By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray has added experienced campaigner Ryan Donaldson to his squad.

The midfielder joined the Colliers from neighbours Blyth Spartans last week and Gray is looking to the former Hartlepool man to bring leadership as well as experience to the squad.

Gray said: “”I’ve known Ryan closely for a good few years and I think he’s been a bit unlucky. Some of the comments about him when he was with Morpeth Town and Blyth Spartans have been unfair. I know what Ryan can bring to the team and I know he wouldn’t have come to Ashington if he couldn’t give to the squad what he knows I expect from him. He’s a great lad who will bring some leadership and experience into the dressing room – an aspect which we haven’t got a lot of. Consequently I’m delighted to get him onboard because he’ll be as infectious in the dressing room as he will be on the pitch.”

Meanwhile the Woodhorn Lane club have also extended two loan deals with Morpeth Town and Gateshead respectively for defenders Ryan Wombwell and Ben Williams.

Gray added: “I’m definitely delighted to get both players tied up until the end of the season because they are two lads who enhance the squad. In Ryan’s case, he’s an honest hard working lad who is the first to criticise himself and in general, I’m disappointed when lads don’t perform to their full potential.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray received the perfect Christmas present from his players when the Colliers’ win over Heaton Stannington on Boxing Day lifted them out of the bottom four of the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

At the time, the 3-1 victory made it three games unbeaten before the Wansbeck side went down to a single goal defeat at the hands of promotion chasing Dunston UTS just before the turn of the New Year. And whilst the boss is the first to admit that there is still plenty of hard work ahead, he said: “I think things have changed and Woodhorn Lane is a much happier place than it was a month ago when were down to ten men and lost 4-0 against Liversedge. I watched the Dunston game back and we did really well against them. I thought we had as many opportunities as they did and kept a very lively forward line – which they have – quiet. However when we got into the final third we just didn’t have enough to trouble UTS’s Dan Lowson who is a very good goalkeeper.”

Gray has stressed that he is striving for consistency within the whole of his squad: “Obviously you want to do as well as you can in the second half of the season but we’re in the position we are in for a reason and the word I’m looking for is consistency – we need more players to be consistent and we seem to be getting there,” he said, “We’ve got to make sure that we finish this season strongly and we’ll be hoping that we can get through to the final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup. On top of that, we’ve also got to plan and look ahead to next term.”

Meanwhile Gray is delighted with the progress made by full back Jordan Summerly as well as the return of goalkeeper Dan Staples. Summerly had a spell where he was ruled out for a few months with an injury whilst Staples has just reclaimed the number one jersey after serving a three match suspension: “Jordan is getting fitter and stronger,” added Gray, “I think he gives us balance on the left hand side and he’ll get even better with more games under his belt. We’ve also got competition in the goalkeeping department now and I thought Dan Staples had his best performance for the club under my management against Dunston UTS,”

The boss was disappointed that Saturday’s away game against Bishop Auckland was postponed due to a frozen pitch: “You want to get back into the swing of things as quickly as you can,” he said, “We had started to hit a bit of form and I was hoping it would continue but it wasn’t to be. However if there is any consolation it’s not too far a travel for what will be a midweek fixture.”

Ashington now prepare for their clash against Newton Aycliffe at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday (January 11) and Gray said: “We’ll be training twice this week ahead of the game and keeping our fingers crossed for a change in the weather. Aycliffe are a very good side so we will have to be at our best to get a result.”

By Brian Bennett

It’s rapidly approaching four months since Nick Gray took over the managerial position at Ashington and appointed Liam McIvor as his assistant.

And with a blank Saturday after the Colliers’ scheduled league clash away to Bishop Auckland was postponed due to a frozen pitch, Gray took time out to reflect on his time so far in the post and talked to press officer Brian Bennett about the ups and downs:

“Football changes all the time. The most difficult thing for me is that we have a good set of lads here yet we are in a position in the league table which we don’t want to be in. Obviously there are reasons for that and you try and bring players in but it’s very difficult during the season so recruitment has proved to be a bit difficult. However we have added a few players and the key thing is that they will improve the squad. The job is slightly more difficult than I thought but it’s something which I like – hitting things head on – and I think we’ve seen signs of improvement. We’ve got to start looking up the table and we need to be better in the second half of the season and look to get some consistency.”

“Losing defender Paddy Almond last week – who joined Blyth Spartans – was a blow. I wished him all the best but there was nothing we could do about it with one of the reasons he left being that Blyth are in the league above. I recently signed Scott Lowery and we brought him in because the defence was an area where we needed to improve and there wasn’t a lot of competition. Scott came in and I thought he was excellent against Dunston whilst I also thought Ben Williams had a really good game and the two complimented each other. In fact the whole back four complimented each other plus goalkeeper Dan Staples.”

“We have got to be wary that the squad now consists of 18 players because I thought we had too many with 21/22 but if someone becomes available that we think would improve the squad then we’d be interested in them – like Ryan Donaldson who was available and who we signed last week from Blyth Spartans. Bailey Geliher is also back fit and training. We haven’t got a lot of competition up front so to have him will be a plus for us.”

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By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray analysed the 1-0 home defeat against Dunston UTS on Monday night and reckons his squad need to have more belief and conviction.

Gray said afterwards: “The result was disappointing – and I’m a bit frustrated and disappointed for the lads because they put a lot of effort into that game. I thought we played better in the second half against the wind than we did in the first but the lads need to have a bit more belief and conviction. I didn’t think we got the ball down to play at all in the first period where it (the ball) kept coming back to us but I thought we looked quite solid without the ball.”

Sado Djalo struck shortly before half time with the goal which decided the contest and Gray added: “We switched off for a two versus one situation and they put the ball into a good area and scored. However apart from that there was nothing in the game but with Dunston having got their noses in front, they could dictate how to play. My lads are giving their all and I thought we were the better side after the interval without looking as if we were going to hurt them in the final third and that’s what we lacked – that little bit of quality where it mattered.”

Gray made substitutes in the second half and said: “The lads who came off hadn’t done anything wrong but it was a case of trying to freshen things up. The game went quickly in the second half – against a side who are going to be up there at the end of the season. Dunston’s frontline and firepower are very good players but I thought we handled them really, really well and kept them quiet and defensively it was our best display of the season. Scott Lowery came in at the back and I thought he did well as did Marc Ellison and these lads have made a difference but we still need to keep improving. In the last three games we have got two wins followed by this 1-0 loss but tonight I thought we looked more solid defensively as a unit than against Heaton Stannington on Boxing Day where we got three points!”

Gray went on: “We now head into the New Year and the second half of the season where we have to be better than we have been in the first half but we are going the right way and we know what we need to work on and improve. We are still relying on one or two players and need others to shine a little bit more but I’ve got every confidence in the squad going forward.”

Ashington now prepare for an away showdown against Bishop Auckland on Saturday January 4, where kick off is 3pm.

By Brian Bennett

It was his first goal of the season – but Ben Sampson’s fantastic 20 yards lob against Heaton Stannington on Thursday will go down as another to add to his glowing collection.

It appears the midfielder only deals in extra special ‘goals’ – like the one he scored in the 5-0 win against Bishop Auckland two seasons ago which saw him lift the ‘goal of the season’ award.

Ten minutes from the end at Grounsell Park on Boxing Day, Ashington held a slender 2-1 lead – but had been reduced in number following Josh Gilchrist’s red card – when Sampson struck.

“I definitely meant it,” said the 26 year old afterwards, “At that point we were down to ten men and I’ve turned the lad and saw the ‘keeper off his line. I just thought to myself ‘give it a go’ and when the ball went into the top corner, I was absolutely thrilled to bits.”

Sampson was also delighted with the result: “I thought we deserved to win,” he said, “It was an early kick off, the sun was in everyone’s eyes, it was a warm morning and the pitch was heavy which made conditions difficult. They (Heaton Stannington) went ahead but weren’t creating loads of opportunities and we finally got the ball down and started to play. We were much the better team second half and I thought our quality shone through in the end.”

After playing the final 25 minutes a man short, Sampson said: “Playing with ten men can be difficult or sometimes it can be easier. We played against Ossett United recently who had a player sent off and breaking them down proved to be difficult. Today we stuck in and worked for each other as a group and we have got a great team spirit. We kept a good shape and caught them (Heaton Stannington) on the break with the third goal and I think that put the game to bed.”

Sampson gave his full support to the comment made by assistant manager Liam McIvor that the Colliers have turned a corner: “The boss (Nick Gray) has brought in some good players who are also great lads,” said Sampson who is based at Pegswood, “This is another win and we’re showing a bit of form and I agree with Liam (McIvor) when he says that it looks like we have turned a bit of a corner. We are now out of the drop zone and I’m hoping that we can kick on a little bit and have a good second half to the season.”

Assistant manager Liam McIvor said: “We need Ben to add goals to his game and he knows this. We talk about it all the time and even mentioned it just before he went onto the field as a substitute at Heaton Stannington. His goal was a wonder strike.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor – delighted with the 3-1 win over Heaton Stannington on Boxing Day – reckons the Woodhorn Lane outfit have ‘turned a corner.’

After the hosts had opened the scoring through Daniel Stephenson, the result was sealed with goals from Wilson Kneeshaw, Paddy Almond and Ben Sampson and extended the Colliers unbeaten run to three games – but McIvor says they have got to keep focussed: “Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut but we’re now in 16^th place and have just got to keep looking forward. Anyone can beat anyone in this league and we don’t want to be jumping back into the bottom four. I said to the lads before the game that I think we’ve turned a corner – I honestly do – and maybes the new additions have added a little bit of spice but we look like a different team. However, we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground.”

McIvor was disappointed with how Ashington began against ‘The Stan’: I thought we

were slow and didn’t start for 25 minutes,” he said, “Initially we were well beaten all over

the pitch but after that we came into the game and got an equaliser just before half time

which was important.”

He continued: “Second half I thought we were the better side even after Josh Gilchrist had been sent off. We had to get into the trenches and apart from having to battle with ten men, when we adjusted, we set up well and the two goals by Paddy Almond and Ben Sampson either side of the red card were both wonder strikes.”

McIvor said of Gilchrist’s dismissal: “I thought it was a harsh second yellow card,” he said, “However, ‘Gilly’ has run the risk and given the referee a decision to make.”

Meanwhile Gary Ormston came in for special praise from McIvor: “I said to Gary Ormston and in front of all the lads before the game at Heaton Stannington that it was like rolling back the years because I thought Gary was fantastic on Saturday against Ossett United – and he was fantastic again today.”

Looking ahead to Monday night’s clash against Dunston UTS (December 30), McIvor said: “It will be a very hard game. Dunston are a good side who are in form but if we get the crowd behind us then anything can happen.” Kick off is 7.45pm.

By Brian Bennett

It’s been a busy week for Ashington manager Nick Gray who has brought in three new players – goalkeeper Michael Hogan on loan from neighbours Blyth Spartans, midfielder Marc Ellison from Heaton Stannington and defender Scott Lowery from Dunston UTS.

Hogan and Ellison were both named in the starting line up in Saturday’s clash against Ossett United whilst Lowery – who wore the Colliers colours a few years ago – came on as a substitute.

Following the 2-1 win, the trio gave their thoughts about linking up with the Woodhorn Lane club:

Michael Hogan: “I’m buzzing to be honest. I know Nick Gray from the past and I’m excited about getting some game time. On Saturday conditions were very tough but I thought the lads were excellent. They gave everything they had on the pitch; we stuck together and obviously got the win which was very nice. Defensively in the first period we didn’t have much to do but second half with the elements against us, there was a lot more pressure. However, I thought the lads handled it very well.”

Marc Ellison: “The move happened really quickly to be honest. I got a phone call from Nick (Gray) saying that he had spoken to Heaton Stannington and they were happy for me to talk to him. I’ve worked with Nick and Liam (McIvor) before and at my age, game time is a big thing because I just want to play and enjoy myself. I already knew a couple of the lads and I’m happy to be here – and everyone knows how good the team is on paper is but the league position doesn’t lie. It was a good win today – and I can’t believe that the way the fixtures fall, that I’ll be going back to play against my former club (Heaton Stannington) on Boxing Day. It’s a good time to come to Ashington as we face two six pointers but we’ve all got to jump in and help each other.”

Scott Lowery: “I’m over the moon to sign. I’ve got a lot of good friends here (at Ashington) and I know Nick and Liam really well. I loved playing for them at Whitley Bay and I’m delighted to be back at Ashington. I had a bit of a tough start to the season with Dunston UTS after picking up a few injuries and consequently I didn’t play as much as I wanted to. I had a chat with Nick (Gray) then I also spoke to Craig Spooner and Karl Ross – who are my mates – and they said the changing room is brilliant, the lads are great but the squad were just missing a bit of experience and a bit of fight. It was a no brainer to sign.”

Boss Gray gave his thoughts about the three newcomers:

Michael Hogan: “Michael has had some experience at Blyth which is great for him. He obviously wants to play consistently and regularly and he’s going to get opportunities during his loan spell here. Today in difficult conditions, I thought he did well. Obviously there are things to work on but at the age of 19 he’s only young. He’s a lad who is prepared to learn and work hard – and he’s a good goalkeeper.”

Marc Ellison: “I thought Marc was the difference today against Ossett United. He was a rash for us giving us energy in the midfield and he didn’t let players for Ossett pick passes out. He’s a quiet lad but is intelligent on the pitch and I thought that showed. I’ve worked with him before and he’s got great experience.”

Scott Lowery: “Scott is another player who I have worked with previously and even though we have got two very good centre halves, they need to have a bit of competition. Scott has been a little bit unlucky at Dunston but now he’s fully fit. He is really good in both boxes and I know he will improve the squad.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington striker Josh Gilchrist said that the Colliers need to ‘kick on’ and back up what was an all important 2-1 win over Ossett United at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

Before kick-off, the Wansbeck outfit were second from bottom of the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League and although they leapfrogged over Sherwood Colliery after the result, with other sides in the drop zone picking up points over recent weeks, the importance of the victory couldn’t be overstated.

Wallsend-born Gilchrist – who scored the second goal in Saturday’s contest – said afterwards: “In my opinion, it was a game of two halves. In the first, I thought it was all Ashington and the wind helped us but it was a match about who could deal better with the conditions. We took advantage of the first half better than what Ossett did after the break and we managed the game well in the second half. We slowed it down at times when we needed to and had a bit of game savvy – something which we’ve been lacking recently. Now we need to kick on from here because after a good performance like today it’s important that we build on it. There’s a feel-good factor in the dressing room which gives the lads who have been lacking a bit of confidence that belief about themselves. We’ve also added to the team this week with three new signings coming in which is only going to help us and we have got some cracking players in the squad.”

The 22 year old – who took his goals tally for the campaign to six after his strike on the half hour – added that it was a ‘desperately needed’ win against the West Yorkshire outfit: “As a forward player, scoring goals or making assists are what you’re in the team to do,” he said, “To get another for my tally was good and it helped us to get the three points which we desperately needed.”

By Brian Bennett

It was a jubilant Ashington manager Nick Gray who emerged from the dressing room on Saturday after his side had taken a precious three points following a hard fought 2-1 win in testing windy conditions over Ossett United.

Now the Woodhorn Lane boss has stressed that his team have got to build on the result as they head into their programme over the Festive period.

Craig Spooner and Josh Gilchrist both scored in the first half on Saturday but when the Colliers missed chances to increase the lead further then Eddie Church pulled a goal back for Ossett United, Gray’s side faced a test of character.

However they passed with flying colours and only had one blip as they restricted the visitors to one long range effort by skipper Josh Burns which cannoned off the woodwork.

Gray said afterwards: “First of all, I’m delighted with the three points for everyone at the club, the supporters, the committee, the staff and the players – even the ones who didn’t get on today have got an important part to play in the team. When you are playing teams around you, you have to get one of two results – a win or a draw. In the last couple of games, we’ve let teams around us gain on us by not getting anything so today was really pleasing – but we have got to build on it. We now prepare to go into the away clash against Heaton Stannington on Boxing Day which we know is going to be a difficult game. It’s a local derby but our confidence will be a lot higher than it was a week ago.”

He continued: “We are not getting carried away because there are still things to work on – that’s for sure. It’s a good three points today but that’s all it is. There’s no point in getting three points then losing the next game. The size of the win today can be gauged by the fact that Ossett United were top of the form table – now we’ve got to put a run together of our own. I would have taken three points and a poor performance today – but we got the win and a good performance and I thought we dug in when we needed to and created chances.”

He added: “The players have had some tough challenging times. I haven’t minced my words with them but they haven’t hidden on the pitch either. However there were some good performances out there today and the key thing was not just the lads who started – it was the whole squad.”

Gray was pleased yet disappointed after his side went into the break with a 2-0 advantage: “We started well and could have been three or four up by half time,” he said, “Obviously you still take the 2-0 lead but it was probably a little bit disappointing not to get that foothold of three or four goals. We tweaked things during the interval because we saw what the conditions were like and the lads took things onboard. We said we would still get chances in the second half because they (Ossett) would have to change their game a little bit and take gambles and risks. The first couple of opportunities of the second half came to us and we were hoping to get on the score sheet again because it would have made our lads more relaxed and comfortable. Consequently it was disappointing to concede the goal straight after half time but we kept on going and didn’t sink and the lads stuck to the task. Ossett had one shot from 40 yards which bounced off the bar and yes we’ve had a little bit of luck – but I thought we earned it. I always say you don’t make luck – you earn it and I thought we fully deserved all three points in the end.”

Gray said the club have still got goals to aim for: “We are half way through the season and although the first half hasn’t been good enough – we can change it around. We’ve got the second half to improve and we’ve got a semi final tie in the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup to look forward to – so there are still plenty of opportunities here.”

He concluded: “We’ve had some words this week and spoke as a group in training and addressed things which we need to do better. I thought we did do things better today but there is still room for improvement.”