By Brian Bennett

Morgan Dart says he is ‘excited’ about joining Ashington after signing on the dotted line last week.

The 22 year old said: “We have got some very good players and coaches here and I’m excited. I want to be playing at as high a level as I can and with better players so this will be a great step up for me.”

South Shields-born Dart came on as a substitute in the closing stages against North Ferriby on Saturday – and had a one on one chance within 30 seconds: “To be honest, I wasn’t expecting the ball to come through so soon,” he said, “Kyle Errington has clipped it; the defender has mishit it and I just went through. The ‘keeper has made a good save but we got a goal from the corner so that was the main thing.”

Dart had earlier looked on as Ashington ripped North Ferriby to shreds after the break – and reckons he hasn’t seen a better second half performance for a long time: “To come here and play as well as we did against a team who are challenging for the play offs was unbelievable – it was a great win.” he added.

Ashington boss Ian Skinner said: “Morgan is a player who came to our attention through one or two people within the game that we trust in terms of their opinion after they’ve seen and watched him. They’ve monitored him for us over a number of weeks and they said it was time to have a look at him. We put seven days in for Morgan then brought him in and he trained really well. Obviously numbers wise we were short at North Ferriby today and were keen to get him on the pitch. It’s an ideal opportunity to get a new player onto the pitch when you are 4-0 up in a game and he went clean through with his first touch and did everything right to be fair to him. He cut across the defender, squared the goalkeeper up then tried to put the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs who got the faintest of touches with his heel and it’s gone behind for a corner. What a start that would have been!”

Skinner concluded: “Morgan is a livewire and adds more pace to the team. He’s a willing runner and I think he’ll be good for us – and we’re looking forward to working with him and watch him flourish.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC’s teenage defender Ben Williams believes he has fitted ‘quite comfortably’ into the Ashington set up – thanks to his team mates!

The 19 year old has put in some sterling performances over the past few games after coming into the side and he said: “I think I’ve slotted in quite comfortably. The lads around me have all helped and I’m really loving my football.”

The Newcastle-born defender was happy with his own performance on Saturday as Ashington crushed North Ferriby 5-0: “I thought everything which I did today was solid,” he added, “I block tackled everything which came my way so I was very pleased with how I performed.”

Williams looked on as the Colliers hit all five goals in the second half against an outfit that are in a play off position: “I have played in a few games in my time but not many like this one,” he said.

Bedlington-based Williams says the Ashington forwards play an integral part: “It’s such a relief when you see our strikers always making those runs – or you can find others in-between,” he commented, “It makes things so much easier for us to play out from the back.”

By Brian Bennett

Wilson Kneeshaw took his goals tally for the season to eight after scoring a brace on Saturday as Ashington claimed a convincing 5-0 victory over a shell shocked North Ferriby side in their Pitching in Northern Premier League East Division clash.

And afterwards, the 29 year old said: “It was a great performance. Credit to North Ferriby because I thought they also played football which really aided the game. First half it was 50-50 – they had chances and we had chances – but we just weren’t quite as sharp as we have been recently in and around the box. To be fair the coaches said at half time that we would get those chances – and in the second half we just steamrolled them (North Ferriby). We quelled all of their chances and continually created ones for ourselves. We knew we were going to be in a game but the coaching staff prepared us well and I don’t think anyone put a foot wrong.”

The home side struggled to cope with Ashington’s pace particularly from Kneeshaw and the Darlington-born striker – who is an artist – added: “I travel to training with our assistant manager Andy Coyles and coach Ritchie Hill and we’ve been talking about our side having so much pace,” he added, “Up front apart from pace, we can also play as well which really confuses defenders. However, all of the lads have done really well by playing the balls at the right times – and long may it continue.”

After the sides had drawn a blank in the first half, Kneeshaw quickly broke the deadlock and added a second minutes later: “I was really happy that I could help the team and put us in front,” he said, “For the second goal it was a great ball by Dan Maguire which put me through one on one with the ‘keeper. To be honest I tried to touch the ball around him (the ‘keeper) but then I saw it was going to roll into the goal and when it did, I celebrated with the fans.”

Meanwhile Max Emmerson, who was introduced as a substitute for injured skipper Karl Ross earned a massive pat on the back from Kneeshaw: “I thought Max was fantastic,” he added, “He came on and really grabbed his opportunity. I thought he was solid in midfield and did everything you could want.” Kneeshaw concluded: “We are all working for each other; our team spirit is fantastic and defensively and offensively we are doing so well at the minute.”

By Brian Bennett

In many ways, Ashington’s 5-0 demolition over North Ferriby on Saturday was reminiscent of their majestic performance against Glossop North End in the Inter Step play off victory which earned them promotion to the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Also at the end of April, the volume which the travelling band of supporters generated down in Derbyshire was unbelievable – and the fifty or more fans that made the trip down to North Ferriby gave their side noisy backing throughout the 90 minutes.

In reply, the players gave the supporters plenty to shout about especially in the second half. After a goalless first period, Wilson Kneeshaw and Conor Thompson both netted twice and in the closing stages Craig Spooner also got his name on the score sheet.

Ashington manager Ian Skinner was obviously jubilant with the crushing win but when he emerged from the dressing room, he immediately deflected all of the praise onto his players: “Listen, the boys deserve all of the credit,” said the boss, “we are on this run of form whereby everybody is buying into what we are trying to do and everybody is together. When we’re on our game, it’ll take a lot to beat us – but we just need to make sure that we’re ‘on it’ week in week out because it’s a tough league. However, little tiny things really please me and late in the second half we may have been 3-0 up at the time when their number ten (Josh Whitley) – who I thought was excellent – went clean through. Our ‘keeper Karl Dryden has come rushing out; the number ten has gone around Karl but Kyle Errington has busted a gut to get back and block the ball on the line. Five or six players of our lads have then run over and patted Kyle on the back – and that’s what this group of players are about.”

He continued: “We only trained once during the week due to the amount of injuries we had plus unavailability and we travelled down today knowing that it was going to be a good footballing game. Hats off to North Ferriby who try and play similar to us and I think that showed in the first half because it was pretty even if the truth be known. We had a great chance very early in the game where Conor Thomson has gone clean through and the ‘keeper (Jordan Douglas) has done really well to save. North Ferriby had a couple of chances and I remember one lad has skipped past one or two challenges and gone around Karl (Dryden) but we’ve blocked it on the line.”

He added: “At half time we got in and said to the players that we couldn’t ask for much more really in terms of the performance and we always thought we would be a threat going forward because of the pace and power which we had. I thought we started the second half really brightly. There were a couple of good quick incisive passing moves and we managed to get runners in behind – and we scored within two minutes of the restart. Then when we get in front, this group of players are really difficult to play against because they know that the opposition have to come out and try and have a go at us. When teams do that, it leaves space for us and with our forward players, we know we will hurt anybody – and today we’ve been clinical and got through the back line maybes up to six times and ended up scoring five goals. The other pleasing side of that was how when we were even 4-0 up, the lads were still throwing their bodies in the way and defending the box manfully. I’m delighted because they are an unbelievable group of players who I enjoy spending time with and they can achieve whatever they want to achieve – only I don’t tell them that very often because if I did they may take their eyes off the ball. At times we are our own worst enemy – and that’s why we always keep on their backs to be the best they can be.”

He went on: “We lost Karl Ross late in the first half and I keep saying that injuries are part and parcel of the game but we travelled down today without eight players – hence why we could only name three substitutes including Morgan Dart, a young lad who we have signed. In the last two weeks, when the players are on their game and ‘at it’ – we are as good a side as anybody in this division.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC defender Si Jakab lauded his team mates with praise following their 4-0 victory over Nottinghamshire-based opponents Carlton Town on Saturday.

The Colliers went through an unprecedented first half where despite holding a 2-0 lead, they sustained a succession of injuries which forced them to use their maximum allocation of three substitutes with almost an hour of the game remaining: “It’s always difficult when you get injuries early in the game but there were three in a row within ten minutes,” said Jakab, who is based in Sunderland, “On the pitch, you keep swapping positions and changing formation and it’s not easy to adapt to it. However I thought we did fantastically well and the subs that came on did themselves proud because sometimes it’s difficult to get into a game especially early on but credit to them and the whole squad.”

Jakab – who was born in Budapest in Hungary – believed that despite the changes, Ashington were comfortable: “Carlton posed some threats but as a back four – or a back five when we needed to depending on injuries – I thought we dealt with everything and having the midfield lads in front of us made us a bit more comfortable at the back,” he said. The 23 year old is enjoying his football with the Colliers and took time out to appreciate the whole set up at Woodhorn Lane: “It’s difficult to get into a team where you have got good people on and off the pitch,” he said, “But absolute credit to the management – they have put things together really well. I love it here – whether it’s at training; being in the changing rooms or spending time after the games. I feel we’ve got a squad who on our day can beat anyone because we stick together.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Karl Ross – honoured to lead the Ashington side out in the absence of injured skipper Nathan Buddle – thought the Colliers were tremendous as they blew away visitors Carlton Town at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday after a convincing 4-0 victory.

The 25 year old said afterwards: “Obviously it was a big occasion with it being Remembrance Day. We started well and went 2-0 up then the injuries started to hit us towards the middle of the half – and it did disrupt us. If they (Carlton) had got one back, 2-1 is a tricky score line and it could have turned into a difficult game. However, the third goal shortly after half time calmed all our nerves and the result was never in doubt. We just dominated – and I thought the lads were tremendous today.”

Cramlington-based Ross believes Ashington – who were promoted from the Ebac Northern League’s first division at the end of last season to the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division – are ‘finding their feet’ following the step up: “Adapting to a new league takes time,” he said, “We are coming up against a different type of football but in the last few games we have started to find our feet and are coming on strong.” Ross is delighted to wear the captain’s armband for his home town club: “It’s my fifth year here and I love it,” he added, “We’ve got a great dressing room and whilst Nathan (Buddle) is out, it’s a great honour to lead the lads out in my role as vice skipper.”

By Brian Bennett

A delighted Ian Skinner emerged from a happy Ashington dressing room on Saturday night after his outfit had demolished Carlton Town by a 4-0 score line at Woodhorn Lane.

And the boss – who labelled his sides display as being ‘magnificent’ – added that the performance was one of the best of the season.

Skinner’s team were rampant from the off and sailed into an early two goals lead through Connor Thomson and Dan Maguire. At the start of the second period, substitute Oli Thompson and Connor Thomson were both on target and the Colliers should have added more to their tally.

“The lads deserve full credit – each and every one of them including the couple of lads who didn’t get onto the pitch today,” said Skinner afterwards, “We knew beforehand that it was going to be a tough game. However, from the information we had gathered on Carlton, we had a plan which we thought could cause them some problems – and all credit to the players who I just thought were ‘at it’ and brilliant from the first whistle. We talked about how we have made a couple of long journeys this season including last week when we went down to Grantham and how difficult it can be regardless of how early you arrive at the ground and how vigorous the warm up is to get the journey out of your system. So we spoke about being at home; being on the front foot; starting really positively and playing at pace – and I think we did all of those things and raced into a 2-0 lead, with two very good goals to be honest.”

Skinner then bumped into an unusual on-field situation – one which he reckons he has never had to face before: “There was a crazy little period in the game where we lost three players to injury,” he added, “I’ve lost a left centre back (Darren Lough) and a left back (Jordan Summerly) so we’ve had to shuffle the pack then one of the subs we brought on (Cam Gascoigne) has also gone off injured and I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a game where I’ve had to make three substitutions in the first half hour. But again credit to the lads because it meant two or three reshuffles and slight tweaks to how we had originally lined up and I thought we dominated the game if the truth be known. Carlton had a couple of threats from set plays; long throws; a couple of corners and free-kicks where our ‘keeper Karl Dryden has either claimed the ball or we have defended the box really well but I thought we looked a constant threat on the break.”

He continued: “To be honest, it was nice to get in at half time so we could just settle on a few things and get some real clarity into what shape we were playing. We managed to do that and we talked about looking to keep the ball and make them (Carlton) have to chase and come towards us. We thought we could really hurt them on the counter attack – and we scored two brilliant counter-attacking goals at the start of the second half. Carlton just couldn’t cope with the pace; the movement and the power we had up front today. We’ve won 4-0 and scored four very good goals and should had a few more but listen, the players were magnificent – every single one of them. I think it’s up there as being one of our best performances of the season and I told the lads in the dressing room to go and enjoy the rest of the weekend because they deserve it.”

On Saturday (November 18), Ashington go to North Ferriby and Skinner concluded: “They are a good footballing side – so it should be a cracking game.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner spoke of his frustration and disappointment after his side drew 2-2 against Grantham Town on Saturday.

The boss said: “My initial reaction is one of frustration and disappointment if I’m honest. I thought we started the game really bright and really quick. We moved the ball really well and could have scored in the opening minute then we got a penalty on five minutes to go 1-0 up. I’ll watch the veo recording back but I don’t think Grantham touched the ball many times in the opening five minutes prior to that goal and I thought we were really going to be ‘at it’ today. However sometimes we’ve got this little knack whereby if things are working really well for us, we start and over complicate matters. We try and make it more difficult for ourselves – and we allowed Grantham to come back into the game a little bit.”

He continued: “There were two teams on the park today with contrasting styles but there’s more than one way to play football. In Sam Muggleton, Grantham had a very potent weapon in their side. His long throws from the half way line were reaching the back post but I thought first half we defended it really, really well. We had a massive chance to go 2-0 up with again a fantastic move and fantastic football, Wilson Kneeshaw got in down the side and cut it (the ball) back to Connor Thomson six yards out and he just had to put the ball in the net. I don’t know if Connor has tried to hit it too hard but he’s put it over the bar and I think if we’d scored that would have been game over. We came in holding a 1-0 lead and if I had been in the opposition dugout, I would have been delighted to get in only a single goal behind.”

He went on: “Second half we started super bright and within the first minute we put together a great move. Connor Thomson got in behind and Wilson Kneeshaw has played it to Craig Spooner who cuts inside and hits the post. The goalkeeper is looking to see if the ball has gone in the net and it lands in his hands! If we score to go 2-0 up, I think we make it a comfortable afternoon. Then we concede from a long throw – albeit we’ve defended them really, really well. Jordan Summerly has chested the ball at the back post – I’m not sure what else he could have done – then turned into their player who has smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-1. But what a reaction as we scored direct from kick off. It was another good move featuring good passing out wide, a cross into the box and they (Grantham) have turned the ball into their own net although we had two or three players waiting to tap it in.”

He added: “Grantham’s threat was set plays and throw ins and again I just thought we could have been a little bit better with the ball. We put one and two passes together but I thought we went too long too early at times. Albeit we were having a little bit of joy with the ball in behind because of the pace we had upfront. Then the game changes a little bit on a tackle on the edge of the box and I’m not sure for me if it was a red. That was my initial reaction but it’s a challenge which Paul Van-Zandvliet didn’t need to make. Having said that, it was a tackle that was no different to two or three other challenges in the game.”

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Skinner applauded the efforts from his players: “I was disappointed with the second goal we conceded because we haven’t cleared our lines on the edge of the box,” he said, “but despite being down to ten (players) we went for it. I left two up top because I thought if we could continue to string passes together we would cause them all sorts of problems – and we did. To be fair there were a couple of little scrambles in the box but if you had walked into the stadium and been told one side were playing with ten men, you wouldn’t have picked us. In injury time we probably had two or three good half chances, so on reflection it was quite an eventful afternoon. Some of our play today was excellent where we have created chances but missed them at the crucial time to go 2-0 up. We hit the post which would probably have killed the game off but I’ve got to give the lads great credit for the resilience which they showed after Paul Van-Zandvliet had been sent off. I would have hated to be in our back four today to be honest having to deal with the long throws for 90 minutes but the lads defended manfully except for two little lapses in concentration with half mistakes which have cost us goals.”

He concluded: “Nevertheless the result keeps our little unbeaten run going which is good. We’ll train twice this week and look towards a tough game on Saturday at home against Carlton Town who are doing really well.”

Ashington AFC is delighted to announce some recent changes implemented in our club management. 

Drew Tinsley and David Fish will be joining Ashington FC’s board, contributing and volunteering their time and expertise to our continued growth, both on and off the field.

Drew, with a professional background in construction and experience leading a large, successful engineering business unit, currently resides in the United Arab Emirates. David is an experienced finance professional, having worked in this area and beyond during his career.

Our Chairman, Brian Shotton “We reached out to Drew and David earlier in the year, knowing of their love for the club, the town, and the interest they have shown over the years. Drew brings a fresh perspective with his experience gained in his career and his connections both inside and outside of the North East. David, an experienced finance professional, will be key to ensuring our decision making is calculated and sustainable. Their areas of focus will be strategizing interest in the club, supporting investment, and making ground improvements, in addition to our charitable efforts in the community.”

Drew added, “I am honoured to accept my appointment as a board member of Ashington Football Club, a team that holds a special place in my heart as my hometown football club. This opportunity has been under discussion between the club and myself for some time, and I am pleased to transition from a lifelong supporter to a more active role within the club. For those who know me and my passion for football and all things Ashington, it’s no surprise that this decision was an easy one to make. My love for Ashington, in all its aspects, runs deep. Our town boasts a remarkable sporting legacy, a narrative that I firmly believe ranks among the most inspiring stories in sport. From legends like Newcastle’s Jackie Milburn to the World Cup-winning Charlton brothers with their record-breaking achievements playing for England, Leeds, and Manchester United, to our more recent Ashes and Cricket World Cup champions, Ashington has consistently been home to many sports heroes.”

He continued “I am committed to contributing to the impressive work achieved by the club since Brian’s appointment as Chairman in 2018. Together, with the support of our community and fans, we will continue to build a more robust and sustainable future for our beloved football club. This is an exciting journey, and I’m both ready and eager to play my part in carrying on Ashington’s proud legacy.”

David added “The club has come a long way both on and off the pitch since Brian’s appointment in 2018 and I am looking forward to supporting and contributing towards the future development of the Club.”

If you feel you can contribute your skills or profession to the club, we would welcome further assistance, particularly in the commercial sales and marketing sectors, to assist in growing the club’s revenue. Contact brian.shotton@ashingtonafc.com if you feel you can help us on our journey.

By Brian Bennett

On the upstairs wall inside the clubhouse at Ashington Football Club, a mural depicting three all time greats from the area – Jackie Milburn, Jackie Charlton and his brother Sir Bobby Charlton – is prominently displayed.

After hearing of the passing of Sir Bobby, Ashington chairman Brian Shotton opened the doors at Woodhorn Lane and stood poignantly viewing the mural.

“Three years ago when we had the mural installed, one of them (Jackie Milburn) had already passed,” said Brian “Now sadly, all three have left us – but the mural will serve as a lasting legacy and I’m proud to acknowledge that we do pay tribute to ‘football icons’ at this football club.”

Ahead of Ashington’s clash against Pontefract Collieries on Saturday, a book of condolence was opened for Sir Bobby; a minute’s applause was held before kick-off and apart from asking supporters to wear something red, the Ashington team played in red tops.

Secretary and programme editor Gav Perry collated a superb Sir Bobby tribute programme with a cover photo of the great man himself kicking a football in the back streets of Ashington whilst their were tributes from Brian Shotton, manager Ian Skinner and former England and Durham cricketer Steve Harmison.

“Sir Bobby was from Ashington and everyone knows the area which we live in,” added Brian, “Even though I never actually met him (Sir Bobby), it was an emotional week. On Sunday we discussed a few things including how we were going to pay tribute to Sir Bobby and to be fair it was an idea by Ian Skinner that we should change our strips. Then we had to try and get our hands on a red kit so it was all hands to the pump to get things sorted out in time for the game.”

Brian said the week in general had been a busy one: “Personally I’ve just taken on a new job and have been training which is my priority but I had a lot of work to do with the football club especially in the evenings,” he said, “My wife Nicola knows how much time I spent last week – not just for Sir Bobby but generally on the club itself as we find our feet in a new league.”

Ashington won Saturday’s contest 2-1 but Brian said: “I didn’t see a lot of the game to be honest and I missed our second goal because there is always a lot going on off the pitch. However from the bit of action which I did see, Pontefract are clearly a good outfit and there was nothing between the sides. It looked like it was a blood and thunder game of football which is what people like to see and it was a good win for us.”