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.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray pulled no punches on Saturday after his side had allowed ten-man Carlton Town to bundle in an equaliser as the teams played out a 2-2 draw at Woodhorn Lane.

Gray’s outfit are in the bottom four of the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division and points are precious. However after going behind to a wonder goal by Lawrence Stewart Gorman, the Colliers turned the game on its head when Josh Gilchrist netted with a penalty and Michael Ndiweni scored a delightful second whilst the visitors had Oliver Clark red carded.

But even down to ten men, “The Millers” came out on top in the second period with Gray furious that his side had failed to see the game out and he labelled it as being unacceptable: “At half time we were 2-1 up and had the ascendancy and I told the players not to do certain things yet Carlton – with ten men – were the better team second half and credit to them. When a team goes down to ten men after 35 minutes and you get your noses in front you’ve got to be taking three points – nothing else is acceptable on my terms.”

The boss was also left frustrated by a lack of effort by ‘certain personnel:’ “I’m disappointed because you can’t win games of football if only half of the team puts the effort in,” he said, “Whilst it was great to see Karl Ross return to the side following injury – and he tired which was understandable – I think some players need to look at Craig Spooner as an example for his work ethic because if we had the effort all over the park we wouldn’t be where we are at the wrong end of the table. There are things which have got to change because if they don’t, then we will be in this battle all season – and I don’t want that to be the case. One thing I am with players, whether they like it or not, is that I’ll be brutally honest with them and certain personnel have got to do more in games. It was disappointing that we lost Bailey Geliher who pulled up with an injury in the warm up because we weren’t able to change things – but we’ve got to do better to win games of football. Overall, it was one point gained – a point more than we had before the game.”

Gray looked back to the kick-off: “They (Carlton) started the game brighter than us,” he said, “We talked about them having had a long travel so we had to start on the front foot and take the game to them but at times I wonder if players are listening and the bottom line is that the responsibility lies with me. I’m really disappointed yet probably a little bit relieved that we got a point which should never ever be the case when you are playing against ten men at home. Every game is a winnable but losable game – it’s how you approach a game and how your mentality is and you’ve got to be ‘at it’ for 90 minutes. Carlton kept at their game from the first minute to the last. When they went down to ten men I thought they were ‘gone’ a little bit but we didn’t take that to them in the second half. We just sat back and they got confidence by us being lackadaisical, being poor in our decision making, through lazy play and not being quick enough in our movements. Carlton came out second half and they were the better team and that shouldn’t be the case and I’ve got to ask questions why that was. When you are on top in games you’ve got to make it count but has there ‘keeper had a shot to save?”

On the goals conceded Gray said: “Their first goal was great technique and a great finish but we can do better with the marking for the header then we have to have someone who closes the player down whilst the equaliser was disappointing with a ball played to the far post.”

Of the well worked goal by Michael Ndiweni, Gray said: “It was a great goal but we didn’t do enough of it – you can’t just turn it on like a tap.”

Gray concluded: “Personally I’ve had a tough challenging week as a family with bereavement and I wish everything was as simple as football.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray – disappointed that Saturday’s NPL East Division clash against Grimsby Borough at the Bradley Football Development Centre was postponed – stressed that the Woodhorn Lane outfit have got to ‘keep believing’ that they can get away from the wrong end of the table.

The Colliers dropped down a further place to second bottom on Saturday tea time after Ossett United’s 4-0 win at Sherwood Colliery and Gray said: “The league table doesn’t lie but we’ve got to keep believing that we can turn things round – and I generally believe we will. We had two really good training sessions last week – but there were also some stern words as we discussed the importance of the position we are in and how we can get out of it and the players are all on board. Home matches will be crucial because that’s where you have got to take the game to the opposition but the players need to look towards the next game – nothing else. We have got great support from the fans that have been very good but if we can get the basics right and make every game a cup final then I believe we’ll be fine.”

Meanwhile although Gray signed Alex Curran on a dual registration with North Shields last week, the boss revealed that he remains on the lookout for another goalkeeper: “I’m still actively looking,” he said, “We thought we may have been close to getting one but circumstances change daily with lads getting injured and that’s one of the pitfalls which we have – but it is what it is. It’s not just for the three games to cover Dan Staples’ suspension either – we need competition in that area. Ross Coombe has stated that he is taking time away from football and although Dan (Staples) is a very good goalkeeper, he needs to be challenged.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Paul Scott (Blyth Spartans)

Former Blyth Spartans goalkeeper Alex Curran helped Ashington to get out of a pickle last week when he agreed to sign for the Colliers on a dual registration with Ebac Northern League first division outfit North Shields.

The 36 year old put pen to paper and would have made his debut in Saturday’s Northern Premier League East Division clash away to Grimsby Borough – until the game was called off due to the impact caused by Storm Darragh.

Within days of ‘keeper Ross Coombe revealing that he wanted to spend some time away from football, Dan Staples was red carded in the fourth minute of last weekend’s NPL clash against Liversedge and was subsequently suspended meaning Woodhorn Lane boss Nick Gray had to move fast for an emergency number one.

Newcastle-born Curran – who works for the Newcastle United Foundation – described signing on a dual registration with the Colliers as being a no brainer: “I’m really pleased,” he said, “I got a phone call from North Shields manager Brian Smith to say that Nick Gray had been in touch and obviously I’m Vase tied after playing for Crook Town. With Shields scheduled to be away against Redcar Athletic in the competition, I was free and when Nick asked if I was available to play it was a bit of a no brainer to get 90 minutes under my belt at a good level and playing for a really good side. On top of that I know a handful of the Ashington lads so that helped as well.”

A travel to Grimsby did not faze Curran – who had made his debut for the Robins in the midweek Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup tie against FC Hartlepool: “When I was at Blyth Spartans I travelled all over the country,” he added, “We had Hereford away on a Tuesday night so it was going to be nothing new!”

Manager Gray – who thanked North Shields for their help and co operation – said: “Alex has had good experiences at Blyth Spartans and at Crook Town – the latter where he played against Ashington earlier this season in the Emirates FA Cup. He’s a good communicator which is something which we definitely need, a good shot stopper and his experience will be invaluable for us. It shows Alex as a person that the lad was prepared to travel down to Grimsby when he could have spent the day with his family.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s North Shields-born defender Jordan Summerly firmly believes the Colliers can climb up the East Division table in the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

The Wansbeck side remain in the bottom four after Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat against Liversedge – on the day the 28 year old made his return following injury.

But Summerly – who is based at West Allotment – remains positive and upbeat: “We should get out of this situation we find ourselves in because we’ve got the players in the squad to do it,” he said, “Today was not good enough from everyone – I included – and we’re hoping the fans will stick with us through this tough time. We should be challenging for the play offs never mind finding ourselves at the wrong end of the table. It’s not happening for us at the moment and one thing we need as players is to have more belief in ourselves.”

He added: “A couple of decisions didn’t go our way against Liversedge today but we’re looking to put things right which will start on the training pitch on Tuesday.”

By Brian Bennett

Jordan Summerly made his comeback for Ashington in their home match against Liversedge at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

The former North Shields and Blyth Spartans defender has been ruled out with a knee problem since mid August but thankfully came through unscathed after playing for an hour before being substituted.

Now the 28 year old is keeping his fingers crossed for an overdue and prolonged period where he stays injury-free as he admitted that he has come to a crossroads in his footballing career.

“I’ve played collectively for three months in two years and that’s tough at my age,” he said after the 4-0 defeat against the West Yorkshire outfit, “In the last campaign, I played until November then came back for a game and a half at the start of this season before being injured again and out of action for three and a half months. Now my plan is to put a string of games together for the rest of the season.”

Summerly says he was ‘surprised’ when he was told by manager Nick Gray that he was in the starting line up at the weekend: “I was shocked to be honest because I wasn’t expecting it,” he added “I knew Archie Small’s loan period from Darlington finished today (Saturday) so I was expecting him to start. There have been a couple of players who have left the club and I thought I may have made the bench and come on but when the boss told me I was in from the start, I was surprised but delighted all the same. I was happy to play for an hour without any problems and hopefully I can build on that.”

He continued: “I’ve just qualified as a chartered management accountant – so I reckon this is my last chance to stay injury free. I didn’t  think anyone deserved to get applauded off today after the defeat but the fans clapped me when I was substituted so I think they just appreciated seeing me back on the pitch – and I appreciated the support I received from them. I admit that I’m not a good spectator so it’s always good to get back out onto the pitch because I feel I can make a difference.”

Ashington assistant manager Liam McIvor said: “It’s good to have Jordan back – it’s been a long time coming.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor said that the early red card for ‘keeper Dan Staples in Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat against Liversedge ‘killed the game’ as a contest.

Staples was dismissed by referee Thomas James following an ‘off the ball’ incident and McIvor said: “The sending off killed the game straight away. After three minutes and 18 seconds, everything which you have planned for and have trained for all week goes out of the window. The lads put in a good shift as they do every week but Liversedge have scored four – and we concede easy goals. To be honest since Nick (Gray) and I took over, we’ve yet to see a team score what we would class as being a good goal against us.”

After the red card, Ashington had to reorganise and McIvor added: “Ben Williams volunteered to take over in goal and we spoke about having two banks of four; keeping it compact and keeping it tight for the next half an hour – then two minutes later Liversedge go in front. It was already going to be very difficult for us but now we had a mountain to climb.”

For the start of the second half, Paddy Almond replaced Williams between the posts with McIvor explaining: “We thought that we needed a centre half that could travel forward with the ball and that’s why Paddy took over from Ben. However in my eyes, the 4-0 score line flattered Liversedge. We had two good shouts for penalties but in the end, the defeat was purely down to ourselves and there have been a few home truths said in the dressing room. We’ll train twice this week then prepare for Grimsby Borough away on Saturday.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor said the dressing room was ‘buzzing’ after the Colliers had claimed a merited 3-1 success over Newcastle Blue Star to advance into the semi finals of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

“We only come here for one thing – and that’s to win,” said a delighted McIvor, “I don’t care how it happens as long as we win and we have done that tonight. Now we move onto Saturday’s away clash in the NPL at Emley and this result should be a confidence booster. We’re through to the semi finals of the Northumberland Senior Cup which means we are only one game away from the final at St James’ Park which is the best cup realistically to play in. Some have done it, some have not – but it’s a one off game and you never know.”

McIvor would prefer a home tie if possible – but reached out to the fans at Woodhorn Lane for the support which the management and players have received: “I’d love another home draw and to get the crowd behind us,” he said, “To be honest we got applauded off after losing 2-0 against Cleethorpes Town on Saturday when we didn’t deserve to but both Nick and myself have noticed that the fans back us no matter what the situation is. They are absolutely fantastic – and credit to them.”

As he reflected on the game, McIvor said: “We needed a reaction after Saturday and since we have been in charge that is the best 45 minutes performance by the players. There were a few hard conversations after the defeat against Cleethorpes which will stay in the changing room but we got the response we wanted. The opening goal finished off by Wilson Kneeshaw was class and one of the best goals I have seen this season. It was well worked and absolutely brilliant. We also cut them open (Blue Star) a few times and we were in cruise control in the first half against the wind then we got the second goal from Craig Spooner.”

He continued: “After the break, I thought we started off a bit slow but nevertheless managed the game and the penalty scored by them (Newcastle Blue Star) made it a lot closer than it was. After that, we came strong again and the third goal killed it off.”

McIvor added that there was more pleasing news on the night: “We were delighted to get Karl Ross and Cam Gascoigne back onto the pitch following their injuries,” he said, “It was also good to get 70 minutes into Bailey Geliher because it strengthens the squad and that’s what we need.”

By Brian Bennett

Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup Quarter final:

Ashington v Newcastle Blue Star – Tuesday November 19

Ashington manager Nick Gray says supporters are in for a ‘test of nerves’ when his side come face to face with Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday night (November 19).

The two teams clash in the quarter final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup at Woodhorn Lane – a tournament which is close to Gray’s heart: “It’s a great cup competition,” he said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have won it before and been involved in three finals and what makes it even more special is that the showpiece is held at Newcastle United’s St James Park ground which is great for the players as well as the fans. Newcastle Blue Star are having a good season and I know that they will also be up for the game. They include a few of my ex players in their squad in Chris Reid, Liam Henderson and goalkeeper Dan Lister and I reckon for supporters it’ll be a test of nerves on the night.”

He continued: “We’re on home territory and I’d like to think that we’ll go into the clash with confidence and give our all to try and progress into the last four. The league is our bread and butter – however supporters like cup competitions. We may be in the Northern Premier League East Division which is one above Blue Star but that will mean nothing on the night as we know it’s going to be a tough game.”

He went on: “The game should attract a big crowd and our fans can help us without a doubt. They’ve been great since I came – attendances have been excellent – and they are backing us because they are seeing the effort which the lads are putting in. I have also spoken to some of them (the fans) who say that although results haven’t been great, we are making progress and I back those comments up 100 per cent.” Kick off is 7.30pm.