0 vs 2 
Match Report
By Brian Bennett
Ashington’s run of five games without defeat came to an end at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday when they went down 2-0 against Liversedge.
A headed goal by Joe Walton in time added on at the end of the first half put the visitors ahead before Alex Wollerton wrapped the points up for his side with a strike in the closing stages.
Consequently it was a disappointing day for the Colliers who had been looking to continue where they left off the previous week against North Ferriby which culminated in a stunning 5-0 victory.
Karl Ross came through a late fitness test on an ankle injury and took his place in a side which showed one change from their last outing with new signing Gary Ormston handed his debut in place of the suspended Ben Sampson.
Ian Skinner’s outfit started really well and within the first 20 seconds, strung together a promising attack which feature Dan Maguire, Wilson Kneeshaw and Connor Thomson but the latter’s cross was cleared.
Alfie Raw had the first shot for the visitors which was held by ‘keeper Karl Dryden to his right before Craig Spooner and Kneeshaw combined to set up Thomson, whose effort was pouched by Liversedge stopper Jordan Porter.
Chances had been at a premium – then in the closing stages of the period, the game livened up.
In the 35th minute, a ball by Ormston found Thomson who wriggled inside but his shot was tame and held by Porter whose handling was impeccable throughout.
Seconds later, a mistake by Dryden saw him gift the ball straight to Nicholas Walker. The number ten advanced but saw his attempted chip half stopped by the ‘keeper with Si Jakab clearing off the line.
With half time approaching, a great run down the right flank by Thomson saw him play the ball into Kneeshaw who swivelled only to see his effort rattle against the bar.
It proved to be a massive turning point.
The board displayed a minimum of three minutes of time to be added on and in the fifth minute after forcing a throw in on the left followed by a corner, Walton directed a header goalwards. Jakab cleared but the assistant flagged to indicate that the ball had crossed the line.
Three minutes into the second period, a long searching pass by Ormston went over the top of a defender to Thomson whose cross into the danger area was cleared.
In the 54th minute, Jakab found Spooner who drove the ball into the area and after Oli Thompson had glanced it on, Kneeshaw netted but the score was disallowed for offside.
Ashington huffed and puffed as they continued to chase a game which became stretched and the visitors – who looked a much improved outfit – ought to have had the game sewn up but missed chances galore on the counter.
Walton went around the advancing Dryden but saw his shot brilliantly cleared of the line by Ben Williams.
Lewis Wilkinson headed over; Walton shanked an effort wide and substitute Liam Hardy shot wide then over before six minutes from the end of the 90, a cross from the right led to a scramble with Wollerton poking the ball home for Liversedge’s second.
