By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC skipper Karl Ross has said that his team mates will have their minds entirely focussed on the task which lies ahead – nowhere else – when they face Newcastle United U21’s in the semi final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup at Woodhorn Lane on Thursday night (7.30pm kick-off).

Last Saturday the Colliers won for the first time in six games when they brushed North Ferriby aside in their last league fixture of the season in the Pitching In Northern Premier League’s East Division.

The Wansbeck outfit ran out 2-0 winners and the result prompted Ashington-born Ross to say: “We enjoyed the day – but we’ve put that behind us now and it’s all about us focussing on the Newcastle game. It’s a great incentive knowing that the final will be held at St James’ Park and I know the lads would love to get through and play there because it’s something which players all dream about. However we’ve got to put that to the back of our minds and fully concentrate on Thursday’s clash which we are really looking forward to.”

The midfielder is looking for a noisy atmosphere from the home supporters: “Our fans have been unbelievable for us all season and they will come out in their hundreds,” he added, “We want them to get behind us because they are a great 12^th man and can spur us on.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner has described Thursday’s semi final clash against Newcastle United U21s in the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup as being a ‘tough test – but nevertheless a winnable one.’

Following a run of four defeats in five matches, the Colliers got back on track at the weekend when goals from Andrew Cartwright and Dan Maguire secured a 2-0 victory over North Ferriby in their final game of the season in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Skinner said later: “Returning to winning ways last Saturday was all part of the plan. We asked the lads to go out and play with a bit of freedom and to get back to the levels which we were capable of and to send the fans home happy. We achieved our goal – and now everybody will be really excited about Thursday night. There will be a big crowd inside the ground and the support will be fantastic – just like it was today against Ferriby – and we’ll be working hard on how we are going to tackle what will be a tough test – but nevertheless a winnable one.”

He continued: “Obviously I would like the boys to be able to go to St James Park for a final. However we’re certainly not getting ahead of ourselves and we’ll be taking things one step at a time because will Thursday night be easy? No. Will we try and tackle it with everything we’ve got? Yes – and hopefully on the night it will be good enough.”

The boss added that the Woodhorn Lane fans can play an integral part: “Our fans are always important,” he said, “They come and sing and shout and bang the drum and it’s great. The lads love it and long may it continue. To be honest, it’s a club where they need each other – the players need the fans and the fans need the players to show that they care on the pitch and I think when you get both, you get a real feel-good factor about the place. There was a little bit of that today (against North Ferriby) because we managed to get back into the groove. The fans sang their hearts out for the entirety and it leads to a good positive environment – so hopefully Thursday night can be a repeat of that.”

Kick-off is 7.30pm

On Saturday night, a special presentation was made to Brian “Scoop” Bennett who has reached the massive milestone of 50 years with Ashington AFC.

Brian started reporting for the Chronicle back in the 74/75 season in what turned out to be a 6-2 home defeat to Consett. This didn’t deter him from the role however and over the 50 year spell, he has seen three promotion seasons, two relegation seasons, four FA Cup runs which ended at the 4th Qualifying Round as well as two Northumberland Senior Cup titles. Could his 50th year also be the season in which he sees his third?

On receiving the award on Saturday evening, an overwhelmed Scoop could not thank the people of the club more for all the support they have given him (we still say he has given us more than we have given him) as well as paying a special tribute to his long suffering wife and son, Janet and Jonny who have had to endure all the ups and downs that come with being part of Ashington Football Club.

Brian also acknowledged that Vince Gledhill had been instrumental in securing his involvement here at Ashington. Back in 1975 he had asked Brian to come across to cover games for the local paper, but at the time Brian had recently started covering Bedlington Terriers (booooo!) for the local press. Vince, if you’re reading this Ashington AFC are forever in your debt!

Scoop, a massive thank you from us all!

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Connor Thomson claimed the award of top goalscorer when Ashington FC held their presentation evening in the function room at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday night.

And afterwards, the 28 year old – who is on loan from Morpeth Town – could not disguise his delight on several fronts.

Thomson bagged 17 goals, one more than fellow striker Wilson Kneeshaw to lift the award and he said afterwards: “It wasn’t something which I thought about when I joined Ashington but by the end, I had a good idea that I had finished top of the pile. Obviously I wanted to make an impact but to come away as top goalscorer in the time I have been with the club, I’m buzzing about it. I have only been here for six months so to get the award is unusual because some of the other lads have been for the whole of the season.”

Newcastle-born Thomson continued: “It was all about how quickly I gelled and how quickly I fitted into the team and straight away, I struck up a good partnership with Wilson (Kneeshaw). The benefits came from the rest of the lads where they were really putting the ball on a plate for me to put into the back of the net.”

He continued: “All of the players and the staff have been absolutely brilliant with me and consequently I’m absolutely loving my time here. From my point of view, it was all about scoring, assisting and helping the team but the journey which I’ve been on has been nothing short of incredible. We are all good mates – not just on the pitch but off it as well – and the environment in the changing rooms is great.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Wilson Kneeshaw struck at the double at Ashington FC’s presentation night on Saturday as he won the Management team’s Player of the Year and Goal of the season awards.

And afterwards the 29 year old striker paid tribute and couldn’t thank the management team of Ian Skinner, Andy Coyles and Ritchie Hill enough for giving him a ‘new lease of life’ at Woodhorn Lane.

Glancing back Kneeshaw said: “I was with Newcastle Independent – a club in the Northern Alliance League. I was with my friends who run – as well as play for – the club and I was turning out on a Saturday just to pass time to be honest. If they needed a player, I would help them out whenever I could other than that I had dropped out of football because I didn’t really want to play. However, Ashington manager Ian Skinner, his assistant Andy Coyles and coach Ritchie Hill gave me a new lease of life and I’ve got to give them all the credit for bringing me to the club and giving me an opportunity. I came to Woodhorn Lane late pre season and even had words with the boss after a few games at the start where I didn’t really play too well. It would probably have been easier for me to step away from it all as I was commuting three times a week from Darlington which is an hour and a half travel. However, I’m thankful to the trio that they’ve repaid me with the love that obviously I feel like I’ve given them to be honest. It’s just been pure respect to them this season from me and in the dressing room we have become such a close knit group. As I’ve grown into the club, the fans and the background staff have just made it such a welcoming place for me and I just feel so grateful. It’s been amazing and to get the management team’s Player of the Year is unbelievable.”

Of the superlative strike against Belper Town which clinched him the Goal of the season award, Kneeshaw chuckled: “It wasn’t captured on the veo! I remember we played really well that game and the score line could have been greater but I was just happy that I got the goal. I don’t get too stressed about awards – although it’s a pleasure that I’ve picked up two – and I’m a bit taken aback by it all to be honest. It’s not about me – it’s about the management team, the background staff and the fans and I just want to repay the staff for the loyalty they have given me.”

He went on: “I would love us be challenging and to win promotion and I want this team to really, really fight for it because I know that if we do that, the fans will fight and the background staff will fight even more than they are already doing – so next season is the push.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC defender Ben Williams picked up the Supporters Player of the Year award on Saturday night at the presentation ceremony – and reckons it will keep him motivated for next season!

Williams who was at Sunderland Academy, has found football in the non league pyramid to be a different kettle of fish but the 19 year old also spoke about how he had to patient before he forcing his way into the Ashington side: “Obviously it’s my first season at this level after being at Sunderland Academy and it’s a lot different,” he said on Saturday evening, “There are not as many people go to watch academy football so joining Ashington was a completely new experience. I wasn’t expecting to win anything but I reckon to get this award in my first season is a good achievement. I’m very happy that I’ve pleased the fans and obviously the management which was what I came here to do.”

Newcastle-born Williams – who was again outstanding at the heart of the Ashington defence in Saturday’s 2-0 win over North Ferriby – continued: “It wasn’t easy at the start – I had to wait a long time before I got my chance but I felt as though once I got into the side, I kept my shirt and won everyone over. I think I have had a good season and have done well which was my overall goal but to get the award on top of it is brilliant and will keep me motivated for next season. I just want to build on this season; build on what we can do and hopefully help to take this club as far as it can go.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Skipper Karl Ross was chosen as Ashington FC’s Players’ Player of the Year on Saturday night at the club’s presentation evening – and spoke of his delight.

Ross said afterwards: “Every award comes as a surprise because you don’t know about it – but I’m absolutely buzzing to be named as the Players’ Player of the Year. For me it’s probably the most important accolade as it’s your fellow players who vote for you. We are a tight knit group here – and it means so much to me.”

The 25 year old continued: “I’m delighted. I’ve been at the club for five years and feel as if I’ve had a good season.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC skipper Karl Ross has spoken about the influence which manager Ian Skinner has had on his career – as well as saying the rest of the squad at the Woodhorn Lane based outfit ‘love playing under him.’

On Saturday, the Colliers got the perfect pick-me-up tonic ahead of Thursday night’s semi final clash in the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup against Newcastle U21s with a 2-0 win over North Ferriby which brought them their first three points in April.

Skipper Ross said afterwards: “We’ve signed off our league games with a win and the lads are buzzing. Obviously the past few weeks haven’t been good enough by our standards – we couldn’t really buy a win – so to secure victory against a good side in North Ferriby is what we needed and with it being the boss’s last league game in charge, it’s what the occasion needed. Now we can look forward to the clash against Newcastle U21s on Thursday.”

Ross spoke from a personal level about Skinner’s enthusiasm and dedication to the position as manager of the Woodhorn Lane outfit: “I’ve been at the club for five years and have loved every minute of it,” he said, “Ian Skinner has been a big part of it so I can only thank him for what he has done for me. He’s brought me on as a player and obviously now as captain and a leader in the dressing room, I’m grateful to him for that and wish him all the best for the future.” Speaking on behalf of the players Ross added: “The lads buy into what Ian Skinner does. We play good football and he’s a good manager. He has got a wealth of knowledge that the lads thrive off – and we love playing under him.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Andrew Cartwright – drafted into the Ashington side for their Pitching In Northern Premier League clash against North Ferriby on Saturday – was on the score sheet as the Colliers chalked up a 2-0 victory as well as completing a seasons double over their opponents.

The win – Ashington’s first in six matches – was deserved against a good North Ferriby side whom the Wansbeck outfit had thumped 5-0 back in mid November.

However when Cartwright netted the opener in the 13^th minute, some supporters wondered if it was an intentional effort at goal or if it was a cross – only the Newcastle-born defender was emphatic with his answer when he said afterwards: “It was 100 per cent a shot! Anyone who views the footage of the highlights will see that the Ferriby ‘keeper (Tom Jackson) is miles off his line. I spotted that and I thought ‘why not?’ Wilson Kneeshaw did well to draw the ‘keeper to him who stays out of his net to try and block Wilson’s shot. Wilson just sets it back to me and I did the rest. After the ball had hit the back of the net, I was a little bit more than delighted!”

Meanwhile on a day which was Ian Skinner’s final league game in charge of Ashington, Cartwright said that what the boss has achieved in his five years at the club alongside chairman Brian Shotton will go down as being ‘really special.’

The 29 year old commented: “I think the work which Ian (Skinner) and Brian (Shotton) have done with this club is something really special. Ian is someone who is going to be remembered for a long time as the one who started the whole thing off as hopefully the club go through the leagues. He will be a massive miss – but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for him to go onto bigger and better things. I just think we have all been fortunate to be able to play under a good manager – but first and foremost, Ian is a lovely man.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner insisted that although he was ‘quite emotional’ at the final whistle after his side had completed a seasons double over North Ferriby on Saturday, that the key aspect was for the players to end their league campaign on a high and send the Woodhorn Lane fans home with a bounce in their step.

After taking charge of his final league game as boss of the Colliers in the Pitching In Northern Premier’s East Division, Skinner said: “I’m quite humble so it wasn’t about me today – albeit the little token at the end and the guard of honour and people staying behind to clap was quite emotional to be honest. Instead it was about a group of players who over the past few weeks haven’t performed to the levels of which they are capable of and for them to go out onto the park and finish the league campaign with a victory. The main message to the playing staff was ‘we haven’t given our fans too much to shout about at home in the last few weeks other than a good first half against Bridlington and we want them (the fans) to leave today the ground today with a win knowing that that will carry their enthusiasm and excitement over into next season. We wanted them to leave with smiles on their faces – and I thought we did that.”

He continued: “We were able to name a strong side today – I even had to leave three players out which was unheard of in the last six to eight weeks – but credit to the trio because they still did the warm up and were still part of it and were in the dressing room afterwards. To be honest that’s exactly what we wanted from them because those three lads who missed out today probably come back into the reckoning on Thursday (v Newcastle United U21s) because other players aren’t available. The three of them were disappointed today but they knew they still had another bite of the apple really.”
Skinner was delighted his outfit returned to form: “In terms of the game itself, I thought we got the ball down and moved it like we’ve done earlier in the season,” he added, “It was against a North Ferriby side who I’ve got a lot of time for – I like the way they play and they are a good side. Apart from that, I’m always comfortable and confident when we play against good sides because we tend to bring out our ‘A’ game – and I’m even more confident when I know a team are going to come and try and play football against us which I knew North Ferriby would. I thought that although they had little spells where they had the ball at the back and were trying to move it and get it out wide, we set nice traps to win it (the ball) back. We did that on numerous occasions in and around their mid third really and I thought we deservedly went 1-0 up in the game. However, we probably should have added a second goal earlier than we did particularly at the beginning of the second half when we started really, really brightly. We got into some good areas but our final pass just let us down at times or we didn’t take quite as much care as we should have done in and around the box. As the game wears on at 1-0, its always a sticky score line – but we got that second (goal) through Dan Maguire after a great piece of play by Wilson (Kneeshaw) to get to the by line and cut the ball back and it was a great finish.”

Skinner was pleased but thought more goals ‘could and should’ have been added: “We relaxed even more and we probably could and should have added to the two already,” he said, “However I was just delighted that the lads went out and played with a little bit of freedom and played to the levels which they are capable of and which we haven’t shown in recent games.”