By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald

Ashington FC chairman Brian Shotton paid manager Ian Skinner and his players the ultimate compliment within minutes of the Colliers bowing out of this season’s Emirates FA Cup competition as they went down 3-1 against National League North table toppers Kings’s Lynn at The Walks on Saturday.

Mr Shotton spoke about the club’s exciting run which came to an end at the fourth qualifying round stage in Norfolk: “Ian Skinner, his management team and the players can hold their heads up high as we as a club, equipped ourselves really well today. On another day we maybes could have forced a replay but to be honest, King’s Lynn deserved their victory and I’m sure they’ll go on to give whoever they draw in the first round proper, a good game. We can’t complain too much about the way we played or the way we approached the game – it was just not to be. The lads gave everything on the field and after the journey we have been on, we cannot be anything other than proud of them.”

The Woodhorn Lane chairman also complimented Boston United after the club had hosted Ashington’s players and staff for a pre match lunch: “Boston United Football Club were fantastic,” he said, “The lads had some food and refreshment and we did everything we could to prepare in the right way for the game. I spent the match with the fans and I know how good they are. They never stopped chanting and singing and if anything they got louder as the game got more difficult for us – which is exactly what you want.”

He continued: “After the final whistle, to see the players, supporters and volunteers all coming together was special and if we can keep that togetherness then there will be nothing which will stop us in what we want to achieve at the club. Obviously Saturday’s result was disappointing – but overall, I’m delighted with how the club has moved on.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald

Ashington FC’s versatile left sided player Luke Salmon was adamant that the Colliers could have forced a draw or a win against King’s Lynn in their Emirates FA Cup tie at The Walks on Saturday.

The Woodhorn Lane outfit – who have performed heroics throughout an exciting and fantastic run where they beat sides higher up the footballing pyramid – eventually went out at the fourth qualifying round hurdle after losing 3-1 against the Linnets in Norfolk.

Salmon, who brought the Colliers level in the contest on Saturday, said afterwards: “Obviously it’s a bit of a sad story as we have lost the game but to be honest we went into the clash with high hopes believing we could do something. Even reflecting after the match, if we had taken one or two chances we still could have got a draw or a win out of it – but we were playing against a team who are top of their league three divisions above so it was always going to be difficult.”

After Ben Stephens had opened the scoring, it was Salmon who fired in Ashington’s equaliser: “It was a perfect through ball from Dean Briggs,” he said, “I just had to hold my run a little bit then I took a touch and hit the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs. We were back to square one and I still believed we could get a result.”

Salmon thought the Colliers ‘took the game’ to their opponents from the first whistle of the second period: “For the first 15-20 minutes (of the second half) we got at them a lot. Chances have gone wide and over but it showed that we were battering them a little bit to try and get a goal. I thought the third (goal) they got was crucial but when I looked at the clock and there were still 10-15 minutes left, I still thought we had a chance as we just had to finish two chances. Then when stoppage time goes up you know time is against you. The last five minutes were really lively and the lads didn’t give up but the cup run has been brilliant and all of the lads have loved every minute of it.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald

Ashington bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round stage after a 3-1 defeat against King’s Lynn on Saturday.

However, manager Ian Skinner praised his players to the hilt, describing them as having been ‘immense.’

Luke Salmon scored for the Colliers as his side footed finish cancelled out Ben Stephens’s opener for the home side. Jordan Ponticelli restored the lead for the Linnets before Adam Crowther’s close range effort sealed the win.

Skinner said afterwards: “Full credit to the players because they have been immense throughout the whole competition which is a bit ruthless. We’ve enjoyed the spotlight being on us a little bit but the minute you’re out, it dusts you off and throws you away. We were certainly not disgraced and gave a good account of ourselves – and what we have got to do now is take the pats on the back and the plaudits for the cup run we’ve had.”

He continued: “I thought in the first half we struggled to get to grips a little bit with the movement of King’s Lynn’s front four which was very, very good. Because I wanted us to play on the front foot a little bit, we didn’t change how we play so I might have to take a little bit of responsibility for us being a bit too open in the early exchanges. Obviously it was an individual error for their first goal but our ‘keeper Karl Dryden has been brilliant for us and had made two good saves beforehand – and he made another couple in the second half so it’s not something which we will dwell on too much. We’ve then scored a good goal to draw level and it was the first time we sort of put one or two passes together which was pleasing. Their second goal looked offside from my position if I’m honest and a lot of people said the same thing – but the goal stood and we had to get on with it. Then we’ve made a little tactical change just before half time, (bringing on Damen Mullen for Yannick Aziakonou) and once we made it, I just thought we looked a bit more solid and got to grips with things a little bit in the middle of the park.”

He went on: “Second half if I’m honest, I thought we were the better team for 20 minutes but in that period, we didn’t quite threaten their goal enough. Albeit we got into some good positions and the ball either didn’t quite drop for us or we snatched at it a little bit but as the game went on, I still thought there was a chance we could pinch something and bring them back to our place on Tuesday night. But to concede the third from a set play was disappointing. We had done a little bit of work on their set plays about double headers and when that went in I think it knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit. We’ve then got to change the way we play and be a little bit more direct and try and get the ball forward which doesn’t suit us to be fair and in the end they (King’s Lynn) ran out 3-1 winners.”

He added: “Now we now need to focus on the ambition – which is to try and move up the footballing pyramid and hopefully get to a position which Kings Lynn find themselves in now – which is top of the National League North. Throughout the FA Cup competition, we’ve played teams from higher up in the pyramid and we’ve seen that the current squad that we have got can hold their own. It’s up to us to be consistent enough in our division to give us the opportunity to maybes play the likes of the teams we have done in the competition (FA Cup) on a weekly basis and that will be the aim moving forward.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington go into tomorrow’s fourth qualifying round clash of the Emirates FA Cup against Kings Lynn Town in Norfolk, looking to bridge a gap of over 60 years.

The Colliers bowed out of the competition at the same stage over a decade ago, after travelling to face Grimsby but the last occasion the Wansbeck side reached the first round proper was back in 1961.

In the last three rounds this season, Ian Skinner’s outfit have performed cup shocks after toppling Ashton United, Bradford Park Avenue and Stocksbridge Park Steels – all of whom operate further up the non league pyramid – and against all three outfits, Ashington have been worthy winners.

Kings Lynn are currently top of the National League North – three tiers higher than Ashington. They are in the same division as Blyth Spartans but manager Skinner says he will be taking his side to face the Linnets in a positive frame of mind: “We’re looking forward to it and we’ll be going there looking to get a positive result just like we do in every match,” he said, “It’ll be a really tough game – they’ve only lost once in the league and are top of the National League North having come down last year from the National League so we’ll need lots of things to go in our favour. We’ll need every one of our players to be on top of their game playing to the levels which they are capable of and we may need Lady Luck to shine on us a little bit – and if all of that were to happen then who knows?”

He continued: “We’ll look at the clash like we have done with every other cup game. It’s a big occasion for the club because the fourth qualifying round is one step away from the first round proper. We’ve had a free week so we’ve trained a couple of times and have prepared properly.”

Skinners’ side will be backed by two coach loads of supporters: “Given that King’s Lynn is not the easiest place to get too and that it’s a long trip, it’s an incredible response by the fans,” he added, “I’ve said it before but our supporters never cease to amaze me to be fair. It’ll be great to have them there with us to share the moment and hopefully we’ll put on a decent performance which will make them proud.” The boss will await fitness reports from several of his players before being able to announce his side for the 3pm kick-off.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC chairman Brian Shotton says the Woodhorn Lane outfit have showed no fear and have acquitted themselves exceptionally well – as they head into tomorrow’s fourth qualifying round tie of the Emirates FA Cup against Kings Lynn in Norfolk.

Mr Shotton said: “Obviously we will be looking to progress. The club haven’t been in the first round proper since 1961 so that’s our aim but whatever happens I think we have got to be proud of what we have done so far. We are going to a good club who obviously had National League experience recently and who are doing really well to establish themselves in the non league game so I think it is a good test for our lads on the field – and we’ve obviously got to enjoy the day off the field as well.”

He continued: “From the minute where we travelled to Ashton United, we showed no fear and it’s been a case of on the day taking the opposition on and seeing what happens. However, overall we can safely say from the ties we’ve had against teams from higher leagues that we’ve more than acquitted ourselves and to be fair have dominated three of the fixtures. We’ve also shown that we can mix it; it’s the FA Cup and it is all about what happens on the day.”

Ian Skinner’s outfit will be spurred on by two coach loads of supporters: “It was always going to be different given the distance of the trip involved,” added Mr Shotton, “I think if it had been a bit nearer we may have been talking about taking four or five coaches with supporters but that doesn’t deter from the fact that there’s already two making the trip and I know of many people who are travelling down by their own methods. My wife’s family are coming across from Northamptonshire to support us and we’ve also got people from all over the country going to Kings Lynn to back the lads so I think we’ll have a good presence. Hopefully we’ll give a good account of ourselves both on and off the field – and fingers crossed, the lads can top the day off with a positive result.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald

Ashington FC midfielder Robbie Dale says the club’s away tie in the FA Cup against Kings Lynn on Saturday will be a good test for the players.

Dale said: “I know we beat Bradford Park Avenue who are in the same league as Kings Lynn a couple of rounds ago but the difference will be big on Saturday because Kings Lynn will be a stiffer test and it’ll be a proper game on a pitch which is big and wide. I know the Kings Lynn manager and a couple of the lads who play for them and it’s a good set up down there. They were in the National League last year and like us, they’ll want to get into the first round proper.”

He continued: “We are away from home against one of the top teams in that league but we’ve got a good chance ourselves and it’ll be a good test to see some of our lads and where they are at. It’ll also be a good test for them for where they want to be in the future. If they want to keep climbing up the leagues with Ashington that’s the team (Kings Lynn) we’ll be looking to get close too at some point.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC goalkeeper Karl Dryden believes momentum will be a key factor on Saturday when the Woodhorn Lane outfit head down to Norfolk to face Kings Lynn in their Emirates FA Cup clash.

Dryden was in goal for the Colliers the last time the club reached the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup in the 2011/12 campaign when they went to Cleethorpes to take on Grimsby Town at Blundell Park – but despite a gallant effort, lost 5-0 against the Mariners.

The 34 year old was also between the posts for Dunston UTS four years ago in front of a capacity crowd when they bowed out of the competition against Gateshead in a match which was televised live on the BBC red button.

Understandably, the Stakeford-based stopper would like nothing better than to reach the first round proper on Saturday: “We have played collectively in our last couple of performances,” he said, “I was happy with a clean sheet in the replay against Stocksbridge and everyone put in a performance and gave 100 per cent and as long as we can take that momentum into Saturday, we should be alright.”

He continued: “We’ve been consistent and hopefully it should stand us in good stead. Anything can happen in cup football and as long as we are on our game – which we have been – who knows?” Dryden was happy with the Colliers 2-1 victory against Tow Law last Saturday: “We returned to league action – our bread and butter – and I thought our consistency and momentum showed today (against Tow Law),” he added, “Things weren’t going our way in the first half but we dug in and got the three points.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC midfield general Ben Sampson has insisted that the Colliers will travel down to Norfolk with a positive mindset when they tackle Kings Lynn in their fourth qualifying round clash of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

Sampson, who was on the score sheet when the Wansbeck outfit won 3-0 in their replay in the previous round against Stocksbridge Park Steels last week, said: “All respect to Kings Lynn because they are flying in their league (National League North) which is three divisions above us. We know it’s going to be a difficult game against them but we’ll be going down there with a positive mindset and I think we can get a result.”

Ashington-born Sampson, who is based in Morpeth, continued: “We’ve got a good side; we can defend well; we’ve beaten three higher level teams in the competition so far and we’ve got to believe that we can go down there and get a result against them – or bring them back up to Ashington for a replay on Tuesday.”

Meanwhile the 23 year old said Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Tow Law in their Ebac Northern League first division match was deserved: “It was hard graft,” he added, “Tow Law were promoted at the end of last season and are a good side. They have got good players who have been around at this level and higher but despite difficult windy conditions, we dominated the ball. I think it was a case for us of ‘job done’ and although it finished 2-1, we could have had a couple more – but it’s another three points on the board.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC central defender Darren Lough acknowledged that the Woodhorn Lane club face their biggest challenge for over a decade on Saturday when they go to Kings Lynn in the Emirates FA Cup – but believes the Colliers can return back home to Wansbeck with a result.

Lough added that his team mates will be buzzing when they make the journey to Norfolk to face a side who are top of the National League North table: “It’s a massive week for the club and the biggest game they’ve had in the FA Cup for a long time since they played Grimsby in the 2011/12 season,” he said, “Some people will say we are the underdogs but with the players and the squad we had got, I quite fancy our chances against them. Why not? In our last three games in the competition, we have played teams who are in higher leagues, have put on a performance and beat them so why shouldn’t we go down there (Kings Lynn) and get something? I wouldn’t say it’s a free shot but it’s a game where the winners will go into the first round proper of the FA Cup when the big gunscome in and if you’re in the hat you never know what might happen. Ashington is the place to be and the lads are buzzing and looking forward to it.”

The 33 year old – a drainage engineer – continued: “It was disappointing that we didn’t land a home draw because after getting a bumper crowd on Tuesday night for the replay against Stocksbridge, if we had got a tie at Woodhorn Lane on a Saturday it probably would have been a sell out and brought good revenue into the club. We are more of an underdog going down to Kings Lynn but we can upset anybody – and I’ve got confidence in the lads that we can do that.”

Ashington-born Lough who is based in Morpeth, also touched on the ‘great atmosphere’ which the players experienced in their replay win over Stocksbridge when an attendance of 1,424 set a new record at Woodhorn Lane: “It was a huge game last Tuesday,” he added, “It was lashing down with rain but people still came out in their hundreds to support us and they generated a great atmosphere. The lads would love a turn out like that for every week because they enjoy playing in front of big crowds – so the more the merrier.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC’s Luke Salmon has now scored in consecutive league matches – and the left sided defender or wing back is naturally delighted.

After being on target in the away match at Penrith, Salmon once again showed whole hearted commitment as he met a pinpoint cross from the right by Yannick Aziakonou to bullet home a header in Saturday’s Ebac Northern League first division encounter against Tow Law at Woodhorn Lane which the Wansbeck outfit won 2-1.

Salmon’s goal came five minutes before half time and was the equaliser after Andrei-Vasile Ardelean had given the Lawyers a shock lead on the half hour. An 82^nd minute penalty converted by home skipper Ben Harmison wrapped up the points for Ian Skinner’s side.

The 31 year old said later: “The goal which brought us level made us feel more comfortable and Yannick (Aziakonou) has put a superb ball in. To be honest, it (the ball) came from nowhere and I wasn’t expecting it. Yannick ended up upside down whilst I was at the back post and the ball was just right for me to dive and head it in.”

North Shields-based Salmon continued: “Unfortunately for Jordan Summerly, he took ill during the week and I’ve stepped in but the same thing happened to me at the beginning of the season because I was on holiday and missed the first three games. We have a big squad here so when you come into the side you want to try and keep hold of the shirt. I’m happy to be in the team – and I’m happy with my form.”

Casting an eye towards Saturday’s fourth qualifying round tie in the Emirates FA Cup away to Kings Lynn, Salmon – a teacher – said: “We’ll go into the clash with confidence. We’ve been underdogs three times (against Ashton United, Bradford Park Avenue and Stocksbridge Park Steels) but we’ve gone into each game thinking – and believing – that we could win. I know they (Kings Lynn) are top of their league but we are also flying and we’ve got a class team so anything can happen.”