By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray was ecstatic after his side came from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory over Bishop Auckland on Tuesday night.

And afterwards the boss said: “There are some happy faces in the dressing room – and I want to see happy faces more often! I’m delighted with the result. It was a great win and I thought we deserved it over the 90 minutes. It’s a good three points but it’ll be even better if we can get something from our game against Brighouse Town at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday. Our home form has got to be better. We’ve got 12 games left – six at home and six away – and if we get our home form right then we won’t have to come to away places where we are under the cosh at times. Bishops put balls into our box but we were brave. We headed a lot out and put our bodies on the line and as a group and as a unit, we dug in.”

He continued: “I thought Bishop Auckland started the game well. They got their noses in front and caused us some problems but as the match wore on we dealt with them then got the equaliser before half time.”

He added: “Second half we got into some good areas and had a couple of good chances to get another goal and eventually when we went 2-1 up, we had something to hold onto. I thought each and every one of my players was great. You look at the league table and you worry about it but if we continue to play like we have done tonight I think we’ll be alright. Now we’ve got to take the performance and result into Saturday’s home game against Brighouse.”

Two minutes after Gray had introduced Ryan Donaldson, the former Morpeth Town and Blyth Spartans player came up with the winner and the boss said: “I know the quality Ryan has got and I’m delighted for him. But I’ve been telling the players for weeks that if you don’t shoot you don’t score. Ryan did and hopefully he’ll get some confidence from it. After he came on he looked after the ball well and his game management was good. That’s what you want from your subs. They all came on and made an impact.

By Brian Bennett

Harrison Clark’s first ever goal for Ashington sealed a draw for his side from their Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division clash against Pontefract Collieries on Saturday.

And afterwards, the 21-year-old – who was Nick Gray’s first signing after he had been appointed as manager in early October – described the result as being precious for his hometown club: “After being 2-0 down, it was a point which will be valuable come the end of the season,” he said, “It was just frustrating to be 2-0 down in the first place especially when you feel that you shouldn’t be. They were maybes goals which we shouldn’t be conceding but we’ve shown great character to hit back and grab a 2-2 draw.”

After home skipper Jack Greenhough had put through his own goal, Clark’s big moment arrived with ten minutes of the 90 remaining and he said: “It was a decent finish with my left peg. I think it was Gilly (Josh Gilchrist) who flicked the ball on and I was at the back stick. It was a tap in to be fair but it was obviously nice to get on the score sheet and help the lads.”

Ashington then missed a golden opportunity to clinch victory in the third of four minutes of time added on and Clark added: “We’ve come away even more frustrated but we’ll learn from it because in football you’re always learning with every game which comes around. Whether you win, lose or draw, you’re always taking things away to work on in training –  that’s how you get better.”

Meanwhile Clark, a personal trainer who is based in Dudley, has been switched from a  midfield role to defence and he said: “I’m enjoying it at the back – that’s where I played most of last season when I was at Blyth Spartans. I was right side of a back three and I do feel comfortable there. However, I’m not bothered what position I play – I just like being on the pitch.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray – whilst pleased with the way his side recovered from a 2-0 deficit to force a 2-2 away draw against Pontefract Collieries on Saturday – could not conceal his overall disappointment that the Colliers left West Yorkshire without a win.

Following an uneventful first period, a quick-fire double from Mikey Dunn put the home side in command before the visitors hit back. Home skipper Jack Greenhough put through his own goal then Harrison Clark netted the equaliser.

“On reflection I thought a draw was a fair result,” said Gray afterwards, “I thought the first goal was going to be crucial and I was disappointed that they scored it from a set piece. For the second (goal), they have reacted quicker than us and that’s what you’ve got to do to score goals whilst we are not doing it at the other end. We credit ourselves though because we came back into the game – got a goal – and once we did that I thought there was only one team who really looked like they were going to get another (goal). That was us and we got an equaliser.”

He continued: “If I’m being brutally honest, I’m disappointed that we didn’t get all three points because we had an unbelievable chance at the end where we should have scored when it was basically five against two. Their ‘keeper has spilled the ball and we haven’t reacted. It was bodies on the line from them (Pontefract Collieries) and that’s why we have struggled to score goals”

He went on: “Nevertheless, it was a positive point on the road against a team who are around us in the table which is really tight.  Would I have taken a point beforehand? Possibly. In games you have to take your opportunities. I think we’ve had some opportunities in the last couple of games and haven’t taken them. Today it showed good character from the boys to come back from 2-0 down to take a point. They could have thrown the towel in but they didn’t – they kept on going and I cannot fault them for effort, attitude and character today because they gave everything. I’m probably being a little bit greedy but we could have taken all three points in the end.”

He went on: “All of the lads put a shift in today. The subs came on and made a difference which is what you want them to do after the lads who started the game had given their all and there are some tired legs in the dressing room. We were down in numbers but they (the players) never felt sorry for themselves. I never speak about the players who aren’t here because they can’t affect the game but the ones who were here today were a credit to the club.”

By Brian Bennett

Ryan Catterick made his debut for Ashington in their NPL East Division clash against Consett at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

And afterwards, the 25 year old goalkeeper revealed that he was delighted with the way he had settled in and thought his side should have taken all three points: “I enjoyed it and I thought I played well,” he said afterwards, “The lads dug in and defended solidly. It was scrappy all over the park and we just needed someone to get a foothold on things. Consett created a few more chances and I had a few more saves to make but whilst we could have created a bit more and been more of a threat, overall I thought we did enough to get the win. However it’s back to the drawing board and we move on.”

Middlesbrough-born Catterick – who is based in Shildon – continued: “It was the first time I’ve played at this ground for a while and it was just about getting out there because I hadn’t had a game for six weeks – but I felt fine.”

Are you passionate about Ashington AFC and making an impact in our community. The Matchday Secretary is a central role on matchdays within the club.

Role Overview

The Matchday Secretary is responsible for the administration requirements of the club for both home and away matches.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-ordination with opposition officials and match officials
• Matchday administration such as team sheets
• Post-match administration
• Time commitment: Circa 3-4 hours per matchday

Desired Skill

• Communication: Have excellent communication skills
• Organisation: Be organised and have an eye for detail
• IT: Be IT-savvy
• Prioritisation: Be able to prioritise tasks and work under pressure
• Relationship building: Have an aptitude for building relationships

Why join us?

• Be part of a dedicated team passionate about football and community development.
• Contribute to the sustainability and success of our club.
• Gain valuable experience in sports administration.

Please note that this is a voluntary position

To express and interest please email nicola.sanders@ashingtonafc.com and/or secretary@ashingtonafc.com.

You can also download a PDF copy of this role profile here.

Are you passionate about Ashington AFC and making an impact in our community. The Club Secretary is a central role within the club for the ongoing day to day operational running of the club.

Role Overview

The Club Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the club. They are the club’s main point of contact for communication, information, and administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence, including informing members of meetings.
• Main point of contact for governing bodies i.e. The FA, The Northern Premier League, The Northumberland FA etc.
• Attendance as a club representative at various meetings throughout the year

Desired Skill

• Communication: Have excellent communication skills
• Organisation: Be organised and have an eye for detail
• IT: Be IT-savvy
• Prioritisation: Be able to prioritise tasks and work under pressure
• Relationship building: Have an aptitude for building relationships

Why join us?

• Be part of a dedicated team passionate about football and community development.
• Contribute to the sustainability and success of our club.
• Gain valuable experience in sports administration.

Please note that this is a voluntary position

To express and interest please email nicola.sanders@ashingtonafc.com no later than 5pm Friday 21^st February 2025.

You can also download a PDF copy of this role profile here.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor was still seething when he gave his postmatch interview stating that the Colliers had thrown two points away on Saturday after their NPL East Division clash against Consett had finished 1-1 at Woodhorn Lane.

Both goals came from second half penalties with Josh Gilchrist on the mark for the Colliers before Calvin Smith levelled in the 84th minute.

Before the contest, the Wansbeck outfit were one point behind ‘The Steelmen’ with a game in hand and McIvor said: “It doesn’t seem that bad of a result when you see the other scores in the league this afternoon for teams around and below us – but we are looking on our draw as being a massive two points dropped.”

The game itself was certainly not one for the purists – a fact which was endorsed by McIvor: “I thought the first 20-25 minutes were good and then everything just became slow and lethargic with people frightened to get on the ball and the quality was just terrible,” he said, “To be honest, the second half wasn’t much better but we got ourselves ahead and should have seen the game out.”

He continued: “We’ve gone through on a one on one and I don’t know why we’ve tried to scoop the ball over a ‘keeper who is 6ft 5ins tall. If we had scored it would have secured the win but instead Consett have gone to the other end and we’ve given away a penalty – and I don’t know how we were caught out.”

By Brian Bennett

There was double joy for Karl Ross at Woodhorn Lane this afternoon.

The 26 year old – Ashington’s longest serving player and captain – played his 200^th game for his hometown club against Consett on the same day that he signed an extension to his contract.

Ross – who lifted the coveted Players Player of the Year award at the end of the last campaign – said: “I knew in my first season with the facilities they have got here that I didn’t want to play anywhere else. As for the volunteers at the club, I’ll do anything for them which is why I have committed myself for another season. I’m grateful for being here – it doesn’t seem like two minutes since I first joined. The manager (Nick Gray) came up to me the other week and said ‘I’m planning for next season and I want you to stay’ – and it was a no brainer to say yes. I love the club and there’s no place I’d rather play.”

Originally with South Shields, Ross went on loan to Whitley Bay for a couple of weeks then moved back to the Filtrona Park outfit. He initially joined Ashington on loan in 2018 before making the move permanent. “I’ve loved it here ever since,” said Ross, who has netted 17 goals for the Wansbeck based side, “It’s a great place to play football. You want to enjoy your football – and the people around the club, the lads in the dressing room, the management team, the volunteers and the supporters make you have a smile on your face so why would I want to go anywhere else.”

Manager Nick Gray said: “From the first minute Liam McIvor (assistant manager) and I came in, Karl was injured but he came along to all of the training sessions and all of the games and that is credit to someone who you can see is a leader off the pitch. Supporters only see what goes on on the pitch but its huge what goes on off the pitch and if there were more Karl Ross’s in the dressing room then we wouldn’t be in the position which we find ourselves in at the minute.”

He continued: “We’re delighted to get him on board and its just rewards for him because he’s been a great servant to this club – there’s not many of them about and it says something about the lad. He sees where our vision is and was delighted to be offered an extension to his contract. In this day and age in football, to get to 200 games for one club is a fantastic achievement. I’m delighted for him and his family and also Ashington FC – and roll on the next 200 games!”

He added: “We are trying to put things in place going forward and it’s difficult when we don’t know where we might be next season – but we are going in the right way and we’re confident that we will be in the same league next year. Although nothing is set in stone you’ve got to have that confidence in the group and set your stall out and get things in place as soon as you can.”

He went on: “I’ve been in football a long time and I’ve seen what Karl does for the club – but I don’t think people have appreciated what he has done. I’m delighted for the lad because he’s the heartbeat of the team.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray plunged into the transfer market this week to sign goalkeeper Ryan Catterick from fellow NPL East Division outfit Bishop Auckland.

Woodhorn Lane supporters will recall that on the final day of the Ebac Northern League’s first division campaign two seasons ago when Ashington had to avoid defeat and Bishops needed to win to decide which club went into the Inter step play off final against Glossop North End, it was Catterick who kept his side in the game with an outstanding display between the posts.

The match finished all square at 1-1 after Andrew Cartwright’s ice cool penalty on the hour had cancelled out a first half spot kick by Craig Gott.

The following week, the Wansbeck outfit turned in a five star performance culminating in a 3-0 victory over Glossop which clinched them promotion to the Northern Premier League’s East Division.

25 year old Catterick – who watched from the stand as his new side went down to a 4-0 home defeat against Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday night – said: “As soon as I spoke to the manager (Nick Gray) he was straight up and honest – and that’s what I wanted to hear. I remember playing at Ashington – it’s a good set up and a nice ground. I’m happy to be here and I can’t wait to get going and to enjoy my football again.”

After coming through the academy at Middlesbrough, Catterick was a scholar at Hartlepool United before he turned professional with the club where he played for three years. He then signed for Marske United and helped them to get promoted to the NPL Premier Division before he joined Bishop Auckland where he has played for the past two and a half seasons.

Ashington boss Nick Gray said: “We were lucky when we had Ross Coombe but he decided he wanted to have a bit of time out of football then when Dan Staples was suspended after being sent off we were fortunate that Michael Hogan came in on loan from Blyth Spartans and did a sterling job. We are always looking to improve the squad – Ryan became available and he will give competition to Dan Staples.”

Gray continued: “With his quality as a goalkeeper, Ryan had a lot of enquiries from other clubs and we’re just delighted to get him on board. He’s at a good age and probably hasn’t hit his full potential yet and we are now fortunate to have two very good goalkeepers at the club.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray – understandably hurt after a 4-0 defeat on Tuesday night against Newton Aycliffe – nevertheless gave praise to the County Durham outfit and described them as being “the best team we have played so far this season.”

Gray said afterwards: “We were beaten on the night by the better team so full credit to Newton Aycliffe. They were excellent tonight and in my opinion are the best team we have played so far this season. We have got to look at the bigger picture for ourselves. You learn from games and tonight we will certainly learn but we’ve got a big game against Consett on Saturday where we have got to look to bounce back.”

He continued: “The first half – without us being great – I thought we contained them (Newton Aycliffe) quite well out of possession. However we needed to improve in possession and I actually thought we came out better for the start of the second half and it was our best little spell. Then we gave away a poor first goal followed by another poor second and you cannot give good teams two goal head starts like that because it gives them confidence. We looked short of ideas and we didn’t have a great game at all. We’ll reflect on it and although tonight’s result is not going to determine our season, we’ve got to get back on the horse as quickly as we can.”

He added: “It was a really poor result against a good side and I didn’t think we helped ourselves either. You cannot give a team like Newton Aycliffe all the time they had because if you do that then you’re going to get caught out and we got what we deserved in the end. We’ve had three away games and have dug in for seven points but tonight in front of our home fans, we were really disappointing. Next month is crucial where we face teams in and around us and we need to have positive results starting on Saturday.”