By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Marc Ellison admitted that it was ‘a tough day at the office’ after he watched his side suffer a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park on Saturday.

The ‘Gers were two-nil up at the interval with goals at the beginning and end of the half from Mikey Mbewe and Greg Binnie respectively.

Josh O’Connor netted a third before strikes from Binnie and Danny Handling made up the nap hand.

The scoreline was harsh on a Colliers outfit who certainly had good periods during the contest but backed by an excellent turn out of supporters who made the journey, they could not give them even a consolation effort.

A large chunk of the second period was played in torrential rain and a soaked Ellison said afterwards: “It was a tough day at the office today. I know it’s only pre-season and ultimately, results aren’t the be-all and end-all but nobody enjoys taking a hiding, regardless of the importance of the game. I’ve probably got to take responsibility for today’s result. I asked the lads to play a different formation to the one we’ve used over the last few games without really having enough time to work on it properly in training. It’s a shape we used last season, albeit with different personnel and to be honest I really enjoyed watching us play that way. We picked up some really positive results with it so I wanted to have another look at it. I just felt that, with the players we had available today, it probably didn’t suit us as well and we perhaps didn’t fully understand exactly how we wanted to play it. That’s no criticism of the lads whatsoever – that’s what pre-season is for. It’s about trying things, learning from them and finding out what works best for the group.”

He continued: “After we conceded a sloppy first goal, I actually thought we responded well. We had the better of the possession during the first half and created a few good half chances but didn’t really hurt them. On another day, if our final pass, finish or decision-making had been a little better, the scoreline might have looked different. When the league games start, those fine margins can be the difference between picking up points or coming away empty-handed, so it’s definitely an area we need to improve. Unfortunately, we then gave away another really sloppy goal just before half-time which is frustrating.”

He added: “The second half followed a similar pattern when we conceded an early goal which killed the game off for them and from that point we never really managed to get going or build any momentum. We lacked conviction in both boxes at times and gifted away goals, which always makes life difficult whoever you’re playing against but Berwick were decent, especially in the second half. We’ve spoken about that, along with a few other areas we know we can improve on, and that’s the important thing.”

With England’s World Cup semi final against Argentina taking place on Wednesday (July 15), Crook Town and Ashington have agreed to bring their friendly – which was scheduled to take place on the same night –  forward by 24 hours with the game now taking place on Tuesday evening.

Ellison said: “The good thing about pre-season is that you don’t have to wait long for the next opportunity. We’ve got another game on Tuesday, and it’s a chance for us to put things right, learn from today’s lessons and be better all over the pitch.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington have been handed a home draw in the early stages of the FA Cup.

In the extra preliminary round, the Colliers will host ENL first division outfit Horden CW with the winners at home to either Guisborough Town or Thornaby.

Colliers boss Marc Ellison said: “A home draw is definitely nice. I think we’ve had away draws for the last couple of seasons, so it’ll be great to start our competitive campaign in front of our own supporters. Hopefully we can build on the positive atmosphere that was created around the club towards the back end of last season and get a good crowd in to back the lads and help us kick-start the season.”

He continued: “On a personal note, the draw has that little bit extra for me. I had a really enjoyable spell at Horden, the manager (Jonny Payne) is one of my best mates, and I’m still good friends with a few of the players. It’s a fantastic club with some great people involved, so it’ll be good to see plenty of familiar faces. That said, once the whistle goes, all of that goes out the window. Jonny (Payne) will be wanting to beat me just as much as I’ll want to beat him, so hopefully it’s got all the makings of an enjoyable game. If I know my mate and Horden as well as I think I do, they’ll turn up full of energy, aggressive and on the front foot, so it’ll be a really tough test.”

He went on: “Everyone knows how important a good FA Cup run can be for clubs at our level. The prize money can make a real difference to non-league clubs like ourselves, so getting through to the next round would not only be a great way to start the season but also a nice reward for everyone connected with the club. We’ve got plenty of work to do before then, but it’s a game we’re all looking forward to.

Meanwhile in the FA Trophy, Ashington have received a bye in the qualifying round and will face West Auckland Town in the first qualifying round. The County Durham side were promoted into Ashington’s league – the NPL East Division – after winning the play offs in the ENL at the end of last season.

By Brian Bennett

On a warm afternoon in County Durham on Saturday, Ashington got their pre season programme underway when they travelled to meet ENL first division outfit Shildon at Dean Street.

Although the Colliers were on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat, it was a good work out for both sides in what was an entertaining game.

The Colliers took the lead in the 10^th minute when Sam Davison closed down the home ‘keeper with the ball rebounding into the net.

The Railwaymen hit back to level midway through the half following a free-kick on the right when Alfie Steel netted after the ball had been pulled back from the by-line.

Two goals inside a five minutes period early in the second half from Ben Reay and Steel secured the win for Shildon.

Afterwards Ashington boss Marc Ellison said: “I’ve never really enjoyed pre-season, if I’m honest. It’s always difficult to get a true reflection of where you’re at. Results are a bonus, but they’re not the most important thing at this stage. We only had 13 players available today, including two 16-year-olds, so there’s absolutely no hard feelings towards the result. The way we want to identify ourselves and play will take time. We’ve told the players to keep trying to enjoy what we’re doing, trust the process, and it’ll all click eventually. We proved that towards the back end of last season.”

He continued: “There were some really good bits today and some not-so-good bits, but that’s football, and we’ve got so much to work on as a group. That’s what pre-season is for.

Overall, it was a good run out. We probably had to give a few players more minutes than we’d first planned, due to availability but it won’t do them any harm. We’ve got plenty of games coming up alongside our training sessions to keep working on how we want to present ourselves, so there’s lots to improve on and plenty to build from.”

He went on: “The lads put in a great shift, grew into the game as the afternoon went on, and gave us a solid starting point. I’m really excited to see where we are in a months time If we keep working hard and buying into what we’re trying to do, I’m sure we’ll continue to improve with every game. Overall, it’s a good stepping stone and something for us to build on.” Ashington’s next warm up game is on Wednesday (July 8) when they travel to face ENL second division club Sunderland RCA where kick-off is 7.30pm then on Saturday (July 11) Ellison takes his squad to face Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park (3pm).

Ashington AFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Ross Pearson as the club’s new Head of Medical ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Ross returns to the North East after completing his degree and arrives at Woodhorn Lane following a season with Northern Premier League East Division side Garforth Town, where he served as the club’s physiotherapist. He now joins Ashington to lead the club’s medical department, overseeing player welfare, injury prevention, rehabilitation and supporting the management team throughout the campaign.

Head of Football Ian Skinner said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Ross to Ashington AFC. From our very first conversation it was clear that he shared our ambitions and was excited by what we’re building at the club. He’s a knowledgeable and enthusiastic practitioner who will be a real asset to both the players and staff. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop the medical provision at the club and wish him every success in his new role.”

Speaking after his appointment, Ross said:

“After speaking with Ian about the project and the ambitions the club has, it felt like the right opportunity for me to take on as my first challenge since moving back to the North East.

I’m really looking forward to getting started, building something with the team throughout the season and helping the club achieve the goals that have been set. It’s always a challenge joining a completely new environment, but it’s one I’m genuinely excited about.

Having been in the away dugout at Woodhorn Lane last season, I experienced the atmosphere, the crowds and the passion of the supporters. When the call came, it was a no-brainer to get involved. I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to the new season.”

Everyone at Ashington AFC extends a warm welcome to Ross

Ashington AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Shaun Docherty as the club’s new Head of Recruitment, further strengthening the football operations as the club continues to build for the future.

Shaun joins the club with more than 15 years of experience in recruitment, talent identification and building high-performing teams. Alongside his professional recruitment background, he brings valuable football experience through previous scouting and player recruitment roles with Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle Benfield.

Working closely with Head of Football Ian Skinner, the management team and the club’s football committee, Shaun will lead the development of Ashington’s player recruitment strategy, helping to identify players who align with the club’s values, culture and playing philosophy while establishing a sustainable recruitment network for the future.

Speaking following his appointment, Shaun said:

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Ashington Football Club as Head of Recruitment.

First and foremost, the opportunity to become part of a club with Ashington’s proud history, tradition and standing within North East football was a major factor in my decision. Ashington is a club with a rich heritage, a strong identity and a passionate, loyal fanbase that continues to play a vital role in supporting the team and the wider football club. It’s clear how much the club means to the local community, and I am excited to become part of that.

The opportunity to work alongside Ian Skinner and the football management team was another significant attraction. Ian has built a strong reputation within the game, and after speaking with him about his vision and ambitions for the club, it was clear there is a genuine desire to continue moving Ashington forward both on and off the pitch. The ambition, professionalism and positive culture that exists throughout the football club made this an opportunity I was eager to be involved in.

Alongside more than 15 years of experience in recruitment, talent identification and building high-performing teams, I have previously been involved in football scouting and player recruitment with Newcastle United, a brief spell at Middlesbrough and Newcastle Benfield. Those experiences provided me with valuable insight into identifying potential, assessing players and developing strong recruitment networks within the game.

I believe my background places me in a strong position to support the club’s ambitions. My focus will be on working closely with Ian, the Head of Football and the wider management team to identify players who fit the club’s culture, values and playing philosophy. I will also be focused on building and strengthening recruitment networks, developing sustainable player pathways and ensuring the club has access to the best possible talent both now and in the future.

While recruitment is naturally about identifying players, it is also about planning ahead, building relationships and creating a long-term strategy that supports continued success. My aim is to help establish a strong recruitment function that complements the excellent work already taking place within the club and contributes to Ashington’s ongoing development.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to meeting more people connected to the club, working with everyone involved and playing my part in helping with the next chapter in the proud history of Ashington Football Club.”

Head of Football Ian Skinner welcomed Shaun to the club, saying:

“We’re delighted to welcome Shaun to Ashington Football Club. Recruitment is one of the most important functions within any successful football club, and bringing someone of Shaun’s calibre, experience and professionalism into the role is a significant appointment for us.

Shaun’s extensive background in recruitment, combined with his football knowledge and established scouting network, will be a huge asset as we continue to build a squad capable of competing while remaining true to our values and identity.

We’re committed to creating a sustainable football structure that supports both immediate success and long-term growth. Shaun will play a key role in helping us identify the right players, strengthen our recruitment processes and ensure we’re always planning ahead.

Everyone at Ashington AFC is delighted to welcome Shaun to the club, and we look forward to working together as we continue to build an exciting future.”

Shaun’s appointment represents another important step in the club’s long-term football strategy, reinforcing Ashington AFC’s commitment to building strong foundations on and off the pitch as preparations continue for the new season.

Welcome to Ashington AFC, Shaun!

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington skipper Karl Ross was philosophical about what ambitions lie ahead for the Woodhorn Lane based outfit.

The 27 year-old – ready to embark on a ninth consecutive season – was quite happy to state that his team-mates would be looking to push on and finish as high as they could in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

However he went on to state that every club in the league, unless they have expectations of winning the division outright, will be eyeing a play off position – and he sees no reason why Ashington should be any different.

“We finished quite strongly at the end of last season and I don’t mean just the last game when we beat Lincoln United 6-3 at home,” he said, “I think we won a good six out of our last 13 games and we played some of our best football during that time. We won convincingly against Lincoln because I think everybody was just so relaxed with no fear of relegation hanging over us. There was no weight on our shoulders, we knew we were safe and we played our normal game. We were much the better team on the day against Lincoln – as we were during other games during the run in.”

He continued: “We are having our first training session tonight and it’s always good to get the group back together and to get going. Next season we need to push on and aim as high as we can – but to be honest, aiming for the play offs is our ambition because every other team in the league will be having similar thoughts. So it’s just a case of keeping the good squad together which we had and adding a couple of new signings to make us a little bit stronger to compete in what is a very competitive league.”

For the long serving Ross, who is based in Cramlington, putting pen to paper again for his home town club was an easy decision. “I’ve always said that I’ve never thought about going elsewhere because from the moment I first walked through the doors at Ashington, the club have been unbelievable for me and that includes the fans who are always fantastic and no doubt will be with us every step of the way again this year.”

By Brian Bennett

Kev Chapman says he has not said goodbye to his time at Ashington Football Club – far from it!

The Woodhorn Lane club announced last week that they were on the lookout to recruit a new physiotherapist due to Chapman’s increasing workload which meant he was unable to fully commit to the role.

The 47 year old – who runs his own business KSC Physiotherapy – has secured a full-time job in Musculoskeletal (MSK) with the NHS Trust and with the travelling involved in the Northern Premier League, time was going to be an issue.

Speaking at the weekend, North Shields-born Chapman who recently completed his first season with the club said: “Away games usually involves a full day of travelling and working Monday to Saturday, I was going to be hard pushed to give up my weekends. It would only have left a Sunday to see my wife and the kids. However I’ve agreed to work with the club on an ad hoc basis so I’ll still have some involvement and I’ll see the lads if I need to come in on training days.”

Chapman – who is based in Blyth – took over as physio last season when Nick Gray was manager and he added: “Although it’s been a brief time with the one season, the club is class and I enjoy working for them. Everyone made me feel so welcome. It’s very daunting going into a new club but everyone at Ashington – including the fans – made me feel at home and that’s very humbling.”

He went on: “I’ve enjoyed it. When I was physio in the Northern League, we were commuting to the likes of Middlesborough and possibly further afield if drawn away in the FA Vase. However being in the league above with Ashington, you are not only meeting different teams and physios and seeing how other clubs are run, you also see the whole structure of how it is to move up a level and how it’s done. For me at Ashington, it’s been a growing experience and having rehab strategy with the players.”

On behalf of everyone at Ashington AFC, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Kevin Chapman, who has had to step away from his role as the club’s physiotherapist due to increased work commitments.

Since joining the club, Kev has been an invaluable member of the backroom team. His professionalism, knowledge and commitment to the players and staff have been outstanding, and he has played a huge part in supporting the squad both on and off the pitch.

Kev has recently been offered a full-time role within the NHS Trust and, alongside running his own practice, he understandably feels that he can no longer give the role at Ashington the time and commitment it deserves. Whilst we are disappointed to see him step away, we are incredibly proud of the opportunity he has been given and wish him every success in this next chapter.

Typical of the person he is, Kev has already offered to continue helping the club on an ad hoc basis whenever he is able, and I know that support will be greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

Kev will be greatly missed around the club and I would like to thank him personally for everything he has done for Ashington AFC.

As a result, the club will now begin the process of recruiting a new physiotherapist. Anyone interested in the role, or wishing to find out more, is invited to contact me at ian.skinner@ashingtonafc.com.

Ian Skinner
Head of Football
Ashington AFC

The FA yesterday announced the dates for the Emirates FA Cup and Isuzu FA Trophy.

The Emirates FA Cup

Extra Preliminary Round – Saturday 8 August 2026

Preliminary Round – Saturday 22 August 2026

First Round Qualifying – Saturday 5 September 2026

Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 19 September 2026

Third Round Qualifying – Saturday 3 October 2026

Fourth Round Qualifying – Saturday 17 October 2026

First Round Proper – Saturday 7 November 2026

Second Round Proper – Saturday 5 December 2026

Third Round Proper – Saturday 9 January 2027

Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 13 February 2027

Fifth Round Proper – Saturday 6 March 2027

Quarter Final – Saturday 3 April 2027

Semi Final – Saturday 24 April 2027

Final – Saturday 22 May 202

The Isuzu FA Trophy

Preliminary Round – Saturday 15 August 2026

First Round Qualifying – Saturday 29 August 2026

Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 12 September 2026

Third Round Qualifying – Saturday 26 September 2026

First Round Proper – Saturday 24 October 2026

Second Round Proper – Saturday 14 November 2026

Third Round Proper – Saturday 12 December 2026

Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 16 January 2027

Fifth Round Proper – Saturday 6 February 2027

Sixth Round Proper – Saturday 6 March 2027

Semi Final – Saturday 3 April 2027

Final – Sunday 16 May 2027

Some dates for your diary

Friday 26th June 2026 – The FA will release details of all clubs accepted into each competition, list of clubs receiving byes and the prize fund.

Friday 3rd July 2026 – The FA will release the draws for the initial two rounds of each competition

Ashington AFC are delighted to announce a new football structure at the club, designed to strengthen and modernise the football operation both on and off the pitch.

As part of the restructure, the club has introduced the new position of Head of Football, a strategic leadership role that will report directly to the Board of Directors and oversee all football-related matters across the club.

The club are pleased to confirm the appointment of Ian Skinner as Head of Football.

Ian returns to Ashington AFC with extensive experience across coach development, football leadership and elite player development, having worked across the grassroots game through to the professional game.

In his new role, Ian will provide strategic direction and leadership across the football department, supporting the continued development and progression of the club on and off the field.

The new structure will see the Head of Football oversee:

• First Team Management
• A newly created Head of Recruitment role
• A newly appointed Analyst position
• The Medical Department

As part of the restructure, the club are in discussion with Kevin Chapman around the role of Head of Medical.

The club would also like to confirm that recruitment is currently underway for both the Head of Recruitment and Analyst positions as Ashington AFC continues to build a strong infrastructure to support long-term success.

Speaking on his appointment, Ian Skinner said:

“I’m delighted to return to Ashington AFC in this new role. This is a football club with fantastic people, strong community values and huge potential. The introduction of this structure demonstrates real ambition from the Board to continue moving the club forward in a sustainable and progressive way.

I enjoyed supporting Mark and Karl during their interim tenure last season and I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff, players and supporters this coming season to help build an environment that gives the club the best possible opportunity to succeed.”

Further announcements regarding the new appointments within the football structure will be made in due course