Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Ashington came back down to earth with a bump on Tuesday night when Newton Aycliffe won 4-0 after a powerful and convincing second half display at Woodhorn Lane.

The Colliers went into the contest on the back of a run of three unbeaten games but the visitors – on the periphery of the play off places in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League – turned on the heat after the break and were full value for the three points.

The home side also had to see out the game with ten men after Ryan Donaldson saw red in the closing stages.

Two months ago, Aycliffe were stunned when the Wansbeck outfit won 3-2 at Moore Lane. Many Ashington supporters said at the time that the Durham outfit were the best side they had played so far this season – and the point was raised again after another impressive display by the County Durham outfit.

The Colliers – rocked by an injury to defender Ben Williams which ruled him out of the clash – were still in the game at half time after an opening period where chances were few and far between.

In the third minute, Josh Gilchrist threaded a pass through for Cieran Jackson but visitors ‘keeper Jim Pollard reacted swiftly and whipped the ball off the striker’s toes.

It was 12 minutes before the first shot of the game materialised when Joe Ferguson had an effort which was held by home stopper Dan Staples and a further quarter hour before the next when a drive by Liam Jarvie was directed straight at the custodian.

Two minutes later, Liam Adamson broke clear down the right but Ryan Wombwell got back to make an excellent tackle.

Ashington began the second period a lot brighter and in the 52nd minute, Harrison Clark slipped the ball to skipper Karl Ross who cut inside a defender but saw his shot held by Pollard.

Two minutes later, Aycliffe broke the deadlock. Following a corner on the right, skipper Ethan Wood fired in from the edge of the area with the ball squeezing between Staples and the post.

Recent newcomer Jackson had a shot taken by Pollard before the visitors doubled their lead just past the hour mark.

The goal stemmed from another corner which was played into the six yards box with Jake Petitjean netting from close range.

Five minutes later, it was 3-0. Aycliffe broke quickly on the counter from an Ashington corner with Adamson raiding down the right and when he squared the ball, Jarvie had the simple task of slotting it into the net.

The three goals in quarter of an hour left Ashington shell-shocked and it ought to have been four in the 75th minute. Following an intricate move across the park, the ball came over from the right but Petitjean headed wide.

Gilchrist had a shot which was taken by Pollard before substitute Dane Eltringham added a fourth with five minutes of the 90 remaining.

He picked up possession and unleashed a low drive from 25 yards which flew into the net.

Three minutes later, Ashington’s troubles were compounded when Ryan Donaldson was sent off after being shown two yellow cards in quick succession.