you playing him in defence?’ with the way he marauded down that left wing which he has done for years. He’s gone one way then the other, dropped his shoulder, stood the ball up and Ben has got on the end of it and it was nothing short of what we deserved.”

He went on: “I was delighted with the performance and the result and full credit to the lads because it was important that we won. It was a game where we considered making one of two changes to try and freshen things up a little bit but after Saturday’s performance everybody reported fit and I just thought that when you win 5-0 at home to tell someone you are going to give them a little rest would be harsh. The bench is strong; the squad is strong and we are going to try and attack everything on all fronts starting on Saturday (August 20) as we turn our attentions to the Emirates FA Cup and an away clash against Tow Law. We have a two week break from the league and the FA Cup is an opportunity to progress in that competition. We’ll train on Thursday to prepare for the clash and we’ll see what Saturday brings – but it will not be an easy game.”

For the trip to the Ironworks ground, Lewis Suddick, Thomas Kalthoeber and Kyle Hayes are all ruled out but Skinner is hoping that Luke Salmon and Jordan Lashley will return to the squad.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner said the 5-0 win over Crook Town wasn’t the sole reason why he wore such a big smile on Saturday night!

The Woodhorn Lane boss was also delighted after some of his players – who have been nursing injuries – returned to action: “We managed to get some more minutes into players who have been missing so Ben Sampson came on today having not kicked a ball so far this season; Paul Robinson – who was in great form pre season – started today and played the 90 minutes so that was great. We’ve also got another hour into the likes of Darren Lough and a little bit more into Damen Mullen and we had the luxury of being able to take others off to make sure we managed their bodies because they have also come back from injuries.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner took time out to give a special mention to striker Adam Johnson after Saturday’s emphatic 5-0 home victory over Crook Town at Woodhorn Lane.

Johnson made his first Ebac Northern League start of the season in Tuesday’s win over West Allotment Celtic – but has come off the bench in the Colliers’ other three ENL matches.

Johnson is still looking to record his first goal this term – but that didn’t stop Skinner from giving him a pat on the back: “I’ve said to AJ (Adam Johnson) ‘I know you’re a centre forward and people look at goals – but there’s more to his your game than just that and you won’t be judged just on scoring.’

Skinner continued: “I think there were a couple of occasions against Crook Town today where Adam took a shot on when there was probably a better option – but he causes defenders problems with his pace and power and the ball in for Dean Briggs’s second goal was a great pass. He went on for the final 25 minutes and has contributed with two assists for the five goals – so he’s made a big difference.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Dean Briggs says he hopes he is back on the goals trail – after netting a superb hat trick in Ashington’s 5-0 victory over Crook Town at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

The midfielder admitted that he was getting a ‘bit of banter’ from his team mates recently after failing to open his account – but hopes that is a thing of the past.

“It was good to get off the mark in the Emirates FA Cup win over Newton Aycliffe last week but today it was just a case of being in the right place at the right time,” he said, “For the second and third goals, AJ (Adam Johnson) has done really well. He put it (the ball) straight across goal then for the next one, it was a good ball in and I took the finish quite well. I’ve got to admit that my eyes lit up – I hit the ball first time; hit the target and luckily it went into the bottom corner and I thought it was the best of the three.”

Skipper Briggs was confident that ‘the goals were always going to come’ against an organised Crook Town side: “I thought we played well first half, even before we scored,” added the 26 year old, “We did everything right apart from put the ball into the back of the net. They (Crook) were okay and had a couple of opportunities but I thought the goals were always going to come.”

He continued: “Its quality playing in this team with the personnel we have got in midfield. We just work really well together and there’s good morale in the dressing room and on the pitch. We are all enjoying our football and to come out of the game with a clean sheet was also a bonus for us.”

He went on: “Hopefully I’m back on the goals trail but as long as the team are winning – that’s the main thing.”

Ashington manager Ian Skinner said: “The hat trick is good for Dean because he’s been taking a little bit of stick. All of the other lads have been chipping in with goals and Dean hadn’t really come to the party – but he got three today so I’m sure he’ll be reminding one or two people about that.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner was extremely happy with his outfit after they had notched their fourth consecutive victory in the Ebac Northern League first division on Saturday – a win which saw them regain pole position.

Dean Briggs smashed a hat trick with other goals coming from Robbie Dale via the penalty spot and Lee Mason to sink Crook Town on a red hot day in Wansbeck.

And afterwards, Skinner acknowledged so many facets which happened during the 90 plus minutes at Woodhorn Lane: “First and foremost, I thought it was a good performance from our lads in difficult conditions in terms of the heat,” he said, “Obviously we were the home team so we wanted to try and dominate the ball – and I thought we did that throughout the whole game if I’m honest. We saw a lot of the ball and just needed to be patient. We are used to scoring early and that didn’t quite happen today and we need to get used to that because we’re not going to be able to score early in every match.”

He continued: “Credit to Crook Town. They were well organised – but we created a plethora of chances and you could see our first goal coming. If I’m being super critical, on occasions we were slightly wasteful but you felt as if breaking the deadlock was only a matter of time – and obviously we got there after a great finish by Dean Briggs across the ‘keeper and in off the far post. Then we got a penalty which Robbie (Dale) put away to make it 2-0.”

He went on: “Second half it was very much about managing the game. It’s really difficult for a team to come out and try and claw their way back into a contest in those sorts of temperatures. We also talked about dictating possession and dominating the ball and making them (Crook) have to run and chase so as to tire them out in the heat whilst if the opportunity presented itself to score more goals. If we could (score more goals) – then great and if it didn’t happen and we won 2-0, we would have been equally as happy. But we got the third and then had the luxury of being able to bring five substitutes on and freshen things up which adds a little bit more impetus into our play and Briggs has gone on to get another couple to complete his hat-trick.”

He added: “Without being disrespectful we controlled large parts of the game – Crook had a couple of maybes half chances but nothing really clear cut so all in all, I was pleased with the performance from start to finish; delighted with the result and also happy that we have been able to rotate the team as early as we did in the game. The win keeps the good run going and to get a clean sheet was a bonus. We are scoring lots of goals and not conceding too many – and also taking advantage of this run of home fixtures which we have had at the start of the season.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner was delighted with his side who maintained their 100 per cent record in the Ebac Northern League with a 2-1 win at West Allotment Celtic on Tuesday night.

After three games, the Colliers sit at the top of the division – but Skinner admitted that his outfit did not fire on all cylinders: “We were far from our best tonight if I’m honest,” he said afterwards, “We freshened the side up a little bit and made four changes – the reason being that we just don’t want one group of lads to be really, really flying and match fit and then another group who are falling behind in match practice but I don’t think that was the reason why we didn’t play particularly well.”

He continued: “We got off to a brilliant start, scoring after two minutes then I just thought we became a little bit sloppy and allowed West Allotment to come into the game and to be fair to them, they caused us some problems for about 15 minutes and when they equalised, we couldn’t really have any complaints. However, once we conceded we woke up again, went on the front foot, had a couple of good chances and regained the lead which is the sign of a good team. At half time we talked about trying to find a little bit more quality in our play regardless of how difficult conditions were.”

He went on: “Second half was bitty on what I thought was a difficult pitch – but it’s the same for both teams. I thought in spells we did alright – they (West Allotment) had a little spell which they are going to have and threw bodies forward. Towards the end of the game we started to find our passing range and kept the ball a little bit better and then the last five minutes, we decided to make it an end to end game. All in all, we weren’t at out best but people say in football that when you’re not at your best and you win, it’s the sign of a good team and I don’t think there are any arguments that we are a good team. It’s just about keeping our levels and performance high – and I demand them to be high -all of the time. However, we also need to be realistic and performances are going to dip now and again but it’s important when we aren’t playing as well as we can that we still win games and we have done that tonight. Credit to the lads because they stuck at it, dug in and they know themselves that the performance wasn’t as good as we would want. We’ve put another three points on the board whilst West Allotment will be a little bit disappointed because they’ll probably feel they should have got something from the game.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC skipper Dean Briggs scored the winner – and his first goal of the season – on Saturday as the Colliers advanced into the next round of the Emirates FA Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over Newton Aycliffe at Woodhorn Lane in the extra preliminary round.

The Colliers had been 2-0 down in the contest before goals from Lee Mason and Lewis Suddick brought the game level then with 20 minutes left on the clock, Briggs popped up with a left foot strike on the half volley which was the clincher.

And afterwards the 26 year old – delighted to open his account – hopes it will put an end to the banter which he has been getting from his team mates over the past few weeks: “Obviously I was pleased to get off the mark,” he said, “I went into the game as the only one out of the forward players who hadn’t scored and to be honest I’d been getting a little bit of stick about it in training – so when the ball came to me, I thought ‘just hit it’ and luckily it went in the bottom corner.”

Briggs admitted that the Wansbeck side had been second best in the first period: “First half I thought we got a little bit outworked and they (Aycliffe) were probably the better side,” he said, “Second half with the wind on our backs, we knew if we got in their faces our quality would come through and it did with two well worked goals. Last season it could have been a different story as there were times when we folded after going behind – but it doesn’t look as if it is going to be the same this term as we showed our character. As a team we are playing well and with three wins out of three, we can’t complain.”

Four minutes from the end of normal time, Ashington – by then 3-2 ahead – had a let off when Jack Oliver hit the post and fellow sub Oscar Taylor missed a sitter from close range, skying the ball over the bar: “When that happened, Craig Spooner and myself just looked at each other because we thought it was going to go to a replay,” he added.

Goalkeeper Adam McHugh, who left Ashington during the summer, signed for Aycliffe a fortnight ago – and kept his new side in the game: “Adam made a couple of good saves,” said Briggs, “To be honest it was nice to put one past him for what turned out to be the winner and when the ball hit the back of the net, I looked at him and gave him a little smile! It’s always good to see him and he needs to be playing first team football every week. Adam’s a good ‘keeper and a good lad.”