By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington’s newly signed goalkeeper Matty Alexander has said that the lure of stepping up to test himself at a higher level was one of the main reasons behind his decision to sign for the Woodhorn Lane based outfit.

The 23 year-old put pen to paper last week – and shortly afterwards paid a glowing tribute to his former club Alnwick Town.

“I’m buzzing to be here,” said the Newcastle-born stopper, “I spoke to manager Nick (Gray) and his assistant Liam McIvor a few times and what they are trying to build here sounds good to me. I’ve also heard good things about the club and I can’t wait to get started.”

Alexander – who is based in Cramlington – had a four-year spell with Bolton Wanderers as he recalls: “I went down there to do my apprenticeship when I was 16 years old. I got to make two appearances for the first team, with my league debut coming in the home clash against Coventry in front of just under 10,000 supporters. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for me but nevertheless I have got some great memories.”

For the past three years, the ‘keeper – who stands at 6’ 3” tall – has been between the posts for Alnwick Town and he said: “It’s been great and I can only say good things about them because they are just a brilliant club all round. However, with no disrespect to them, it’s a step up at Ashington and I want to test myself and see how I perform.”

Manager Nick Gray – who has known the stopper since he played for Newcastle City Juniors – said: “Matty has been on my radar for at least two or three years. He’s a good lad, a good size for a keeper, a good age and he’s got great potential. He lives locally and is keen to learn and progress. I’m pleased we have got the signing over the line because there has been a lot of clubs interested in him for a long time. He’s been very loyal to Alnwick Town and we are fortunate to get him.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Duncan Gilchrist

Ashington manager Nick Gray announced a new signing at the weekend.

The Woodhorn Lane boss has brought in Tom Read as goalkeeping coach and is delighted to get him on board: “I’m over the moon,” said Gray, “I think every club at our level has a minimum of four backroom staff. When I came in as manager last year there was only my assistant Liam McIvor and myself and it was a massive challenge for us both. Consequently, I was asking substitutes to warm up the goalkeeper before matches which shouldn’t happen so I see Tom as being a key signing and I’m very happy. Tom has experience with clubs higher up and he’s as keen as mustard.”

Read – born in Wordsley in the West Midlands – is based in Whitley Bay and he said: “I’m looking forward to it. I know Nick and his ambition for the club and I want to bring my experience and my love for the game to Ashington. I have been to Woodhorn Lane and was really impressed with it.”

The 31 year-old is a full time football coach for i2i International Soccer Academy and also works four days a year for the Football Association where he is lead goalkeeping coach for the North on the regional emerging talent programme.

He has also been at West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City and worked with the women’s teams at both clubs.

Read recalls one distinct highlight at West Brom: “I got the chance to work with Ben Foster and Tomasz Kusczak on a testimonial match for Chris Brunt and James Morrison and was goalkeeping coach that day at the Hawthorns which was great,” he said.

Read has also served at Telford United and Blyth Spartans and last year was with the Newcastle United women’s set up.

Ashington Football Club is excited to partner with QTS, one of the world’s leaders in global digital infrastructure. Through this partnership QTS will provide invaluable support to our club, particularly in enhancing our positive reach for the benefit of the local community. The generous backing from QTS, along with the outstanding fundraising efforts from our supporters, has further solidified Ashington’s future, considering the longstanding commitment from our existing sponsors. This partnership will significantly boost our ability to contribute positively to the community.

During the 2024/25 season, we launched the “Build The Budget” campaign, which saw incredible support from our fans, local businesses, and personal but generous contributions from members of the club’s board. These efforts were crucial in keeping the team on the pitch and in the Northern Premier League this season. This new partnership with QTS gets us off to a good start in our fundraising for next season, ensuring that we can continue to build on our successes and make a positive impact on the community.

Our Chair, Nicola Sanders-Cooper, remarked, “We are thrilled to have QTS on board as a sponsor. Their support, combined with the dedication of our supporters, local businesses, volunteers, and board members, has been instrumental in adding to the future of Ashington Football Club. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance our facilities and make a positive impact on the community.”

QTS is involved in the redevelopment of the former Power Station site at neighbouring Cambois into a new data centre campus, further demonstrating their commitment to the region. QTS is dedicated to serving communities and we are proud that they have chose to call ours, home!

 “Our partnership with Ashington represents our commitment to supporting the communities in which we live, work and operate in,” said David Murray, Senior Vice President of Community Impact, QTS. “We believe in the power of the football club to connect the community, bring people together to achieve great things, and we are excited to be part of this journey. Together, we are excited about the future both on and off the field.”

Thank you to QTS for their kind support this season, we looked forward to working with their team to make a real impact as a non-profit football club and community hub. Together, we are building a brighter future for Ashington Football Club and our local area.

The FA have today confirmed the round dates for FA Competitions for the 2025/26 season.

The Emirates FA Cup will commence with the Extra Preliminary Round Qualifying on Saturday 2nd August, with the subsequent rounds of the qualifying stage being:

Preliminary Round Qualifying – Saturday 16th August 2025

First Round Qualifying – Saturday 30th August 2025

Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 13th September 2025

Third Round Qualifying – Saturday 27th September 2025

Fourth Round Qualifying – Saturday 11th October 2025

The Buildbase FA Trophy will commence with the Preliminary Round Qualifying on Saturday 23rd August, with the subsequent rounds being played as follows:

First Round Qualifying – Saturday 6th September 2025

Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 20th September 2025

Third Round Qualifying – Saturday 4th October 2025

First Round Proper – Saturday 25th October 2025

Second Round Proper – Saturday 15th November 2025

Third Round Proper – Saturday 13th December 2025

Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 10th January 2026

Fifth Round Proper – Saturday 31st January 2026

Sixth Round Proper – Saturday 28th February 2026

Semi Final – Saturday 28th March 2026

Final – Saturday 17th May 2026

The FA are expected to release the draws for the first two rounds of each competition on Friday 4th July 2025.

Ashington AFC are delighted to announce that we have been successful in securing a funding award from the Premier League Stadium Fund which will enable us to upgrade the floodlights at Woodhorn Lane. Our existing system is currently 17 years old meaning that the ongoing running and maintenance costs are constantly increasing. The installation of a new LED lighting system will reduce our ongoing expenditure significantly.

As part of the grant award, we would also like to thank the Ashington Leisure Partnership who have kindly contributed to the costs of the project.

On receiving the confirmation of the grant award, Nicola Sanders-Cooper, Chair of Ashington AFC said: “We are always exploring how we can improve the facilities and matchday experience at Woodhorn Lane and this is a major step forward for us. The installation of new LED floodlights will not only enhance our facilities and matchday experience but will support the club to be as sustainable as possible for the future.

We are now working with our preferred supplier and aim to begin the works during June.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Nick Gray has asked supporters of the Woodhorn based outfit to be patient ahead of the 2025/26 season.

After fighting the threat of relegation for much of last season’s campaign, the Colliers will again compete in the Pitching In Northern Premier League’s East Division after survival was confirmed just before the end of April.

Gray is no different from the majority of managers as he looks to bring fresh blood into the group – but he has asked for patience.

Karl Ross – Ashington’s skipper and longest serving player – signed an extension to his contract during last term and Josh Gilchrist – who scooped the Players Player of the season, Manager’s player of the season and top goalscorer award recently – put pen to paper on a contract last week.

“I know from a supporter’s point of view that things have been quiet over the past few weeks but I am working diligently behind the scenes to add to the squad,” said Gray, “The fact that you cannot sign non-contract players until after the League’s AGM is the main reason why we haven’t been able to announce newcomers and in my opinion, I reckon the only reason why other clubs are doing this is because they are fearful of other teams swooping in and taking that player.”

He continued: “I can assure the fans that new signings will be announced in due course. We have shook hands with a few lads as well as some of the existing players and they are all chomping at the bit. However, if potential newcomers change their minds and decide to go elsewhere, whilst it may be disappointing, for me you don’t want those type of players playing for you if they can’t stick by their word. I described last season as being my most challenging as a manager – and things continue to get more difficult.”

New clubs to the East Division this coming season include Silsden, Redcar Athletic, Lincoln United, Hallam and Matlock Town plus local rivals Blyth Town and Blyth Spartans.

Cleethorpes and Stocksbridge Park Steels won promotion to the NPL Premier whilst Carlton Town and Belper Town have been laterally moved to the Midlands Division.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Josh Gilchrist signed a contract with Ashington last week and said he ‘feels at home’ with the Wansbeck outfit.

When manager Nick Gray brought Gilchrist to the club during the season, the midfielder or striker admitted that he had a point to prove and offered to play for the first few weeks for nothing.

But things went up a couple of notches for the 22-year-old who plundered 16 goals to finish as top goalscorer and was also voted as Players’ Player and manager’s player of the season.

“I’m delighted and happy to sign for another year,” said Newcastle-born Gilchrist, “Personally I thought I had a good season and really enjoyed it although obviously as a team we didn’t do as well as we would have liked. I feel at home at Ashington – that’s what has kept me here. The lads, Nick (Gray) and assistant manager Liam McIvor, the staff and the fans were major factors and when I feel at home that’s when I play my best football.”

Gilchrist, who is based at Wallsend – continued: “I had a little bit of interest from a few different clubs, but I felt I owed it to Nick and Liam to try and push on and maybes create something which we didn’t quite have last season like pushing for the play offs or a good run in the cups. I certainly think as a team we have got a lot more to give and after a few conversations with Nick, I knew I wanted to stay here.”

As he glanced back to last season, Gilchrist said: “I had a point to prove. I didn’t quite get the game time I wanted at Dunston and it was important for me to come in and to play some games. However, the past has gone and it’s all about what happens from now – that’s the most important thing. When the news broke last week about me signing, it was good to see some nice comments and words from people on social media – I was happy about that – and I’m already looking forward to next season.”

Nick Gray said: “I’m really delighted to get Josh onboard. He had a great season last year and he’s now started to flourish into the good player he is. He had a lot of offers in the summer – if I’m honest a few more financially better than from us – but that just shows the lad’s commitment and what he thinks about the club. The easiest thing for him would have been to go to the highest bidder and he certainly hasn’t done that. He deservedly won the trophies which he got last season and finished on a high.”

Ahead of the new season, here is a little bit of information about the seven clubs who will be joining the Northern Premier League – East Division for 2025/26.

As the season approaches, we will also look to produce a ground guide which will have useful information on all 21 grounds we will visit in the league.

Following back to back relegations from the National League North to the Northern Premier League – East Division, Ashington will face Blyth Spartans in league competition for the first time since the 1983/84 season. In that season, Blyth Spartans won the Northern League Division 1 (but did not take promotion), whilst Ashington finished in 17th place and were relegated to the Northern League Division 2.

The most recent competitive match between the sides was in the Northumberland Senior Cup in the 2014/15 season at Croft Park. Blyth Spartans progressed in the competition with a 3-0 win. Ashington’s last competitive win against Blyth Spartans came in the 2009/10 Northumberland Senior Cup Semi Final at Woodhorn Lane. A 3-2 win with goals from Dunn, Johnson and Blandford secured the Colliers place in the Final at St James Park, however, it wasn’t to be in the final, with a 2-0 defeat to Whitley Bay the outcome.

In contract to Blyth Spartans, Blyth Town have made it to the Northern Premier League – East Division with back to back promotions. Having won the Northern League Division 2 in 2023/24 they finished 5th in the First Division in 2024/25 and had to battle through the play-offs. First of all, a trip to Shildon where Dan Wilson gave Blyth a lead before an own goal from Aaron Cunningham put them two ahead. A goal in the last quarter of an hour from Luke Spaulding wasn’t enough for Shildon to get back into the match. In the play off final, a trip to Newcastle Blue Star awaited. After trailing for much of the second half Dan Wilson converted a penalty in the 89th minute to take the game to penalties. A 4-2 win saw our close neighbours progress to Step 4 football.

We’ve never met Hallam FC competitively before, however, they have a significant history behind them. Playing their games at Sandygate (in Sheffield) which is recognised as “The Oldest Football Ground in the World”. Hallam first entered the FA Cup in the 1950/51 season, and their furthest progression in the competition was to the 3rd qualifying round in 1957/58, a game which say Norton Woodseats win at home 4-1. Hallam have only competed in the FA Trophy on one occasion in 1974/75 where they lost their preliminary round tie 2-1 at home to Worksop Town.

Lincoln United have played in the United Counties League Premier North division for the last two seasons. Finishing 2nd in 2023/24 and missing out in the play-offs (losing their Semi-Final tie against Skegness Town) before being promoted as Champions in 2024/25. Before these seasons, Lincoln were actually part of the Northern Premier League – East Division, but finishing in 18th place in 2022/23 saw them relegated back to Step 5 football. We’ve not met competitively with Lincoln United previously, so we look forward to visiting Ashby Avenue and also welcoming them to Woodhorn Lane this year.

Matlock Town join us like Blyth Spartans having been relegated from the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League, a position in the pyramid they had held since the 2004/05 season. After finishing 4th and 5th in 2021/22 and 2022/23 respectively, their fortunes turned, finishing 15th in 2023/24 and then 19th in 2024/25. Matlock Town are another club who we have not met competitively before. In their FA Cup history, they have been as far as the 3rd Round Proper (in 1976/77) where a 5-1 defeat at Carlisle United meant they missed out on a trip to Anfield to play Liverpool in the 4th Round. More recently, like ourselves, Matlock have reached the 4th Qualifying Round (in 2016/17) where they lost to Altrincham.

Redcar Athletic changed their name from Teesside Athletic in 2010 and competed in the Wearside League for eight seasons. In 2024/25 the won the Northern League Division 1 by a six point margin to be promoted as Champions. Ashington played Redcar Athletic four times between 2021/22 and 2022/23 (in the league), losing the very first meeting (3-1 at Woodhorn Lane) before doing the double over them in the second season. The second meeting of the clubs is one that will live long in the memories of those there on the evening. Trailing 1-0 at half time, Ian Skinner’s second half triple substitution including Jordan Lashley coming on for Luke Salmon. Jorden went on to score all four goals for the Colliers (69′, 81′, 88′ and 90+2′) to secure the 4-1 win and three points.

Silsden AFC were formed in 1904 and currently play at The Office Interiors Stadium in Keighley. They’ve played in the North West Counties League – Premier Division since 2018/19 and were promoted as Champions at the end of the 2024/25 season. Whilst again, Ashington have not played competitively against Silsden, come of our fellow North East clubs have faced them in FA Cup and FA Vase ties, most recently in 2023/24 they beat Newcastle Blue Star, Billingham Synthonia, Redcar Athletic and Newcastle University on their way to the 4th round of the FA Vase, where they eventually fell at the hands of Hallam FC.

So, now we know who the newcomers are to the division, here is the map of all 22 teams in the Northern Premier League – East Division for the 2025/26 season.

By Brian Bennett

Mourners said a fond farewell to former Sunderland AFC footballer Cecil Irwin last week.

The Ellington-born defender passed away last month at the age of 83 and the chapel at the Northumberland Woodland Burial & Crematorium at Felton was full to capacity when a service to remember and celebrate his life was held on Friday.

When Irwin made his debut against Ipswich Town in 1958, he was only 16 years and 166 days old and became the youngest ever to play for the Wearsiders. He is now the fourth youngest.

A right back, he went on to make over 350 appearances for the club and in 2023 was inducted into their Hall of Fame

After his playing career, Cecil moved to Yeovil Town where he was player manager before he came back home and took over a similar role at Ashington FC.

He returned to the Colliers as manager on another two occasions and in the 2000/01 season, led the club to promotion to the first division of the Northern League. Cecil’s team went up as champions after a memorable night when they beat Alnwick Town 1-0 with the goal scored by his nephew Marc Irwin.

Former Colliers chairman Ronnie Routledge who was a goalkeeper with Sunderland then Bradford, recalls that he provided the transport to take Cecil to Sunderland in those early years: “I took him to the club for training when he was only 16,” said Routledge, who lives in Ashington and is now 87 years old, “He was a nice lad and I had a lot of time for him.”

Alf Marchetti was on the committee during the days when the club played at its former home at Portland Park when Cecil came in as manager. He said: “Cecil was a lovely bloke. He was good to work with, was very approachable and you could ask him anything.”

Stephen Williams was handed his first team debut at Ashington by Cecil and recalls: “I played for the reserves and then I got a call up on a Wednesday night to play at West Auckland – and that was my debut. Cecil was player/managerand I think we won the game. We were also the victors in a pre-season tournament at The Stanks at Berwick when I’m pretty sure that Cecil played for us.”

Williams, who will be 69 in a couple of weeks’ time, added: “Cecil was very, very honest and very likeable. He was great with the younger lads, was very humble and was just a very nice person. Even when you saw him on the street or in the newsagent’s shop in Ashington which he ran with his wife Margaret, he always had time for a chat. There was no edge about him and he was really bothered about the community.”

In their final game of the season just ended away to Bradford Park Avenue, the players of Ashington FC wore black armbands and a minutes’ applause was held before kick-off as a tribute to Cecil Irwin – who was a true legend.

By Brian Bennett

Manager Nick Gray spoke highly about Josh Gilchrist and Karl Ross who picked up the awards at Ashington Football Club’s presentation evening which was held in the clubhouse on Friday.

The event was well attended and hosted by interim chair Nicola Sanders-Cooper where volunteers and supporters as well as the players and management, were acknowledged for their services. There was also live music from Outnumbered Band Page.

Whilst skipper Ross was voted as the Supporters Player of the season, Gilchrist scooped the trophies for the Players Player of the season; Manager’s Player of the season as well as being the top goal scorer.

Gray said: “I’ve known Josh since he was 13/14 years old. He was at Newcastle United and was on a par with Elliot Anderson and whilst Elliot has moved onto Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Josh has had a more challenging time. Josh has always had the ability. I worked with him when I was manager at Whitley Bay then he joined Dunston UTS which I thought was good move for him. However, he wasn’t getting the minutes he wanted so I brought him to Ashington – and we were fortunate to get him. He has come in and has turned in eight out of ten performances and is getting more consistent. He’s the 11^th or 12^th top goal scorer in the league and that’s credit to himself. Josh went into the deep end and has scored some important goals for us. He’s had a fantastic season and the awards he has got says everything about him.”

He continued: “For the Manager’s player of the season there were a couple of candidates in the running but Josh has taken the accolade and he’s probably delighted to get the award as players’ player as its voted by your colleagues. However, all of these awards cannot be won without the other players – and I always remind players of that. For me there’s still a lot more to come from him and as long as he wants to keep working hard, I’m sure he’ll get better and better.”

Gray said about Ross: “When Liam McIvor and I came into the club at Ashington, Karl was injured but we could tell straight away that he was a leader because he was always around the group. Despite being sidelined, he was a very good help to us and to be fair he’s had a good season. Karl also comes into the bracket where I believe there is a lot more to come from him. We tried to rest him with his injuries but we couldn’t. However, I think we’ll see a better Karl Ross come back next season with the rest which he’ll now get. He’s happy at the club and has already committed to us for next term which says something about him. He’s a winner; he knows the club and wants to do well and if we have 11 Karl Ross’s on the pitch we’ll be okay.”