Photo: Ian Brodie

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC midfielder Danny Anderson paid a glowing tribute to the supporters at Woodhorn Lane labelling them as being ‘quality’ – following the Colliers thrilling 3-3 draw against Consett at The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday.

With only four minutes of normal time remaining and his side trailing 3-2, Anderson popped up to not only score his first goal of the season but his first for two years to help his side salvage a richly deserved point against the league leaders.

And afterwards, a beaming Anderson said: “Fair play to the supporters who were quality as they cheered us on all the way. Full credit to them because they were behind us even when we were losing and making mistakes – and that pushed us on to get the equaliser.”

Ashington-born Anderson reflected on his goal – and says he has a hunger for more: “I was only about four yards out when the ball came to me but I got in front of the defender and it was an unbelievable feeling when it (the ball) hit the net. The stats will correctly point out that it was my first of the season – but it was also my first since I scored at North Shields two years ago when we went on to win the game! However, I’m hoping it’ll be the start of something special because I want to get on the score sheet more regularly. As a box to box midfielder I would like to pick up some goals like some of other the lads do but sometimes I’ve been playing in a four, which alters my role in the side.”

North Seaton-based Anderson – who turned 20 in September – added that the Colliers need to add consistency to their game: “We always seem to bounce back after a loss but now we need to kick on,” he said, “We have drawn today but it feels like a win when you grab a goal so late on. I was really happy and it was great to get a point against the league leaders but we need to keep our levels up and find that consistency no matter who we are playing. It was a good game to play in today and even when I scored it felt unreal with the amount of noise from the supporters and it’s great that people continue to come through the turnstiles and support us.”

Ashington FC boss Ian Skinner said: “Danny has been in good form over the last few weeks – and I think the recent spell when we had Damen Mullen here with us on a month’s loan really helped him. Damo was good for the team and I always say to the younger lads in the squad when the more experienced players are around to learn from them because they are good players as well as being good people who look after themselves and do things right. When Damo went back to Hebburn I said to Danny; ‘you’ve got to step up now and I want you to play in that deep lying role and I want you to get on the ball and pass it for us.’ He’s tried to do that for us in the last couple of games and today he has kept going; got on the ball and has done what I asked him to do.” He continued: “If he makes a 60 yards ball and it doesn’t come off he’s confident to still try and get on the ball and do it again. I was pleased for him that he got his goal because he never stopped working. We were behind in the game and were pushing bodies forward and the ball has gone wide and he’s done what centre midfielders should do – make a run into the box – and thankfully the ball dropped to him and he’s finished it and helped us earn a point. It’s a challenge we had with all the midfielders at the start of the season where we needed them to chip in with goals to take the burden off the strikers and today (v Consett), all of our goals have come from midfield players – Craig Spooner, Luke Salmon and Danny (Anderson) so I’m delighted with that.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner took time out at the end of a see-saw thrilling encounter at The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday before giving his postmatch thoughts on the 3-3 draw with Consett.

The boss then emerged from the dressing room and said: “It was a game this afternoon between what I consider to be two good sides – both who like to try and play football – so I thought it would be pleasant on the eye and it didn’t disappoint. Even being involved in it and the emotions we’ve gone through of being in the lead right the way through to us equalising near the end, I still think I’ve been able to process and appreciate what I’ve just watched. First half I thought we played well and if you break the game down across the 90 minutes, Consett ‘keeper Kyle Hayes has made more saves than our ‘keeper Adam McHugh. First half Hayes has made a great stop from Max Cowburn and another couple in the second half – again one from a Cowburn free kick and AJ (Adam Johnson) when he was through one on one then the ‘keeper got up and scooped the rebound away to safety. It was a really pleasing performance by us and as I say every week, this group of players are willing to work hard for each other, listen and try to play in the way we ask and encourage them to play which we think best suits their strengths. We had a disappointing result at Thornaby and yet again we’ve bounced back with a very good performance.”

He continued: “I thought our first goal was brilliantly worked and it was a fantastic header by Craig Spooner at the back post and I thought we deserved to be ahead. We then just wanted to get to half time 1-0 up – so I was a little bit disappointed we conceded an equaliser from a corner with the ball bouncing in our box. I think there was at least one opportunity to clear it and we haven’t to be fair and James Metcalfe has hit the ball through legs and bodies and it’s gone in. At half time we talked about coming down the bank second half and how the game gets drawn into that side and we started relatively brightly. However I was slightly frustrated that we’ve conceded again in similar fashion as at Thornaby whereby we’ve had the ball in the opponents box and they have broke and scored. It was a great ball in to be fair from Jake Orrell but I wasn’t sure that we deserved to be behind. However credit to this group of players because they never know when they are beaten – certainly not at home – and we got back into the game with a fantastic finish from Luke Salmon with a scissor kick-type-esq finish and then for a little period after that we looked like we might pinch one (a goal) and go into the lead but being super critical we just tried to force things a little bit too much. We had a 10 to 15 minutes spell where we wanted to play a 40 or 50 yard pass in behind to almost try and play the perfect ball and at times it looked dangerous but on other occasions, the gaps between the units gets too big and I thought we could have been a bit more patient and built the play a little bit just to get our energy levels back because we did have a spell where our levels dropped slightly.”

He went on: “I was disappointed with Consett’s third goal because it looked a poor one to concede. We had an opportunity to clear it but gave it away. However yet again our character came to the fore. It was deep into the game with nine minutes left when they (Consett) went 3-2 ahead. We made a couple of substitutions and changed our shape to try and get more bodies forward and to have a go. Yannick Aziakonou played the ball wide – we work it – and by hook or by crook Danny (Anderson) at the back post hadn’t given up and we equalise. I then had to make multiple changes again because we had changed our formation to try and get back into the match and if I’m honest the way the game was going I thought ‘yes we want to win it but let’s make sure we don’t lose it having got back on level terms. We reshuffled the pack and changed back a little bit and the game petered out a little bit towards the end.”

He added: “All in all I thought we at least deserved a draw and if I had rose tinted glasses on I’d say we possibly could have won it in terms of game defining saves. Kyle Hayes for Consett has made three or four more than our ‘keeper Adam McHugh. Adam made one in the first half where everyone thought the ball was going wide but it’s hit the post and come back and he got down to it fantastically well – but other than that I can’t remember too many where he has had to go full length.” Skinner thought the crowd were magnificent – and got value for money: “The supporters added to the occasion,” he said, “The game itself was a fantastic spectacle and the crowd of 735 – plus the atmosphere – was good and it had a proper football-match-feel to it. Credit to Consett who brought a good following with them but it was an excellent game and I’m pretty sure the crowd had value for money.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC midfielder Max Emmerson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

The 20 year old sustained what can only be termed as a freak injury eight games into the campaign in the 1-1 away draw against North Shields.

Last week North Shields-born Emmerson – a student at Sunderland University – received the results of a scan which revealed that he needs surgery for a full reconstruction of his knee.

“I have completely torn my ACL,” he said as he took in Ashington’s top of the table clash against Consett at The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday, “I’ve got to go in for surgery later this month then it’s a recovery period of possibly six to seven months. I was more disheartened at first, not knowing the extent of the injury and although I’m gutted I’ve learned to accept the situation after being told what the diagnosis is.”

He continued: “I was enjoying playing for the club (Ashington) and the game when I did the injury against North Shields was one of the biggest of the season for me. It happened ten minutes into the match when I turned. My legs stayed rooted whilst my body went the other way. There was no contact with any other player.”

Ashington FC boss Ian Skinner said the club will support the Newcastle based youngster all the way: “It’s the news we feared to be honest,” said Skinner, “On the night when it happened, I just had this feeling that it was an ACL injury and all along we have worked towards that being the outcome. Our club physiotherapist Jay Robertson has looked at Max multiple times and felt it was an ACL and we just needed the results of the scan to confirm it.”

He continued: “I’m devastated for Max because he’s been fantastic for us since he came to the club and it’s probably the biggest setback he’s ever had in his football career. The good thing is that because we thought it was an ACL, Jay (Robertson) has been doing some pre op work with Max so when they do operate, he will obviously have some strength in and around the area.”

He went on: “As a club we will continue to support Max and it was great to see him at the game today (v Consett) and as soon as he has had the operation, I’m sure we’ll help him 100 per cent with his rehab. It’s a one of those situations where there are no short cuts – and he knows that – so he’ll do the rehab to the best of his ability and follow the guidance which he is given. Obviously we’re disappointed to lose Max for the rest of the season but we’ll look forward to seeing him back in a black and white shirt in the not too distant future.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC captain Ben Harmison is looking enlist the help from the fans at Woodhorn Lane to help spur the Colliers on when they welcome Ebac Northern League first division league leaders Consett to The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday (November 13).

Harmison was appointed as the new skipper last weekend to replace Dean Briggs who has emigrated to Dubai.

Ashington went down to a 5-0 reverse at Thornaby last weekend and Harmison – pointing to the statistic that following every defeat, Ian Skinner’s men have bounced back – has asked the home supporters to play their part: “The game should attract a big crowd,” he said, “our fans have been excellent again this year and hopefully they’ll be able to help us on Saturday.”

He continued: “We have lost a couple of players who are hard to replace and to be honest you are looking towards higher leagues to replace Dean Briggs. Hopefully the management are looking to bring in a centre forward but if not, we will have to play with what we have got and lads will have got to step up to the plate, take responsibility and have a bit of belief. The defeat at Thornaby has hit us hard today but we have got two good training sessions during the week to get a bit of confidence and every time we have lost we have bounced back – so it should be a good game against Consett.”

Meanwhile manager Ian Skinner said about the possibility of new signings: “Anybody who comes in has to be good enough or has to be better than what we have got. We are not just going to sign people to make the numbers up.” For Saturday, Max Emmerson and Tom Bramley are both ruled out but Bobby Taylor should return to the squad. Kick-off is 3pm.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC’s Ben Harmison said being asked to be the new captain of his home town club came as a surprise.

However, Harmison – who took over the armband from Dean Briggs after the midfielder emigrated to Dubai last week – is delighted to take on the role and added he will be looking to lead by example.

“The appointment came as a surprise because I thought it might have gone to one of the younger lads,” said the 35 year old who can operate in defence or be used as a striker, “It was nice to get it – and I’ll be trying to lead by example.”

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner said: “Ben was one of a few players we considered for the captaincy. We thought given his experience and leadership qualities that this made him an ideal choice. In addition, he is an Ashington lad which is also beneficial.”

Harmison’s first afternoon in the post was one to forget as the Colliers went down 5-0 at Thornaby: “I thought we played some good football – but we suffered because of too many unforced errors,” he revealed afterwards, “we gave the ball away cheaply in certain areas and they (Thornaby) broke on us which probably sums up most our season. When we have lost against the better teams we have given the ball away – and against good teams they punish you.”

Ashington were 3-0 down at the interval and Harmison continued: “Second half I thought there was a bit of a reaction from us and we probably should have scored a couple. It was vital for us to get the first goal after half time and we tried and tried and had a couple of good chances but the two goals which they (Thornaby) scored at the end were because we were pushing.” Harmison admitted that the players have got to put the result behind them and move on: “Things have been brilliant and gone well for us,” he added, “We’ve played some good football along the way but we’ve got to pick ourselves up a little bit. We’ve had a bit bad luck over the past couple of weeks with losing good players but we can’t use that as an excuse and we’ve still got a great squad. We’ve just got to put today’s result down as being a bad day at the office and dust ourselves off because we have got Consett at home on Saturday which will be another tricky game.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner admitted that a quick double by Thornaby midway through the first half had a telling effect on his side who eventually went down to a 5-0 defeat on Saturday.

“We lost the game in the first half when two goals in as many minutes knocked the stuffing out of us,” said Skinner, “To be fair for the first, their lad (Lee Moore) has put a great ball in and Curtis (Coppen) has tried to deal with it but he’s ended up putting it in his own net. But then to concede a second only a minute later is difficult to take – and the frustrating thing about both goals was that we actually had the ball in their box and they have broke on us and scored. We’ve shown a great reaction after conceding the first one from the kick off to build an attack but we’ve given the ball away again relatively cheaply in their box and they have countered to make it 2-0. Then to concede a third in the first half is disappointing – and gives us a mountain to climb.”

He continued: “I thought we were a little bit slack in possession across the whole day. Second half we got into some good positions and got the ball into good areas unopposed but unforced errors and poor decisions or poor execution saw us give the ball away relatively cheaply and we’ve allowed Thornaby to counter attack on us too easily. We need to show a little bit more grit and determination to want to make it a bit more difficult for the opposition to score. Albeit the Thornaby front three or four were good, with good movement and interchange and link up play but at times we were a little bit easy to play against and left gaps and didn’t really manage distances between units as well as we possibly could. We pressed them a little bit higher and harder second half and we have looked to win the ball back a little bit earlier. We’ve also created some half chances really with some dangerous balls across the box and a few blocked shots and on another day maybes we get it back to 3-1 and then see where we could take it from there – but it wasn’t to be.”

He went on: “We are hurting a little bit although we got a decent reaction in the second half for 40-42 minutes or so and possibly the scoreline was harsh on us. However, our goal difference is now five goals worse off – and whether it was harsh or not – it’s a fact and we have to deal with it.”

By Brian Bennett

In a week where there have been player departures from Ashington FC, manager Ian Skinner stated that he would never contemplate leaving the club given the facilities at Woodhorn Lane.

Brandon Slater, David Luke and Ryan McGorrigan have moved on to Blyth Town, Heaton Stannington and Newcastle Benfield respectively but Skinner said: “I can only say that as a manager, there’s no other team in this league that would get me to manage them because I wouldn’t leave these facilities or this football club. Yes Bishop Auckland might say that they believe their facilities are equally as good and that’s a valid point whilst people at Penrith – who I get on with extremely well with – might have the same opinion but why would I leave these magnificent facilities; this magnificent group of players and the magnificent fans we have got who come and support us.”

Skinner continued: “Brandon Slater and David Luke have left us because they felt as if they weren’t getting as many minutes as they would have liked and that’s fine – I get that – footballers want to play and I wish both of them the best at Blyth Town and Heaton Stannington respectively. I hope things work out for them and I hope they get the minutes on the pitch they were craving. If they do, I’m sure they will be huge assets to the two clubs they have gone to join and there are no hard feelings on our part.”

He went on: “Ryan McGorrigan came to see us and we made him aware of an interest from another club (Newcastle Benfield). He initially told us it wasn’t something he was interested in and then in the space of seven days, he decided that it was of interest to him. Ashington FC only want players that want to play for this football club. I don’t care who the individual is, if you want to be in the dressing room at Ashington, you’ll be there because this football club wants you to be in there and that you want to play for this football club.”

He went on: “In my eyes – and I’m not being disrespectful to anybody – when you look at the facilities we have got at Ashington plus the surroundings, and you see where this football club has come in the last three years from where we were, what I am not going to start doing is writing cheques which this club can’t afford. I’m not going to risk sending this club backwards. We are getting close – very, very close in fact and there are lots of discussions going on behind the scenes – about how we take the next step and this football club will take the next step – but with players that want to take the next step with this football club and we’ll do it within our means. I wish anybody who has left all the best, who think they have gone on to bigger and better things – any player that does, that’s there prerogative and it’s up to them the reasoning behind that.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner says he is confident that the players already at the club can step up and fill the boots of Damen Mullen – after the midfielder returned to Hebburn Town having completed a month’s loan at Woodhorn Lane.

Mullen played his final game for the Colliers against Billingham Town on Saturday and Skinner said: “Damen will be a miss but we’ve got the likes of Yannick Aziakonou – who maybes hasn’t played as many minutes as he would have liked recently – or Karl Ross – who can come in and play in that position. On top of that, we’ve got players who will still be in the squad who we’ll look to and say ‘there’s an opportunity for you – come and grasp it with both hands’ and I’m confident the players we have got here will be able to step up and fill the void.”

On Mullen, Skinner said: “We always knew it was a month’s loan initially and as the time went on we maybes harboured ambitions of keeping him for a little bit longer – but Hebburn have asked for him back and that is their prerogative as they are his parent club. I think what we have seen from Damen is a real good character and a real class individual. He came to us, got his head down and knew he was behind in fitness to everybody else. He worked hard and stayed behind after training to do extra on his own and I was honest with him and tried to manage him the best I could.” He continued: “Damen started on the bench then got into the team and we played him in games and brought him off because what I promised him I wouldn’t do was basically bring him in and play him every minute – and have a chance of a recurrence of his injury. Damen offered us that quality and when you have played as many games as he has done in the higher leagues, it meant he offered us real quality and calmness on the ball and he was good in terms of both building our moves and breaking down the opposition’s attacks. He’ll be a miss – and we’d like to thank him for all his efforts.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner stated at the weekend that talismanic skipper Dean Briggs is quite simply irreplaceable – after the midfielder emigrates to Dubai today (Monday).

Briggs – who had plundered 15 goals for the Colliers already this season including one in his final game against Billingham Town on Saturday – admitted that he could not turn down the offer of a job opportunity whilst Skinner said Briggs will be a big miss: “There’s only one Dean Briggs,” noted Skinner, “you don’t replace him and consequently he’ll be a big miss. We can try and find a similar player – but we would never find an identical one to Dean. He’s been fantastic since the minute he walked through the door at this football club and I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s a good character to have around the place and what you see on the pitch is quality whilst what I see off the pitch – within and around the group – is also great.”

He continued: “Dean has created numerous opportunities for us; he’s scored lots of goals for us and some really important ones – and we’ll miss him. It’s a difficult decision for him to make as a young lad but he has been away from home before when he went to Australia. We wish him all the best in his venture over in Dubai and I’m pretty sure if there was ever an opportunity that he was to return back to the UK then this would be his first port of call.”

He went on: “We won’t be able to replace him but what we have got at Ashington is quality players. Karl Ross has come on today (against Billingham Town) and scored another good goal whilst with every game he plays, Craig Spooner is getting better and is starting to settle in. So we will turn to the players who are currently playing and who will be available and we’ll ask them to step up and show their worth and value – and I’m sure they will.”

By Brian Bennett

Dean Briggs revealed he could not turn down a career move to Dubai – as he sets off for pastures new tomorrow (Monday).

Briggs signed off with a goal in Ashington’s 4-0 victory over Billingham Town at The dwmedia Stadium on Saturday to take his tally up to 15 goals in all competitions this term.

The midfielder – who first made his debut for the Colliers as a teenager when his father Perry was assistant manager to Gary Middleton – said: “My friend already works over in Dubai and said there was a job opportunity for me – plus a bit of a lifestyle change – so I’m going to give it a go. It’s a big risk but at the end of the day it’s a big career opportunity for me and I couldn’t really say no. Obviously I will miss my football and that that was the one thing which I had to take into consideration. However if things don’t work out I’ll come back.”

Briggs – who returned to Woodhorn Lane before the start of last season – will leave with fond memories: “I love it here,” he said, “The facilities are great; there is a great group of lads at the club who get well looked and there is a big togetherness in the group. Then there are obviously the fans who are unreal – just look at our attendances as we are third in the table for the best supported club in the league – and that says it all.”

With 20 minutes remaining of the contest against the Teessiders on Saturday, Briggs side footed home Ashington’s second: “I wanted to go out on a goal and it was an unselfish lay off by Liam Doyle – especially as I didn’t slide him in beforehand – so fair play to him,” said 25 year old Briggs, who hit all four in midweek as the Colliers triumphed 4-2 against Newton Aycliffe: “That was the first time I had scored four for several years,” he added, “It was one of those nights where everything went the right way.”

Briggs believes Ashington can continue to make progress: “I think the club can go as high as it wants to go – and that’s their aspirations in the next few years,” he said, “They are doing very well this season but I think in three to five years they’ll be looking at wanting to go up – and there’s no reason why they can’t.”