By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC’s assistant manager Andy Coyles said his lads played with ‘smiles on their faces’ in the terrific but eventful 3-1 win over Dunston UTS at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

Paul Van-Zandvliet scored a brace on his home debut whilst midfielder Craig Spooner netted with an excellent set piece which deservedly put the Colliers on the path to record their first home win of the season in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division.

But it was not all straight forward for the Wansbeck club who had to play out the last 35 minutes with only nine men after Simon Jakab and skipper Nathan Buddle were red carded in the same phase of the game by referee Scott Henry.

Incredibly it was the second time in the space of five days that Ashington had been reduced by two in number after Charlie Exley and Karl Ross had been sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Newton Aycliffe in midweek.

Coyles said afterwards: “There was so much emotion going into the game with disappointment behind us over the previous weeks where we played really well and just hadn’t been decisive enough to get that elusive win. Since the victory over Stocksbridge, we just felt like we’d had our backs constantly against the wall with things not going right for us at the right times whereas today everybody – from the people up in the stands to the players on the pitch and the staff came together and you could just see a real togetherness – and what a difference it made. When you don’t win games it’s hard to enjoy yourself but today all of the lads looked like they played at times with smiles on their faces – and I think that was another huge difference.”

Van-Zandvliet put the Colliers ahead in the ninth minute but Coyles was quick to point out: “The first 30 minutes was a replica of every first half hour we’ve played so far this season. We were excellent and the 1-0 advantage which Paul gave us was a just reward for the standard and quality of football we played. They (Dunston) got back into the game but we were still quite happy. Half time was a bit different to the last three games where we’ve gone in quite frustrated and disappointed and there have been a few words said here and there whereas today it was all positive. We said we needed to fine tune a couple of things and we’ve come out for the second half in quite a few games where we have been dreadful – and I think the lads will fully admit and acknowledge that – whereas today was different. We started the period all guns blazing, running for each other and I thought they (Dunston) struggled to deal with that quickness and sharpness very early doors. On top of that, we scored two really good goals. I’m chuffed to bits for Craig Spooner whilst Paul Van-Zandvliet netted with two fantastic strikes and when you put yourself into a 3-1 lead you pretty much think that the game is over. However, it was the start for me because of what we had to do after that when we went down to nine men – but what a performance by those nine players to keep the score line the way it was and to see out the game the way they did.”

In the first half after Dunston had levelled through Jordan Lamb, Coyles was delighted with Ashington’s response: “We’ve had this negative mindset when we’ve gone a goal behind,” he added, “Heads have gone down for five or six minutes but this is something which we have addressed leading up to today. Having equalised, Dunston nearly scored in quick succession but our ‘keeper Karl Dryden has made a terrific save and after that scare, I thought we got back on top and the lads controlled the game really well – even when we were defending for our lives in those final 35 minutes. We managed the contest in terms of just defending the box and I thought the decision making today from minute one to minute 102 was fantastic.”

The 38 year old, who is based in Richmond, continued: “We played with nine men for 35 minutes on Tuesday night against Newton Aycliffe so it shows the resilience of the boys and shows their fitness and energy levels with what they have had to give. They stuck to the game plan as soon as we had the two players sent off and they carried it out exceptionally well – so fair play to them. They’ll have put a lot more in as well because they have been down to nine men in two games over five days.”

Ashington are without a fixture on Saturday but return to action on Tuesday (September 26) when they take on Newcastle University in the Newcastle Flooring Senior Cup at Woodhorn Lane where kick-off is 7.30pm.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner says he and his Woodhorn Lane outfit will not deviate from their style of football.

In his postmatch press conference after his outfit had lost their third league game of the season by a 2-0 scoreline at Bridlington on Saturday, Skinner commented: “It was obviously a disappointing result but there were lots of things to be pleased about. Max Emmerson pulled up in the warm up and I’m not looking for excuses but we are not quite getting the rub of the green at the moment in terms of being able to name a consistent team or a consistent squad. However, the way we play is the way I want us to play and it’s the way the players want to play. People might look at it and say ‘we are trying to over complicate it’ – but that’s my style and that’s the way I like to see the game played and only time will tell if its good enough. Yes there is an element of frustration because in terms of the way I want us to play reflects my philosophy on football; it suits the group of players we’ve got; its probably pole opposite to what you will get in this league from other teams – but I’ll stick to our beliefs; our process; and our principals – I keep asking the players to do the same – and the lads enjoy playing the way we want to play.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s game, Skinner said: “I thought some of our play in the first half was really good. We dominated possession again and they (Bridlington) didn’t offer much of a threat. However, I thought we started the second half really poorly and conceded two poor goals but for the last 25 minutes we were by far the best team and were on top. We created some good opportunities and got into some really good areas but weren’t really as clinical as we should be. In fear of sounding like a broken record, we need to learn and learn fast. We have spoken about it over the last seven to ten days and until we learn that this league is about – and quickly – we will have a fight on our hands. I’ve got no doubts that the group are more than capable of being successful in this league but until we learn about the defensive side of the game and what the opposition will bring and the players know what we need to do to do that, then it’ll be a long hard season.”

He went on: “Obviously we don’t enjoy losing games of football and I just think the sooner we learn to be more difficult to score against, the quicker we will start to go on a run of positive results. It’s just about keep working hard; sticking to the plan; sticking to the philosophy and sticking to the way we want to play. I believe in it; the players believe in it and the sooner we can eradicate the goals that we are conceding at present which are soft in truth, the sharper we will start picking up more positive results. But I’m not going to change who I am; I’m not going to change the way I want to play nor am I going to change my beliefs on football.”

Meanwhile as Skinner prepares his squad for the Isuzu FA Trophy match away to Dunston UTS on Saturday (September 9), he said Paul Van-Zandvliet whom he has signed from North Shields: “Paul should be available to come into contention for next weekend (v Dunston) – he’s 6’ 4” and knows what this league is all about. He’ll be able to offer us that more physical side of things so that will be a positive.”

“It’s a tough draw – and I don’t think we have got a fantastic record there”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner will lay down a challenge to his side ahead of
Saturday’s trip to face Stockton Town in the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Woodhorn Lane boss said: “It’s a tough draw and I don’t think we have got a
fantastic record there so the challenge to the lads is an obvious one. We’ll certainly need
to defend better than we did against Brighouse Town that’s for sure because the
Stockton front line is one of the best in the division. We’ll prepare properly as we always
do and do our homework on them – albeit we know quite a bit about them already and
we’ll go there looking to try and win – just as we do in every single game we compete in.”

Nathan Buddle picked up an injury in the days leading up to Ashington’s opening game
in the Northern Premier League against Brighouse last Saturday and Skinner said: “We
were dealt a bit of a blow on Thursday after training when we lost Nathan (Buddle) and
with Jordan Summerly also ruled out, we had to change two of the back four which had
kept a clean sheet against North Shields in our FA Cup win and that might have
contributed slightly towards our downfall in terms of defending our box against
Brighouse.”

He went on: “We’ll need to check on the fitness of one or two players including Nathan
(Buddle) but I reckon it’ll be touch and go for him this weekend.”

Meanwhile defender Darren Lough is looking forward to a hard clash on Teesside:
“Stockton is not an easy place to go to,” he said, “I have played there a couple of times
before on the artificial pitch and they (Stockton) play nice football. However, we also
play nice football so it’s going to be a hard game and if we don’t win then hopefully we
can get a draw and bring them back to our place for a replay. Our run in the FA Cup last
season was great and we have some new faces in the squad this time round it so it
would be fantastic if we could have another journey like last year.”

This is the first meeting between Ashington and Stockton Town in the FA Cup but it’s not the first time the Collier’s have taken on teams from the Teesside town in the competition.

On 27^th November 1926 the Colliers disposed of Stockton in the first round of the FA Cup by the odd goal in three at the Victoria Ground. The Collier’s were unlucky not to have scored when those in attendance thought a strike had crossed the line after hitting the underside of the bar and then were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty. Stockton though were equal to the Third Division North side for much of the game. The Colliers took the lead on 40 minutes when Watson headed past Murray in the Stockton goal.

Three minutes after half time the home side were level. After Ridley could only partially clear Smith hit a splendid shot that hit the back of the net. After a tough period of pressure from the home side the Colliers again took the lead. After Murray had failed to clear his lines Randall seized his opportunity to score his first goal of the season for Ashington’s senior side and put them into the next round. That season the Colliers had their best ever run in the competition eventually being beaten at home to Nottingham Forest in the third round in front of

The Collier’s again drew the Victoria Park side in the 1929-30 competition. 1200 spectators were present on 16^th November 1929 at Portland Park to see Ashington progress to the next round. After the first half ended goalless the second period was much more lively with Stockton entering the field a man short. Despite their man advantage Ashington fell behind when Smith smashed a penalty home for Stockton. Four minutes later however, the Colliers were level through Pearson.

Price put the home side ahead with a penalty and Turnbull added a third soon after sending an already enthusiastic crowd wild. Longstaff reduced the arrears before Turnbull got his second of the game from a free kick. The Collier’s were knocked out of the competition in the next round against Rotherham United.

When the sides were next draw in the FA Cup it was the Teesside team who would progress though no game was ever played. In 1962 when the sides were drawn together the Colliers withdrew from the competition their then chairman Mr Nunn saying “We cannot afford to continue in the competition”. Davy Davidson the teams manager went further “The fact it, it is time that the amateur clubs contented themselves with their own competition, and left the FA Cup to the professional sides”. Ashington have competed in every season of the FA Cup since.

On September 18^th 1965 the clubs met again at Victoria Park with the Colliers unbeaten. After only 20 minutes however they were dealt a huge blow when Ronnie Routledge was unable to stop a powerful drive by Jones and crashed into the post badly bruising his leg. The Colliers keeper was unable to continue and replaced in nets by outfield player Ron Heckley. Moor and Fuller grabbed further goals for the home side with Blackhall grabbing what was a consolation.

We’ve also played sides from Stockton in the FA Vase playing both Saturday’s opponents and Norton and Stockton Ancients in the competition, the later side inheriting the remaining assets of Stockton FC when they were wound up.

Goals from Hunt and Hayton helped the Colliers into the next round back in 1987 as the Colliers saw off Norton and Stockton Ancients 2-1 at Portland Park. In the 2011/12 season a solitary goal from Jonny Godsmark just after half time propelled Ashington to the next round of the competition against the same opponents at Woodhorn Lane.

Games against Stockton Town in the competition have not been so successful. On 3^rd November 2018 the Colliers were beaten 4-1 at Bishopton Road. A Goal from Woodhouse and a brace from Roberts had the home side 3-0 at half time. Glen Caygill pulled one back for the visitors but Mulligan wrapped up the victory on 75 minutes. On 31st August 2019 Goals from Hayes (2) Robinson and Owens gave the Anchors a 4-0 victory at Bishopton Road.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner heaped praise on referee Givi Todua following the
thrilling 4-4 draw against Brighouse Town on Saturday.

The Colliers had reduced the deficit to 4-3 when with time running out, a long clearance
by ‘keeper Karl Dryden led to a dramatic 97 th minute equaliser.

The ball was headed on then home supporters were vociferous in their appeals for a
penalty for a handling offence inside the area before Darren Lough coolly found the
bottom corner of the net.

And Skinner was quick to point out that the match official had played an ‘excellent’
advantage: “One special mention to the referee at the end,” said the Woodhorn Lane
boss, “In the build up to Darren’s goal there is a handball and the assistant has flagged.
The referee has gone to ‘give it’ then allowed himself a couple of seconds to see what
happens. I know people can sometimes be very quick to criticise officials so I would say
‘fair play’ to the referee in terms of it being an excellent advantage.”

By Brian Bennett

The volume levels amongst supporters at Woodhorn Lane went up a few notches on
Saturday when Darren Lough scored a dramatic 97 th minute equaliser for Ashington
against Brighouse Town.

The goal was the final piece of action crammed into a pulsating encounter – in what was
the Colliers first game in the Northern Premier League for 55 years.

However, Lough played down the euphoria afterwards and said that whilst it was good
to open his account, the goal meant very little: “I don’t score many (goals) and I don’t get
myself in that situation very often,” he said, “but whilst it was nice (to score), it doesn’t
really mean much when we haven’t picked up three points from a game we should be
potentially winning.”

The Ashington-born defender – who said it was the first time he had played in a 4-4
draw – described his goal: “It was a long ball which got flicked on,” he commented, “I
touched it with my right foot and when I was going for the flick on, it came off the
defender’s arm. I appealed for a penalty but the ball dropped nicely onto my left foot. I
took another touch then drilled it – and fortunately it went into the bottom corner.”

Reflecting on the game where Ashington conceded three of the four goals from set
plays, the 33 year old – an operations manager at Metro Rod – added: “We have got to
be stronger at defending corners and need to sharpen up quickly. We’ve gone up a

league and the teams are more physical and know how to play. A lot of our lads have
played in this league and above and as a team we need to be stronger collectively; work
hard and clear our lines. We have got a lot of character in the squad and a lot of players
who are great on the ball and who can produce something out of nothing and we know
we are going to create opportunities and score goals. We have worked hard in pre
season to make sure that we get the defending side of things right but it has been one of
those days where there have been four errors and we have been punished for every
one.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner was faced with a dilemma of being happy or upset
when he conducted his postmatch press conference after Saturday’s 4-4 draw against
Brighouse Town.

The Colliers – on their return to the Northern Premier League after a period of 55 years
– were 4-2 down as the game entered stoppage time but in a dramatic finale, fought
back for a point after goals from debutant Charlie Exley and Darren Lough.

Whilst Skinner was naturally delighted that his side had fought back to take something
out of the game he was nevertheless furious that they had leaked four goals – hence the
dilemma: “I thought there were lots of aspects of our performance to be pleased with in
terms of the possession we had with the ball; our approach play was good; our entry in
and around the final third was also good as we got in on a number of occasions but we
probably didn’t threaten their goal as much as we would have liked,” he said, “However
what I’m really, really unhappy with is the manner of all four goals which we conceded.
Three are from set plays and we’ll need to learn quickly because news will sharp get
around the league. Set plays are now a massive part of football. They have a big
influence on the outcome of games so we’ll definitely be looking to be better at
defending our box because it wasn’t acceptable today. Then you can’t legislate for an
individual error in terms of giving the ball away to their centre forward and putting him
clean through with just the ‘keeper to beat – but mistakes are part of the game and we
need to eradicate them and minimalise them. We’ll look at them and work on them

because if we had defended our box better today we would have won the game
comfortably and I don’t mean that disrespectfully to Brighouse.”

He continued: “I suppose you’ve got to look at the other end of the spectrum in terms of
us being 4-2 down with the game not really going anywhere. Brighouse have ‘dropped
in’ to try and hold onto what they had and we’ve moved the ball without really hurting
them too much. We’ve introduced a couple of subs late on and have mixed our game up
a little bit and played short and direct football – and I think we’ve got to give some credit
to the lads who came on because I did think they influenced the game. It was nice to
see Max Emmerson on the pitch in a competitive fixture after being out for so long. I
thought he showed some enthusiasm and a desire to want to get on the ball and get
forward. Scott Heslop came on and made life difficult for their back four and he just
allows us at times to play a little bit more direct if we need to. I thought Scott won some
vital headers and some first contacts and he disturbed the Brighouse back four a little bit
who hadn’t really had to cope with that. All of a sudden they had to deal with us being
able to play more direct and again the willing runners off Scott (Heslop)got a lease of life
knowing that we were actually winning a first ball up top so they might get onto the
second contact.”

He went on: “The referee added nine minutes on which I think is going to be a regular
feature this season and if somebody had said to me that we’d score two late goals on 92
and 97 minutes and draw the game 4-4, I would have taken that. Brighouse tried to be
difficult to break down but thankfully we showed excellent spirit to keep going to the end so I must applaud the players for that and it’s a point gained given the situation we
found ourselves in in the 92 nd minute.”

In 1956 Jacky left Amble to sign for Leeds United preferring the Elland Road club to both Blackpool and Luton. After aonly a few days in Yorkshire the 18 year old became homesick and returned to his native North East. It was rumoured that Newcastle United were pondering a move for the promising youngster.

The youngster eventually joined Gateshead of the Football League Third Division North. After playing for the reserves in the North-Eastern and North Regional Leagues, he made his debut for the first team in early 1958. Starting inside left he starred in a 4-0 win over Darlington at Redheugh ParkDivision 3 North making a mark with creative play and was unlucky not to score himself.

He eventually switched from forward to centre half establishing himself as a lynchpin in Gateshead’s football league team and acting as their captain. Herron played for six years at the Redheugh Park side bridging a tumultuous period that saw them voted out of the Football League. Having played for Gateshead in the Northern Combination and North Regional League he played his final game for the club in a pulsating FA Cup game at Carlisle. Gateshead lost by the odd goal in seven in front of 12,720 in Cumbria but it was to be Jacky’s last game for the side.

Herron, who requested to be released from his contract, joined the Colliers on 9^th January 1964 signing for Davy Davidson’s side, despite interest from elsewhere. He went straight into the squad for their friendly trip to East Fife. 

He served the Colliers with distinction in the North EasternLeague and the North Regional League with the Colliers finishing 3^rd, 6^th, 4^th and 5^th. In the 1966-67 season he lifted the Northumberland Senior Cup helping the Colliers to a 3-1 win over holders North Shields scoring a goal in the process.

Jacky was captain of the side when they entered the newly founded Northern Premier League in 1968. Despite a strong start, the Colliers had a poor run and ended up finishing in 18^thplace, resigning at the end of the season. As it were the league was too strong at the time with teams like Wigan Athletic, Morecambe, Macclesfield, Boston United, and Altrincham.

In 1969 following Ashington’s resignation from the Northern Premier League, Jacky, then a collier at the Big E, decided to call time on his semi-pro football career. He continued to play for local sides including the Universal Social club for some time afterwards.

An all-round Sportsman Herron also turned out for Bomarsund Cricket Club and played a key role in their magnificent Haig Cup victory in 1974 taking a wicket in the final. Bomarsund were crowned kings of village cricket at Edgebaston beating Collingham by three wickets in the national competition.

Jacky sadly passed away on 3^rd July this year aged 85.

By Brian Bennett

If you mention the town of Brighouse, a vast majority of people would immediately think of the World famous Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band. Their famous rendition of ‘The Floral Dance’ which dates back to 1977, was a huge hit in the UK record charts – but on Saturday, it’s Ashington who will be hoping to hit all the right notes and play a happy tune.

After clinching promotion in the Inter step play off final against Glossop North End at the end of April, the Colliers are champing at the bit as they make a return to the Northern Premier League when they take on Brighouse Town at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday at (3pm kick-off).

Ashington manager Ian Skinner – delighted with his outfit after a 4-0 triumph against North Shields last weekend in the Emirates FA Cup – said this week: “We’re all looking forward to it. People keep asking me and it’s over 50 years since the club were last in the Northern Premier League so it’ll be nice to start the campaign at home (against Brighouse Town.) We’ll put the FA Cup to one side and we’ll obviously gather as much information as we can on Brighouse. We’ll train twice this week as we prepare for the game knowing that we want to get off to a positive start in our league programme.”

By Brian Bennett

Newly signed striker Wilson Kneeshaw couldn’t have painted much of a better picture on
his Ashington debut after scoring twice and claiming an assist – as the Colliers brushed
North Shields aside following a 4-0 win in their Emirates FA Cup clash on Saturday.

However the Darlington-born forward – an artist – also revealed that it was only after
speaking to a group of people – including some of his former Blyth Spartans mates who
are now in the Ashington ranks – that he decided to give things a ‘go’ after he fell out of
love with the game last season: “I hadn’t really played to be honest,” said Kneeshaw, “I
was at Shildon at the start of last year and fell out of love with football and it was only
after talking to Nathan Buddle, Dan Maguire and Damen Mullen – plus the gaffer
(Ashington manager Ian Skinner) – that I got back into it after they had sold the club to
me. I had a couple of training sessions but was surprised that I was starting this
afternoon (against North Shields) and it was a dream debut with two goals and an assist

• and a 4-0 win.”

So after a sparkling first appearance for the Colliers, has the success rekindled
Kneeshaw’s love for the sport? “After a performance like today you can’t not,” said the
29 year old, “I loved my debut. I’m happy to be here to try and help the squad and for us
to have a big push this season. For my first goal it was a natural finish and that’s why I’m
on the pitch – to score goals. However, my first touch wasn’t that good in training
because I was a bit rusty and when I scored today I was joking with the lads saying it’s
just bounced off me and gone into the net! For the second goal – it was just instinct and
it’s lovely to find the net.”

Kneeshaw made the fourth goal for Spooner and he added: “I’ve know Craig for a
number of years. We are good pals and I was happy that I could set him up for his goal.
Now it’s just a case of getting back into the swing of things. They are a really good group
of lads at Ashington and I’m excited to get going.”

Boss Ian Skinner said: “Wilson was somebody we were aware of. I’ve tried to sign him
before and it was one of those where we met with him and had a chat with him. He
wasn’t sure what he wanted to do because as he has said himself, he did drift a little bit
(away from football.) He went to Shildon and did well – then he drifted again and went to
play with his pals in the Alliance League and was scoring lots of goals. We spoke to him
earlier in pre season and he indicated that maybes it wasn’t for him and he wasn’t really
interested in coming back and playing at this level.”

He continued: “A few of the ex Blyth Spartans lads – Nathan Buddle, Dan Maguire and
Damen Mullen – also spoke to him and he said he’d come down and do a couple of
training sessions. You can see Wilson has got quality – and he said he’d give it a go. We
threw him in today and it’s a one of them where it’s sink or swim a little bit – and he
certainly swam and rode the waves! So we’re delighted for him and hopefully his
performance today is the first of many.”