Ashington vs Sheffield

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Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Ashington suffered back to back home defeats inside four days when they went down 4-1 in their Northern Premier League East Division clash against Sheffield FC at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

Following Saturday’s single goal reverse against Sherwood Colliery, the visitors – bottom of the table before kick off – were indebted to a hat-trick by striker Luke Aldrich which saw them deservedly travel back to South Yorkshire with all three points.

It seems unthinkable that just under a fortnight ago, the Colliers turned in a superb performance to advance into the next round of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup with a 4-1 win over North Shields.

However, Tuesday’s showing in the second half was slightly better than Saturday’s woeful display – but still sub standard.

From the first whistle, the Wansbeck outfit looked like a side determined to put right the wrongs from Saturday.

But in the tenth minute, they pressed the self destruct button and paid a heavy price as the visitors took full advantage to go 1-0 up.

A back-pass played to Ross Coombe saw the ‘keeper’s attempted clearance cannon off Connor Cutts and spin towards goal with Aldrich blasting in from almost on the line.
It was a setback from which Ashington never recovered as they struggled against a hard working Sheffield side.

Jack Dolman struck a left footed drive from the edge of the area which flashed wide before a well constructed move in the 27th minute led to ‘The Club’ doubling their advantage.

Ashington were caught out by a slick move down the left and when the ball was played into the area, Aldrich didn’t have to break stride as he side footed on the half volley wide of Coombe.

On the half hour, Benni Ndlovu could have added another. He latched onto a through ball down the right and looked a certain scorer until a timely tackle by Charlie Exley stopped him.

Ashington’s first chance of the half came in the 35th minute when Andrew Johnson cut inside but curled a right footer over the bar.

Two minutes after the break, the visitors extended their lead to 3-0 – from the spot.

Dolman was denied by Coombe but from the rebound, Aldrich was caught by a trailing leg from an Ashington defender and Rory Coleman sent the home ‘keeper the wrong way from the penalty.

Craig Spooner had a shot tipped behind by ‘keeper Edd Hall then after the stopper had spilled the ball, a scramble ensued but the visitors cleared.

Jay Errington cut inside but his tame effort was held by Hall before the Colliers reduced the arrears.

Spooner touched a free kick sideways to Exley who drilled home left footed.

Gary Ormston clipped an effort over then Johnson crossed the ball into the area for Cam Gascoigne who swivelled but saw his goalbound shot acrobatically turned over by Hall.

However for all their pressure, Ashington were caught on the break in the 79th minute when the ball was played down the right channel for Aldrich who advanced before firing wide of Coombe to restore Sheffield’s three goal lead.

It was a sucker punch which took the wind out of the home sides’ sails with the game drifting to a lethargic conclusion.

Details

Date Time Competition Season Attendance
Tue 1/10/2024 7:45 pm Northern Premier League - East Division 2024-25 216

Ground

Woodhorn Lane
Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9FW

Past Meetings

1 - 3
Woodhorn Lane

Ashington vs Sheffield

Attendance: 657
4 - 0

Sheffield vs Ashington

Attendance: 313