By Brian Bennett

Ashington joint head coach Andy Coyles was naturally delighted after his side had knocked out Bishop Auckland in their Emirates FA Cup replay at Heritage Park on Tuesday night.

The Colliers won 2-1 after extra time in another pulsating game.

After Jay Errington had fired the Wansbeck side in front, substitute Brandon Holdsworth equalised for Bishop Auckland with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.

The game went to an additional period of 30 minutes and a special effort from Cam Gascoigne shortly before the end sent Ashington through.

Coyles said afterwards: “First of all, we’re delighted for the lads because it’s been three really gruelling games against Bishop Auckland. I think there was only a period of about 40 minutes where we let ourselves down – other than that, we have been the better team. Tonight for the duration of the game including extra time, we were the better side and deserved to go through. I thought we were resilient when we needed to be and although a few things went against us our attitude remained the same. We also scored two great goals. Young Jay Errington is only 20 but he netted one of the best goals I’ve seen in the last few years and then Cam Gascoigne has backed that up with another beauty.”

He continued: “It was a huge team effort tonight and it needs to be documented about how many players we have had unavailable over the past eight days. Seven have been out through injury or absence – so it shows the strength and depth of the squad and if we can get everyone back fit, then it’s going to cause the management team plenty of headaches! When they (Bishop Auckland) equalised at 1-1, I thought ‘here we go again’ – but we’ve learned from our mistakes and having been in front for so long, our attitude and determination to not fold under pressure was excellent. We just kept going and the boys need applauding for their fitness levels. At this moment in time in the season they are exceptional and you can see that when we are finishing games the stronger team. It certainly shows and it allowed us to go in front tonight with the last couple of minutes remaining.”

He concluded: “Cam (Gascoigne) will get all of the plaudits but you’ve got to take into account that there was some serious last ditch defending in those final minutes and the back line, including the goalkeeper have got to take a lot of credit.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

He netted in the 4-2 win over Shildon in the last round of the Emirates FA Cup – now Cyril Giraud has done it again after pulling a rabbit out of the hat on Saturday which means Ashington will play Bishop Auckland at Heritage Park on Tuesday night in their preliminary round replay.

The old phrase ‘cometh the hour cometh the man’ sprung to mind as with his side trailing to a strike by Two Blues striker Louis Johnson, it was on the hour when master craftsman Giraud got to work. He equalised with a goal of pure genius, as he wriggled his way through a cluster of defenders before slotting home inside the post.

Afterwards, the 24 year old year said: “I had a couple of players around me but once I got into the one on one situation, I knew I was going to score and I was very happy with the goal.”

Reflecting on the two matches in quick succession against the County Durham side, Giraud who was born in France added: “It’s a bit frustrating because on Tuesday in our league match against them (Bishop Auckland) when we went down 2-1, I thought we played extremely well and didn’t deserve to lose. In the second half, they scored a screamer to equalise and there’s nothing you can do about that then right after, we conceded what proved to be the winner which was a shame.”

He continued: “Today we wanted to make things right. First half we conceded again and didn’t play our best. However in the second half we managed to get back on track, win more headers and second balls and drove forward a lot more. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get the win because we had the chances and deserved to go through – but that’s football.”

The Newcastle-based midfielder went on: “We go again on Tuesday for our third clash against Bishop Auckland in eight days. We lost the league game and have drawn the second – so surely it is our turn to win the third clash.”

Player Sponsorship

At the time of writing, the French Magician is still available for sponsor for the 2024/25 season. Find out more at: https://ashington-afc.square.site/product/player-sponsorship-2024-25/72

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington joint head coach Richie Hill said he had mixed emotions after his side had clawed their way back against Bishop Auckland in a pulsating tie which finished 1-1 in their Emirates FA Cup clash against Bishop Auckland at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

After Louis Johnson had nudged the visitors’ ahead midway through the first half, a brilliant goal by Cyril Giraud levelled things up. However, despite having chances, the Colliers were unable to force home their advantage with the game going to a replay on Tuesday night.

“Wow just wow,” he said after he had regained his breath, “Where do I start. I’ve got mixed emotions really. I thought the first half performance was unacceptable – it was well below par and it was so disappointing because I thought they (Bishop Auckland) were better all over the field. They were stronger and more aggressive; they controlled the game and I thought coming in 1-0 down at half time was exactly what we deserved. We just had a few words with the lads – not in an aggressive fashion, just in an honest open way – and asked everyone to be the best version of themselves because in the first half I could look at maybes two or three of them that were hitting the heights that we are used to whilst the others were below par. So we just asked them to go out and be full of energy and use the crowds’ energy and to be on the front foot.”

For the start of the second period, Ashington introduced Jay Errington for Matty Slocombe and Hill added: “We made one change and it was nothing to do with Matty’s performance. We just felt we needed something different up top, we wanted something to happen to spark something off and within minutes of Jay’s entry into the game, he was flicking things on and linking the play – and I thought second half we were excellent. On another day our performance after the break was worthy of two, three or even four goals – and that’s probably the only disappointing thing that we are not through to the next round. Their ‘keeper (Ryan Catterick) has pulled off two or three wonderful saves and we know that no matter where we have got possession on the field, Bishop Auckland provide a threat. However, I thought we shut the back door up well and I don’t think our ‘keeper Dan Staples has had a great deal to do – whilst at the other end, we caused them lots of problems.”

He continued: “We now have to go and play them for a third time in eight days and we’re not under any illusions that the replay will be anything other that a very, very tough game – just like the other two have been but I thought the reaction of the players was excellent. The wind was quite strong as per normal at Woodhorn Lane which requires you to look to play and I thought in the first half, we resulted in Dan Staples ‘going long’ which played into Bishop Auckland’s hands. We just asked players to be a little bit braver and to get on the ball and build the play up gradually through the thirds. At times we did go long but it was the right time to do it especially when you have got players like Wilson Kneeshaw up top where you can miss out the midfield provided it’s delivered in a good way. However, I was really pleased that we gave that second 45 minutes performance because there was a good crowd today including some who will have watched us for the first time this season and it was important that they enjoyed it.”

The game was beamed out live by the BBC via iPlayer, Red Button and online and Hill said: “There was a lot made of the publicity surrounding it and rightly so because it’s brilliant for Ashington Football Club. However sometimes you’ve got to manage that hype and make sure the players understand that it was just another game of football and it’s what they do on the field over the 90 plus minutes that is important. Perhaps the reason behind our first half showing were the cameras being in attendance – but we don’t expect that level of performance. That first 45 minutes was disappointing – but all I’m going to look at is the second half improvements.”

The replay is at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park ground on Tuesday (August 20) where kick off is 7.45pm.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Skipper Karl Ross says that the Ashington squad are desperate to win Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie at home to Bishop Auckland.

The 25 year old was speaking shortly after the final whistle on Tuesday night when the Colliers went down 2-1 against the County Durham side in their NPL East Division clash.

After Paddy Almond had given the home side the lead shortly before half time, striker Matty Tymon netted twice in the space of four second half minutes for the Two Blues.

Ashington-born Ross said: “Tonight was very frustrating from a player’s perspective as well as the home support. I thought we were the better side over the 90 minutes particularly in the first half when we did really well. We kept the ball moving and limited them (Bishop Auckland) to hardly any chances but five minutes of madness has really cost us. We weren’t at the races at the start of the second half and we need to nip that situation in the bud straight away.”

He continued: “Bishop Auckland have got one over on us but I think it will give the lads an extra incentive to put right what we have done wrong tonight because we felt it was a smash and grab from them. We felt we deserved the win and were the better team so obviously Saturday is the time for us to turn things around and get the right result.”

The game – which has a 12.30pm kick-off – is being beamed out live by the BBC on iplayer, red button and online and Ross, who is based in Cramlington, added: “It’ll probably be the first time for most of our lads to be on live TV. It’s a great thing for the club and I’m delighted for them because people work so hard. It’ll be a big day and there will be a big crowd and all of the lads are looking forward to it. There’ll be a buzz when we walk into the ground on Saturday but when the first whistle goes, we will be focussed purely on the game. Sometimes you don’t even hear the people around you so the TV cameras will not be on our minds during the 90 minutes.”

We are proud to announce that Ashington AFC is collaborating with Everyturn Mental Health, to raise awareness about mental health in our community.

This collaboration emphasises the vital role mental health plays in our lives, both on and off the pitch. Together, we are committed to spreading the message that it’s okay not to be okay and encouraging everyone to seek help when needed.

Everyturn Mental Health operates the Northumberland Safe Haven from Ashington’s very own The Bothy, located on Laburnum Terrace and as a club we want to show our support, break the stigma and champion mental well-being together!

#MentalHealthAwareness #AshingtonAFC #StrongerTogether #YouAreNotAlone

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington joint head coach Andy Coyles has asked for the Woodhorn Lane supporters to get behind their side on Saturday when the Colliers meet Bishop Auckland in the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round.

The match – selected by the BBC for live coverage via iplayer, red button and online – kicks off at 12.30pm and Coyles says the fans are always the 12^th man.

Speaking within minutes of Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat – ironically against Bishop Auckland in their NPL East Division clash – Coyles commented: “After the result, the way the game went tonight makes for an exciting encounter on Saturday. We’ve just said that we know a little bit more about them (Bishop Auckland) than we did before the clash tonight and likewise they will probably be saying the same thing about us. I think we will be able to bring one or two more players back into the squad that were nursing little niggles tonight which will obviously be a plus but on the down side, we have lost Jordan Summerly and at this stage we don’t really know how serious his injury is. We’ll do our homework; we’ll train on Thursday and hopefully we’ll give a good showing on Saturday.”

Coyles has asked the home supporters to continue with their outstanding vocal backing: “Our supporters are always the 12^th man for us and I’ve got nothing but plaudits and positive things to say about them,” he said, “Knowing that they will roar the lads on gives the players that extra ounce of energy and confidence. Everybody is looking forward to it. First and foremost the game is being broadcast live on the BBC which is great for the football club. It’s also great for the players and the community and hopefully we will get a good gathering of fans – but hopefully we will also get a good level of representation of people watching the game on the TV.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Keith Saint

Ashington AFC interim chair Nicola Sanders-Cooper has asked the Wansbeck public to get behind the Colliers ahead of their Emirates FA Cup preliminary round tie against Bishop Auckland on Saturday (August 17) which is to be beamed out live by the BBC.

Over many years, games between the two sides have always been keenly fought and well contested affairs and it was against Bishops at the end of the 2022-23 season that Andrew Cartwright’s penalty secured a 1-1 draw which took Ashington into the Inter step promotion play off final.

The Colliers then delivered a knockout punch away at Glossop North End with a convincing 3-0 victory which clinched them promotion and elevated them into the Pitching In Northern Premier League’s East Division,

However Bishop Auckland also achieved promotion to the NPLED at the end of the last campaign and ironically the two clubs were due to play each other in what will be a pre cup match dress rehearsal in their league meeting at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday (August 13).

Ms Sanders-Cooper said of what promises to be a mouth watering clash: “Ashington AFC has been selected for broadcasting for our upcoming Emirates FA Cup match against Bishop Auckland. I am delighted about the news so a big thank you to the FA and the BBC. This is a remarkable opportunity because the exposure will not only elevate our club but also inspire future generations in our community. I encourage all of our supporters to rally behind the team as we prepare for this momentous occasion – together let’s make this a day to remember!”

Kick-off is 12.30pm with the live broadcast available via the BBC iplayer, red button and online. Tickets are available to purchase online at the following link https://ashingtonafc.ktckts.com/event/afc2425facuppre/ashington-afc-vs-bishop-auckland-fc-fa-cup

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington joint head coach Andy Coyles said his side suffered from a five minutes ‘head loss’ at the start of the second half as Bishop Auckland turned a one goal deficit into a 2-1 lead which ultimately led to their victory over the Colliers at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

“We’re extremely disappointed that the game has finished the way it did,” said Coyles afterwards, “I thought we grew into the game and were quite comfortable in the first half. We had really good passages of play and created some real threats in the attacking third and we could have been 2 or 3-1 up. Second half for whatever reason, we just had a five minutes ‘head loss’ where Matty Tymon (scorer of Bishop Auckland’s two goals), has hit a wonder strike from 30 yards out which has been a huge blow to us coming after only 48 seconds and then we’ve really let ourselves down on a set piece for the second time this season in two games.”

He continued: “We’ve had a chat in the changing room and we’ve got to be better – we’ve got to be more ruthless and we’ve got to be more street wise when we are defending set pieces. After that we began to grow into the game a little bit more and in the final 20-25 minutes we’ve been heavily dominant in possession of the ball but we need to be a bit more clinical and just have a little bit more class and elegance in that attacking third in front of goal.”

He went on: “Wilson Kneeshaw had a goalbound effort blocked; their ‘keeper (Ryan Catterick) has held a shot from Charlie Exley in the last minute and we’ve had a penalty shout as well but at the end of the day you create your own luck and I don’t think we created enough chances to go on and win the game. Did we do enough to get a draw? Maybes – but we just didn’t find the right openings tonight so fair play to Bishop Auckland.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington striker Jay Errington said that he was still ‘buzzing’ after scoring his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw against Ossett United at the Ingfield Stadium on Saturday.

The 20 year old was on hand to steer home the rebound after a shot from Wilson Kneeshaw had been partially blocked by Ossett United ‘keeper Ally Hughes.

“I’m still buzzing,” commented Errington an hour after the game, “I saw the ball coming towards me but didn’t spot the ‘keeper. I just looked at the goal and instinctively put the ball into the back of the net.”

It looked likely that Errington’s goal – which arrived midway in the first half – was going to be the match winner until the home side netted a 92^nd minute equaliser through defender Jamie Sharman: “It was just one of those free kicks and was harsh on us because I thought we deserved all three points, “he added, “Now I can’t wait for our next game on Tuesday against Bishop Auckland. Hopefully we can push on and get the result we want.”

North Shields-born Errington – a teaching assistant – concluded: “I love it at Ashington. The lads are great and the management are top class.”

Ashington joint head coach Andy Coyles said: “It was great goal by Jay. He was in the right place at the right time and took it well. He’s obviously young and is still learning the game and he’s in a great environment at Ashington. He’ll have a lot of guidance and good support and he’s in a special place to ply his trade.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington got their new campaign in the NPL East Division underway on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Ossett United in West Yorkshire – but joint head coach Andy Coyles said afterwards that the result ‘feels like a loss’ after Jamie Sharman had netted a late equaliser for the home side.

Jay Errington fired the Colliers ahead just shy of the midway point in the first period and the Wansbeck side – who defended well – held onto the lead until the second minute of time added on at the end of the second period: “As a group we are all frustrated because it feels like a loss,” said Coyles, “At the end of the day we were in control for large parts of the game even though I didn’t think we were at our best today which was acknowledged and accepted as a whole in the changing room. At times we ended up playing their game and fighting their battle. First half we got the goal and although we weren’t firing on all cylinders in the second half, it was a much improved performance. We had more passages of play and more time on the ball but we just didn’t manage the game towards the end which we needed to do.”

Coyles continued: “Listen, this was our first league game of the season and we’ve taken a point on the road and we’ll take the positives out of it. There were a couple of niggles towards the finish with injuries and we’ve had to take a few people off but at the end of the day, we’ll go away and learn from our mistakes and we’ll hopefully put on a more improved performance on Tuesday night (against Bishop Auckland at home).

Coyles added that there is much more to come from the squad: “We’re learning as a group,” he added, “People have got to bear in mind that some of the lads have only joined us over the last two or three weeks and it takes time to gel as a group which will come. We’ve got to take into account that we had a great chance at 1-0 with a one on one and if we had scored then it would have sealed the game for us. However, you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth. We gave a good account of ourselves by playing some good football and there are still plenty of opportunities to improve moving forwards.”