By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner admitted that there were some ‘fine margins’ in Saturday’s 2-2 draw in their Emirates FA Cup clash against Stocksbridge Park Steels at Bracken Moor: “I’m not sure how I feel because it was a bit of a strange performance and if I’m honest, I thought it was a bit of a ‘nothing game’ for 70 minutes and then it burst into life,” he said afterwards, “It was like a home game to be fair with the travelling contingent as they were vocal – as we knew they would be – and were first class. Obviously we went behind from a set play and we knew that they (Stocksbridge) were strong in that department. It was a header at the back post back across goal into the top corner for their goal but we showed real good character to come back – and it galvanised us into playing some of the football we know we can and what we showed earlier in the season. For the equaliser, we worked a good move and found Lee Mason free at the back post and he’s smashed the ball into the top corner for what was a great finish. Then from a set play ourselves, it was a great ball in from Dean Briggs and Ben Harmison’s extra long leg seemed to come out and get on the end of it and we found ourselves 2-1 up.”

He continued: “Obviously Stocksbridge had a spell because they have got to come at us and set plays were always going to be their biggest danger. I thought we defended really well all day and then there’s a one late on in the game whereby the ball has bobbled and bounced about in our box and unfortunately for us it’s dropped to their player (Mitch Langton) about three yards out with the goal at his mercy and he’s tapped it in and it becomes 2-2.”

He went on: “However there were some fine margins in the game. At 2-1, Dan Maguire flicks Lee Mason clean through who lifts the ball over the goalkeeper and you’re just praying for it to drop quick enough – but it doesn’t quite do that but comes back off the bar straight into the keepers hands. However, they (Stocksbridge) will mention a shot which they had from the edge of the box which rattled the post.”

He added: “A draw’s a draw and we are in the hat and we’ll have the incentive of when we go into Tuesday’s replay knowing who we could potentially face only we can’t – and won’t – look at that situation. First of all we’ll have to focus on how we can overcome Stocksbridge but then if you look at when we got through the last round, I said that I would be happy with a home tie against ‘anybody at home’ – and we are now at ‘home’ (in the replay). We’ll certainly attack the game and see if we can take it to them (Stocksbridge) and also see if we can get a positive result.”

Skinner will check on the fitness of his players – including Adam Johnson who missed out on Saturday through injury – ahead of Tuesday’s 7.45pm kick-off and added that Andrew Cartwright should be available to return to the squad.

Meanwhile the boss is hoping for ‘more of the same’ from the Ashington supporters: “I’m sure the fans will come out in their numbers again and generate another great atmosphere – and hopefully we can give them something else to shout about,” he added.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC striker Lee Mason was delighted to fire home his sides first goal against Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday in their third qualifying round clash in the Emirates FA Cup – and admitted that had he scored with another opportunity later on, the Colliers would ‘probably not have been facing a replay’ which takes place at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday (October 4).

The Wansbeck side – enjoying a glorious run the competition – were trailing to a header by home skipper Ross Goodwin when Mason lashed home two minutes later to restore parity.

The forward said: “The ball came to me and I just instinctively first timed it so that the ‘keeper couldn’t get set – and it was good to see it hit the back of the net.”

Ashington skipper Ben Harmison then put his side 2-1 ahead following a free-kick – before both sides hit the woodwork.

Alex O’Connor struck the post for the hosts then Mason hit the bar with ten minutes of normal time remaining which had he netted would have made it 3-1: “The ‘‘keeper was miles out,” he added, “I probably had a bit more time to take a touch but I’ve got the ball over him which was a bit wind assisted and unfortunately it’s landed on the bar and hasn’t gone in. Chances change games and it was a massive opportunity and if we score, then I probably wouldn’t be standing here saying the game has finished 2-2 and we’re going to a replay. It was disappointing that it didn’t drop in but it’s one of those things.”

Meanwhile Mason is looking forward to Tuesday night’s second instalment against the Pitching in Northern Premier League East outfit who are based in Sheffield: “At 2-1 up I thought we were very unlucky to concede the equaliser in the matter we did,” he said, “But having been 1-0 down, if someone had said they would give us a draw and a replay on Tuesday, we would have snapped their hands off. Overall it was a good performance from the lads but I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t win.”

By Brian Bennett

Ben Harmison admitted that adrenalin played a massive part in helping him to get through Ashington’s prestigious Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Colliers were spurred on by a terrific following from their supporters – three coach loads left the Woodhorn Lane ground at 10am – but fans were unaware that skipper Harmison had just finished a shift at work and had only managed to catch a couple of hours sleep before boarding the team bus bound for Sheffield.

Harmison and Darren Lough both turned in excellent performances at the heart of the defence and it was the former who put his side 2-1 ahead with a little over quarter of an hour of the cup tie remaining.

However a late equaliser for the home side by Mitch Langton put a spoke in what would have been a dream day for Harmison: “I finished work at 6am in the morning,” he said, “I did get my head down for a while before we set off but in big games, the adrenalin gets you through it. After I scored, I thought they (Stocksbridge) would push on and we would get a chance on the break – which we did – only Lee Mason has been unlucky in hitting the bar.”

He continued: “If anyone had asked us before the game, we probably would have taken a draw or a win to still be in the hat on Monday. But after the game, we were all disappointed and a bit deflated in the changing rooms after being 2-1 up with 15 minutes to go and conceding two goals to crosses that we should be defending better. The second one is a bit of a ricochet and has just fallen for the lad (Mitch Langton) but deep down, we probably didn’t play as well as we could.”

He added: “Nevertheless it was still a great achievement because they (Stocksbridge) are a side who are another level higher up the pyramid. We also went into the game with a few players who were coming back from injury as well as being without another couple of lads players who have been playing well who were unavailable so although we didn’t win, to take them (Stocksbridge) back to Woodhorn Lane was good.”

Harmison has now scored in consecutive rounds in the FA Cup after heading home the second in Ashington’s 2-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue: “I’m just popping up and getting into the right areas but to score goals you need service,” he said, “Today, it was a great ball in by Dean (Briggs), I just stuck a leg out and it’s gone in.”

He continued: “After that we knew they (Stocksbridge) were going to come at us and we were getting tired which was understandable after being on a coach for two to three hours. However we go again on Tuesday night and a big crowd behind us could help to push us through.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald

Ashington FC chairman Brian Shotton has his eyes on a bumper attendance at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night when the Colliers meet Stocksbridge Park Steels in the replay of their Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round tie which finished 2-2 at the Eco power Stadium on Saturday.

With home attendances of 671 against Ashton United in their first qualifying round replay followed by 711 in the next tie against Bradford Park Avenue, FA Cup fever has certainly gripped the people of Wansbeck.

Now Mr Shotton is optimistic of attracting a crowd of over 1,000 for Tuesday’s 7.45pm kick-off against their opponents from the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division side.

“Obviously we would have preferred to have won the game on the day but the replay gives us another opportunity to showcase the club in front of plenty of home supporters,” he said, “I’d like to think – and I might be a bit ambitious – that we may break the four figure mark on Tuesday. I believe there’s a bit of momentum building off the field which was proved today by the fantastic support of 150 plus fans who travelled down to Sheffield.”

He continued: “I thought we should have won on Saturday but when they got the equaliser with five minutes of normal time left, you then take the replay. It’s a hard place to go and conditions were a bit iffy with a swirling wind but hopefully we can get through on Tuesday.”

Kick off is 7.45pm.

Who are FA Cup opponents Stocksbridge Park Steels?

By Luke Duden (Twitter: @LukeDudenUoS)

Ashington face a trip to South Yorkshire for the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, but what do we actually know about Stocksbridge Park Steels?

Our opponents currently compete one step above us, alongside North Shields, in the Northern Premier League East division, after being promoted in 2020/21. They currently find themselves 15th with five points from five games.

A 90th minute winner by Mitchell Langton in the second round saw Steels come out as 2-1 victors against the surprise package of the 2020/21 FA Cup, Marine, who played Spurs in the third round that season.

Stocksbridge will be looking to reach the fourth qualifying round for the second time in their 36-year history, after previously reaching this stage in the 2003/04 campaign – but they were beat 6-0 by Shildon.

Their average home attendance last season was 199, with their biggest crowd being 551 in a local derby against Sheffield. Although their maximum capacity is 3500, in their second qualifying round victory they pulled in an attendance of 254.

The club was founded in 1986 following the merger of Stocksbridge Works FC and Oxley Park Sports FC, and entered at level ten of the football pyramid in the Northern Counties East League Division Two, they were then promoted twice in three seasons to the Northern Premier League Division One.

The Hallamshire based side reached as high as the Northern Premier League Premier Division (level 7) in 2008-09, but is best known in recent years for being the first club of Jamie Vardy.

SKINNER: “THE BACKING FROM OUR FANS DOESN’T SURPRISE ME”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner has applauded supporters of the Woodhorn Lane outfit ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Stocksbridge Park Steels in Sheffield.

The Wansbeck based club announced details on Tuesday of a third coach for fans to make the trip to Yorkshire with chairman Brian Shotton saying: “I’m absolutely amazed but unsurprised we now need a third coach. The supporters at this club are top class and we need as many of them there on Saturday roaring us on in what is the clubs biggest game in over a decade. We may not fill this one but we want to accommodate everyone who wishes to travel.”

Skinner gave his reaction when he said: “It’ll be fantastic to be back in FA Cup action and it’ll be brilliant to be backed by three coach loads of supporters who are going to make the trip down. It’s phenomenal really – but it doesn’t surprise me because you only need to look over the last couple of seasons in terms of when we (the team) gave them something to shout about, that they came out in their numbers with around 1200 against Newcastle United under 23’s in the Northumberland Senior Cup; 600 when we played Consett in a league game and then this year when we have had crowds of 600’s and 700’s in the FA Cup. To go to Sheffield on a Saturday and be taking three bus loads is credit to the fans and the town and we just hope we can put on a show.”

SKINNER: “ALL I ASK IS TO MAKE SURE WE SEIZE THE MOMENT”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner says his outfit will be properly prepared ahead of Saturday’s third qualifying round clash in the Emirates FA Cup against Stocksbridge Park Steels at the Bracken Moor Stadium.

On Tuesday night, both clubs had contrasting fortunes. The Colliers won their Northumberland Senior Cup game against West Allotment Celtic 3-1 whilst at the same time, Stocksbridge were going down to a single goal defeat in their Pitching In Northern Premier East Division tussle at Ossett United.

All eyes now turn to Saturday’s contest and Skinner said: “We are all looking forward to it – but it’s just another game. It’s a one where we are going there with a positive mindset and will be looking to try and win the game. We’ve got a way in which we think we can play which will give us a good chance but will it be easy? No. Will we give it our best shot? Yes. Will it be fantastic to be roared on by 150 plus supporters? Most definitely.”

The boss has once again does his homework: “I’ve spoken to a couple of people who have played Stocksbridge this season and I’ve also managed to get some footage of them,” he said, “We think we have identified some of their strengths and we think we have identified some of our strengths which can maybes cause them one or two problems – but again it’s cup football and about the occasion and it will come down to on the day really.”

On the team news front, Dean Biggs and Robbie Dale are doubtful whilst Skinner rates Dan Maguire and Lee Mason’s chances at 50-50: “All I will be asking of the players is to make sure they seize the moment and make sure they give a good account of ourselves,” he added, “If we play to the levels we are capable of then we’ll see where that takes us.”

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the replay will take place at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday (October 4) with a 7.45pm kick-off.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner said the result was all that mattered after watching side advance into the second round of the Northumberland Senior Cup following a 3-1 win over West Allotment Celtic on Tuesday night.

The boss commented: “It was cup football – and all that matters is the result. Were we at our fluent best? No. We made more changes from Saturday and obviously we shouldn’t have been looking beyond this game but we had one eye on our FA Cup game against Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday – hence why we chose not to involve a number of players this evening.”

He continued: “I thought first half we were really passive. We played with eight and nine players in our own half; we gave away too many unforced errors and were sloppy in possession. It doesn’t happen very often but I got after the players a little bit at half time – and that’s not me because its something which I don’t particularly enjoy doing.”

Skinner’s team talk had an immediate effect: “There was a reaction second half and we scored really early with a great strike by Paul Robinson then the game petered out a little bit into a non event and we managed it relatively well. I was disappointed with the goal we conceded but then I’m disappointed with every goal we concede! However, the players showed character to come back and restore the lead relatively quickly and then we had a couple of gilt edged chances to really kill the game off but we didn’t manage to take those. With four minutes of added on time, you start thinking ‘we should see this out okay’ and to be fair we did that and the icing on the cake was our third goal which sealed the victory.”

He concluded: “All in all, we’ve won the game; we’re in the hat; we’ll see who we get in the next round and we’ll take anybody at home. However, our focus now turns towards Saturday – and our away trip to face Stocksbridge in the Emirates FA Cup.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC’s Luke Salmon scored his first goal of the season in his sides 2-0 victory over Penrith on Saturday – and the 31 year old was delighted to get off the mark: “We got the three points which we came for as well as a clean sheet and to score my first goal of the campaign was the icing on the cake,” he said afterwards.

North Shields-born Salmon who came back into the side added: “I was happy with my overall performance and defensively I thought I did okay. Things got a bit scrappy towards the end of the game and we weren’t playing with the amount of possession that we probably would have wanted but in the end we got the result.”

Salmon found the net shortly before half time: “I banked on Paul Robinson to get the flick on which he did and after going past a defender, I put my eyes across the box as if I was going to square the ball then slotted it in,” he added, “It’s always nice to get on the score sheet – but this was my first goal of the season and it came at a good time for us.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner admitted that his team did not fire on all cylinders in their 2-0 victory over Penrith in Cumbria on Saturday – but said afterwards that it was very much a case of ’job done.’

On their return to league action, goals from Luke Salmon and Adam Johnson put the Colliers back amongst the leading pack in the first division of the Ebac Northern League and Skinner was clearly delighted that although his team were not ‘as slick’ as he would have liked, they nevertheless came away with all three points from a ground which traditionally has always been a difficult place to get a result.

“We weren’t at our fluent best but you’ve got to remember that I made seven changes from last Saturday,” he said afterwards, “The thought process behind that was that a lot of the players I left out today have played in two big cup ties which took a lot out of them both physically and mentally. We also had a number of lads who needed to get out on the pitch and play some games and showcase what they can do and I thought today was a good opportunity for them to try and do that. So that’s probably played a part – not in what I would call a bit of a disjointed performance as that would be a little unjust but where we certainly weren’t as slick as we have been earlier in the season. That said I know anytime to score a goal is a good time but to get one 90 seconds before half time was perfect because had we gone in level, we probably would have been more frustrated than going in 1-0 ahead.”

He continued: “The second goal came through Adam Johnson’s persistence – and I was pleased for him to be on the score sheet again – but second half we never really got going. There was a period of about 15 minutes where Penrith knew they had to push forward a little bit and they’ve started to work the ball into our area but I thought we defended well. Then for the last ten minutes we got our foot on the ball and moved it around a bit and we saw the game out relatively comfortable. I also had the luxury of bringing on one or two players at the end who probably could have added to the scoreline but I’d have taken a 2-0 score line beforehand.”

He added: “I thought Ryan McKinnon came into the side today and looked very solid – but we knew before he even kicked a ball for us that we’d signed a proper player and he didn’t look out of place. All in all I’m delighted – maybes not so much in how we’ve played but delighted in the fact that we’ve won 2-0 and got three points; delighted we’ve kept a clean sheet; delighted that I’ve managed to get players game time and delighted because over the last four games, we’ve only conceded one goal so that’s another positive.”

He concluded: “In terms of the day itself, if you take the performance out of it – and that’s me being a person who demands high standards at all times – then you take into consideration the number of changes, it’s a case of job done. Now we’ll dust ourselves down and go again on Tuesday in the Northumberland Senior Cup at West Allotment.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC central defender Ryan McKinnon has said that it was a ‘no brainer’ to sign for the Colliers.

However McKinnon, who joined the Woodhorn Lane outfit from Tow Law Town, has still to make his debut – more than a fortnight after putting pen to paper!

The 26 year old played for the Lawyers against Ian Skinner’s side in their FA Cup preliminary round tie which Ashington won late in the contest thanks to a Robbie Dale penalty and has obviously missed out on the continuing run in the competition by the Wansbeck side as he is cup tied.

McKinnon said this week: “I know a lot of the lads at Ashington like Dean Briggs, Liam Smith and Craig Spooner and played against them earlier in the season. I know how good an outfit they are – so when I spoke to Ian Skinner it was a no brainer to sign for them. It’s a great set up including training which is all I’ve been involved in with the group so far because of the cup run – and I’m happy to be here.”

However McKinnon admitted that he is frustrated and is a bad watcher when his new team are in action: “I love watching football in general but when you are on the sidelines for the team you play for, you are kicking every ball because you want to be involved in the game,” he said, “I get too invested and when it’s a big occasion like this FA Cup run, it’s something which you want to be part of. They are big games which attract loads of spectators – and that’s what you want. From my point of view it’s frustrating – but on the other hand it’s positive times for the club and it’s great to see the lads doing well.”

Manager Ian Skinner said: “Ryan signed for us about two and a half weeks ago and he hasn’t kicked a ball yet! We had the replay against Ashton United – and he’s ineligible – then the West Auckland game was postponed due to the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and then we played Bradford Park Avenue in the next round of the FA Cup. Ryan has trained four times since he joined the club and he looks everything we thought he was. He’s big and strong and is good on the floor in terms of the way we try to play out but he’s also strong in the tackle and good in the air – but I knew that and that’s why I brought him to the football club. Any player who comes to us has got to be the real deal – and Ryan is. I had a bit of a chat with him after training just to make sure he was settling in alright and he’s enjoying it – although he’s desperate to get out there on the park.”

Casting an eye towards Saturday’s Ebac Northern League clash against Penrith in Cumbria, Skinner added: “I’ll be having a long hard look in terms of everyone’s playing time which I keep a log of because we’ve got some players who have played a lot of football. These boys have played in two physically and mentally tiring cup ties against Ashton United and Bradford Park Avenue and there are lads who are chomping at the bit to get some minutes – so it might just be time to freshen things up.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner’s immediate reaction on hearing the draw for the next round of the Emirates FA Cup was one of disappointment – and that his side will face a ‘real tough tie away from home’ when they travel to face Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday week (October 1).

The Colliers booked their place in the third qualifying round on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue at Woodhorn Lane whilst at the same time Sheffield based Stocksbridge – who play in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division – scored a late winner against Marine to secure their spot.

Skinner said: “First of all, I was disappointed that we didn’t get a home tie because that’s what we really wanted. I think the draw could have been more unkind in terms of the opposition but obviously we will still give Stocksbridge the respect they deserve. They play in a step above us so we’ll be gathering as much information on them as we can.”

He continued: “We’ll prepare properly – just like we do for every game – and we’ll have a little look at where our strengths lie and potentially some of the areas we think we can exploit in their team. It will be a real tough tie away from home but it’s one which we’ll look forward too. No doubt we’ll take a good following of supporters and we’ll be giving it our best shot.”

Meanwhile Skinner’s thoughts this week turn to Saturday’s away trip to face Penrith in an Ebac Northern League first division clash and he said: “It’ll be nice because it feels like ages since we last played a league game. Our last outing was away to Carlisle City three weeks ago so it’ll be good to close the gap on those number of games because some teams are into double figures now with matches played whilst we have only completed six so we’ve got a lot to catch up on. However, if I’m honest if someone had said to me before the start of the season that we may need to catch up on a few league games but have a good run in the FA Cup, I think I would have taken it.”