By Brian Bennett || Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC defender Yannick Aziakonou said he was ‘absolutely buzzing’ after helping the Colliers to reach the final of the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup following a pulsating 4-3 win over Consett at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

The 22 year old was heavily involved at both ends of the pitch midway through the first half. His searching pass from right to left found the overlapping Jordan Summerly down the flank who scored then minutes later, Aziakonou was at the heart of the action, clearing the ball off the line to deny Carl Lawson what would have been a second equaliser for the Steelmen.

He said afterwards: “I thought I had a mixed game. I did some really good things but then I was disappointed with other aspects where I could have done a lot better. For the one I set up for the goal, I saw the space behind and had to make sure I didn’t hit the pass too hard. I was happy I executed it well and it’s just gone over the full back’s head and Jordan (Summerly) has done really well to finish it off. For the goal-line clearance, it’s all about instincts really. Playing in defence is a number one priority for me about whether I can protect the goal; can I protect that space to cover my ‘keeper – and fortunately I was on hand to deal with it tonight.”

As for reaching the final, Aziakonou, a football coach who is based in Fenham, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. All the time I’ve known about Ashington it has been a case where they have struggled in the league – but it’s been a wonderful season and there’s no better club I’d rather be with. The staff here is tremendous with the amount of effort they put in such as analysing the opposition and that level of detail is phenomenal.”

Aziakonou paid tribute to the Ashington supporters: “Obviously they have played their part tonight,” he added, “They were massive for us and I don’t think they realise how big a difference they make when you hear the drums and the chants – it’s just brilliant. After we conceded the equaliser at 3-3, they cheered us on straight away – and we scored what proved to be the winner within ten seconds of kicking off so the fans showed their worth. Again at 3-3, I had mixed emotions. Were we going to throw it away; was it going to go to penalties and did we really have an extra man but it was a magnificent feeling when Dean (Briggs) put us 4-3 up – and I’m thrilled to bits for him. He’s come back from Dubai , done well for the team by helping us out massively and he really showed up tonight.”

Ashington conclude their league programme on Saturday when they travel to face Consett and Aziakonou said: “I think bouncing back – which we do very well – has been the story of our season. I’ve been really happy and from my point of view, it’s a case of working hard and proving to the manager and the staff what I can do and what I can add to the team. I got myself a chance just before Christmas where I played nine games in a row and thought I was playing really well by turning in some good performances and feeling sharp. I was rested for the Newcastle Benfield game then I’ve been in and out of the side – but I’m happy to play my part and do my best.”

By Brian Bennett || Photo: Ian Brodie

Dean Briggs recaptured his early season form on Tuesday night as he scored twice in Ashington’s fabulous and dramatic 4-3 victory over Consett in the semi final of the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup at The dwmedia Stadium.

Briggs ran from almost halfway in the first half to score a cracking goal which put his side 3-1 up and after the Steelmen – who had been reduced to ten men following the sending off of Calvin Smith – had fought to draw level with two strikes in a ten minutes spell, it was an ‘instinctive’ Briggs whose sweetly struck volley came straight from the kick off to take his side through.

The 26 year old – handed a role up front – said afterwards: “When it went to 3-3, I thought ‘here we go again – typical Ashington’ but even after that with at least seven minutes plus stoppage time remaining, I could still see one side going onto win it to be honest. It was just one of those games which could have gone either way – it went in our favour – and I thought we deserved it. It’s good to get to a final. The last time the club won silverware was nine years ago when my dad (Perry) was assistant manager to Gary Middleton. Now hopefully I can help us to bridge that gap.”

He continued: “I thought we set up really, really well defensively. They (Consett) had a lot of the ball but didn’t really hurt us too much. Obviously we got three goals in the first half which gave us even more to sit back on and defend and I thought we really dug in. In the past when we have conceded late on we usually fold so the lads showed a bit of character to bounce back.”

Wideopen-born Briggs admitted to feeling ‘relief’ after his first goal: “I picked up the loose ball and just thought I’d go for it, knocking the ball past a defender. I probably could have squared it in all honesty but I thought ‘if I’m going to get one, l’m going to get one now.’ And it was a relief to finally score because I’ve been on a bit of a drought.”

As for the dramatic winner which arrived within seconds of the game restarting after Consett had equalised at 3-3, Briggs said: “I think Craig Spooner would like to say that he meant to play the through ball but I wasn’t expecting it myself to be honest. I didn’t know where the ‘keeper was; I didn’t know if there was anyone around me. It was pure instinct. I hit the target and luckily it went in.”

By Brian Bennett || Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner could not have been more proud of his squad of players than on Tuesday night when they won an epic cup tie 4-3 at Woodhorn Lane against Consett to reach the final of the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup.

And afterwards, the delighted boss said: “I’m going through a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment. As usual, Ashington have to do things the hard way but by hook or by crook, we have got through which is all that matters. However, if I’m honest, I’m delighted for this group of players.we’ve worked them hard all season; we’ve never given them time off; we’ve had them in twice a week and even if we’ve had a midweek game, we’ve still trained leading into the Saturday. We’ve really demanded high levels of performance, attitude and commitment off them and they have given that and it showed in the early part of the season when we played some fantastic free flowing football and scored goals freely. Yes we conceded more than we should but that led to the entertainment.”

He continued: “Tonight’s win wasn’t about me – it was about them (the players) getting something to show for the hard work they have put in throughout the season. It’s for each and every one of them because they have all played their part and it will be nice to take them to a final – but it’ll only be a good occasion if they take that extra step and come out winners.”

Reflecting on the seven goal encounter Skinner added: “The supporters who have come through the turnstiles have certainly seen a typical Ashington cup tie. Everybody knew what was at stake but we didn’t want to over-egg things – we wanted to treat it as just another game. We asked the players to give everything they had, to leave nothing out on the pitch, to have no regrets – and only they could go and get what they deserved. We started the game really well and went 1-0 up where the ‘keeper. (Kyle Hayes) has made a decent save but Ben (Harmison) has followed up and managed to scoop the ball home. Then we’ve conceded a typical Ashington goal where we didn’t close the ball down and Carl Lawson has struck it lovely from just outside the box. You think ‘okay settle down a bit’ and they’ve had lots of possession which we expected but we always felt that if we got our pressing traps right we could pinch something high up. It was a great move for Jordan Summerly’s goal which put us 2-1 ahead as we switched the ball from right to left.Jordan has cut inside brilliantly and finished it well then Dean Briggs has managed to press the centre half and pinch it off him and has had the legs on the two defenders. To be fair Dean has missed a few lately so I was delighted when I saw the ball roll into the bottom corner for 3-1. I then thought we managed the game but whilst they (Consett) had periods of possession they didn’t really threaten the goal.”

He went on: “Second half, we just wanted to be nice and solid and use the ball and take the opportunity if it came. They went down to ten men – from my viewpoint I thought it was a little bit harsh then for about a ten minutes spell, I thought we controlled the game quite well and moved the ball quite well. But whether it was nerves or tiredness, we seemed to surrender possession awfully cheaply and allowed them (Consett) to build. They brought two good forwards on in Scott Heslop and Dale Pearson and looked to play forward a little bit quicker with some quality down the sides.we conceded a poor goal a,lowing a free header from a corner then we conceded a penalty with seven minutes to go. Again it was possibly harsh but there was no need to make the challenge. Adam (McHugh) has got a good record on saving penalties. He’s a big imposing goalkeeper but Colin Larkin has scored to equalise. At 3-3 with around five minutes to go and us looking a little bit jaded, I wondered if that would really knock the stuffing out of us and are we almost going to hold out for penalties? But fair play to the lads because we’ve kicked off, have been really positive and drove at the heart of them. The ball has gone to Craig Spooner who has taken a wild swing at it but he’s sliced it straight to Briggs who has scored with a great finish across the goalkeeper and we’ve been due a bit of luck. Then Adam (McHugh) has made a save with 20 seconds left and when the final whistle went you just think “relief.”

On Saturday (April 16), Ashington play their final league game of the season when they travel to face Consett. Thomas Kalthoeber, Tom Bramley and Max Emmerson are all ruled out with injuries whilst Luke Salmon is suspended and ‘keeper Karl Dryden is unavailable.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington will go into Tuesday night’s showdown in the semi final if the Ebac Northern League Division One cup against Consett with a blunt message from manager Ian Skinner ringing in their ears.

He said: “I’ve experienced a few semi finals and it is the worst game possible to lose. It’s horrible as you have got so far yet fallen so near. I hear people say that being losing finalists is awful – but at least you get the day and the build up of getting to the final and playing in it.”

He continued: “We know what’s at stake and we need to make sure that we play better than we did against Thornaby. We certainly didn’t perform to the levels which we did against Guisborough last midweek in the quarter final so we will need to be better. The players will be up for the game which is on our own pitch with the chance to get to the final and as I mentioned last week, our season hinges on the outcome.”

Skinner also believes the noisy backing from the home crowd can be a significant factor: “Hopefully the fans will come out in their numbers again after they gave us fantastic vocal support against Guisborough,” he said, “It’s great because their enthusiasm and passion from the terraces filters down to the pitch and certainly helps us and we’ll see if they can help drive us on to reach a cup final.”

On the team news front, Skinner said: “We’ll have to monitor and assess the injuries sustained by Jordan Lashley and Thomas Kalthoeber. At this stage, I think both players will be ruled out of the equation. Lashley has got a really bad cut and is struggling to feel his leg so I think he will have to get it X-rayed and the same applies to Thomas who has damaged his shoulder.”

Max Emmerson and Adam Johnson are already out for the season through injury whilst Luke Salmon is suspended after his red card in the latter stages against Guisborough. Tom Bramley and Jamie Hanson also face a race against the clock to be fit – all of which means Skinner will leave announcing his line up until the last possible minute.

Kick-off is 7.30pm

Tickets can be purchased online at:

https://ashingtonafc.ktckts.com/event/afcvcafcdcsf/ashington-afc-v-consett-afc-divisional-cup-semi-final

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner admitted that Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Thornaby wasn’t a game for the footballing purists – and highlighted that the deciding goal had materialised with his side ‘a bit disjointed.’

There was nothing to choose between the sides particularly in the second period of a mundane encounter until Ashington’s rhythm received a setback when defender Thomas Kalthoeber – who had received treatment in the first half for a shoulder injury- went down again which forced him off: “Obviously I’m disappointed that we have lost the game,” said Skinner afterwards, “It wasn’t much of a contest if I’m honest. It had a bit of an end of season/pre-season friendly about it for 60-65 minutes with both teams happy to have the ball and pass it without ever threatening the goal and I don’t think either goalkeeper has had a save to make in the first half.”

He continued: “After the break, obviously Thomas Kalthoeber has had to come off injured and as playing Ben Harmison as centre forward helps us to stretch the opposition, we’ve tried to not instantly drop him (Harmison) back in. We have asked Yannick Aziakonou to slot in at centre back and we probably became a bit disjointed which contributed towards the only goal of the game which I think was the only shot on target throughout. Thornaby have scored – and then for some reason the game burst into life for the last 20 minutes with flailing arms, horrible tackles, scuffles, a red card, yellow cards – and I don’t know how it all came about. Certainly I didn’t see it turning out that way but in the end, we probably haven’t threatened the Thornaby goal anywhere near enough whilst they’ve had one opportunity which they have taken. All in all it was not a great spectacle and not a game I’ll watch back too many times – and in a nutshell, it was a drab end of season game to be honest.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner has targeted maximum points from his side’s final two league games.

The Colliers host Thornaby at The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday (April 9) then travel to face Consett the following week (April 16).

Skinner said: “Our aim in the league is all about can we get six points because if results go our way and we win both games, it could see us finish third in the league table. So that has to be the target and see where it takes us. They are two big and very tough matches with the result at Consett possibly defining whether they finish first or second. For Saturday’s tussle against Thornaby, Max Cowburn, Bobby Taylor, Tom Bramley and Paul Robinson – who all missed out in midweek – come back into contention.

By Brian Bennett

Midfielder duo Craig Spooner and Ben Sampson earned warm praise from manager Ian Skinner on Tuesday night after both were on the score sheet in Ashington’s 3-1 win over Guisborough Town in the quarter final of the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup.

Spooner – on his return to the side – netted twice whilst Sampson notched his first goal of the campaign.

Skinner said of Spooner: “Craig has been in and out of the team of late. He’s been unavailable on two occasions and has also missed a bit of training plus he’s had a little bit of a niggle in his knee. Rather than play an orthodox winger, I just wanted us be a little bit more solid in wide areas but still look to exploit them (the wide areas) because that part of the field was somewhere where we thought we could get at Guisborough – and it has paid off. Craig slotted into that role tonight and has also scored two goals – but he’ll probably revert back to centre midfield on Saturday.” The boss said of Sampson: “People look and think he’s played a lot of the season at right back with the odd game in midfield – like at Whitley Bay when we won 6-1 where he was really, really good that day. Ben has got this ability to win the ball, intercept then drive forward with it and I think the last couple of games he’s been our best midfielder and that’s why I’ve looked to keep him in that position. I was delighted for him when he scored because he’s not renowned for his finishing and with it being the third goal which gave us a little bit of breathing space, it settled us – as well as the game – down.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner admitted to using a bit of kidology with his Guisborough counterparts in the build up to his sides quarter final match of the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup against Guisborough Town on Tuesday.

The Colliers advanced into the semi finals following a fine 3-1 win with Craig Spooner scoring a brace and Ben Sampson registering his first goal of the season.

Skinner put his skipper Ben Harmison down to wear the number six shirt and announced that the recalled Thomas Kalthoeber would wear number nine: “As a manager, you try daft little things,” he said, “When we lined up to kick off, Ben was at centre back and Thomas up front. That was for the first minute only – then they swapped positions! You just try little marginal games because if I had put Harmison on the team sheet at nine, Guisborough’s management team would instantly have thought that ‘he’s playing up front’ and they would start to plan for that – and that was even the thinking behind it for the first minute of the game.”

He continued: “Ben then drifts up front and all of a sudden they (Guisborough’s management team) realise that but the game is under way and it’s difficult for them to get messages onto the players about what they are going to do to deal with it. That was the thought process behind it – so what I’ll probably do next week in the semi final against Consett is list Ben at number nine and play him at centre back!”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner admitted that Luke Salmon’s late red card in the excellent 3-1 victory over Guisborough Town on Tuesday night took the gloss off what was a ‘good night.’

The midfielder had been shown a yellow card in the first period of the Division One Cup quarter final tie for a challenge but with only two minutes of the 90 remaining, he was shown a straight red by referee Kirk Freeth after a needless lunge on the half way line.

Skinner said afterwards: “We are 3-1 up in the game and Luke has made what looked from where I standing, a reckless challenge and he will have to pay the ultimate price. It looked at least a yellow to me – and of course he was already on a yellow – but I was too busy plotting what we were going to do to actually see the card.”

Skinner added: “The sending off apart, Luke did well tonight. He works hard in that higher role on the left hand side which isn’t his natural position but he offers us that willing runner and he’s got some pace. Luke has made a daft decision with time running out and I was disappointed with him because it has taken the gloss off what was a good night.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner was delighted on Tuesday evening after his side had won their quarter final tie of the Division One Cup against Guisborough Town with a merited 3-1 result over Guisborough at The dwmedia Stadium.

The reward for the Colliers is a home tie in the semi finals against Consett with the game scheduled to be played next Tuesday April 12.

Skinner admitted before the contest to being greedy as he looked for his outfit to turn in a five star showing as well as clinch victory and afterwards he said: “I thought we got a little bit of both if I’m honest. Obviously we got the result which was the biggest plus and keeps us in the competition with another game at home against Consett – who have scored a late winner to go through – but I was pleased with many aspects of our performance. For some reason, the wind likes to whip up at Woodhorn Lane and it did so tonight as we came out and were playing into a fairly strong wind first half. We met Guisborough a couple of weeks ago with a bit of a scratch side – and that’s not me making excuses and with no disrespect to the players who played that day – but we had a much stronger team out tonight.”

Skinner revealed that he had done his homework on the Teessiders earlier in the day: “I watched the game back a couple of times from our defeat by them recently and spent all afternoon, plotting on what we needed to do and the way Guisborough played that day because having won 6-1, the law of averages suggested that they were going to come and play the same way – and they did – whilst we changed a little bit. Thomas Kalthoeber declared himself fit after playing part of a game on Sunday to make sure he was okay and that news gave us a big boost really and freed Ben Harmison to play up front. We knew Guisborough would come and press us really, really high. So by having Luke Salmon wide left and Harmison down the middle, it allowed us to play over the press and play a little bit longer – which isn’t our usual way of playing – but sometimes you’ve got to be big enough and brave enough to say ‘if that’s what’s going to work for us tonight then that’s what we have got to do’.”

He went on: “I thought we took Guisborough by surprise and did play over the press as we looked to play two versus one in wide areas. We managed to do that and got some joy down the sides. We asked Craig Spooner to play out in a wide sort of role, knowing that that was an area we were going to target – and to be fair, he’s scored two good goals. Overall it was a fairly even game but on chances I thought we probably deserved to win it. We also defended really, really well for a period until we conceded a little bit of a soft goal – it’s a great strike by the way – but we’ve got to try and get some pressure on the ball especially knowing he (Joseph Bartiliff) is hitting it wind assisted and they pull it back to 2-1. After that, it was nice that the lads steadied themselves because we’ve got a little bit of a habit that once we concede one, we sometimes concede another quickly.” He went on: “We got into half time and obviously the big factor for us second half was coming down the bank with the wind on our backs. I thought we went a little bit too long, too often and maybes could have used the ball better whilst Guisborough had one or two flashes where they looked dangerous. Our ‘keeper Adam McHugh has made a good save with his feet and then we’ve had a chance and then scored a third goal and if I’m truthful I think it knocked the stuffing out of them (Guisborough) a little bit. They knew that had they got another goal, they were back in the game but at 3-1 they lost a little bit of belief. We still went a little bit too long and sat a little bit deep at times but given the results we’ve had of late, that was understandable. We started to put our foot on the ball and put one or two passes together and managed to keep the ball for little periods as well as mixing things up a bit and to be honest, we saw the game out relatively comfortable in the end.”