Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Ashington face a nail-biting end to the season following their defeat against Garforth Town at a sun drenched Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

With relegation confirmed for Sheffield FC, Sherwood Colliery and Liversedge, the final place appears as if it will go to the wire with three games remaining.

The Colliers dropped two places in the league table only two points above the drop zone and face a massive run in with two games over the Easter weekend period.

An error five minutes into the second half by goalkeeper Ryan Catterick resulted in the only goal as the stopper fumbled the ball over the line following a corner on the right.

But it was Catterick who prevented his side from going behind in only the second minute as Garforth made an impressive start. Nash Connolly seemed a certain scorer until his effort was clutched by the custodian.

Overall though, the game was disappointing as a spectacle with chances few and far between.

Josh Gilchrist – Ashington’s matchwinner at Liversedge – stabbed wide of the post then Craig Spooner struck a free-kick from 25 yards which was straight at ‘keeper Harry Flatters.

The visitors almost took the lead in unusual circumstances midway through the half. With Garforth in possession, the ball struck referee Kieran Downey and the official blew his whistle to stop play. It restarted with a drop ball to the visitors and Jay Davis lobbed just over the bar from distance.

Similarly in the closing minutes of the half, Liam Henderson went close at the other end with an audacious effort from 35 yards which dipped narrowly over the bar.

Three minutes after taking the lead, ‘The Miners’ were reduced to ten men when defender Harry Viggars saw red following an off the ball incident just outside the Garforth penalty area.

Whilst Ashington struggled in the final third, they also failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage.

They showed a couple of glimpses of link up play which ended with Spooner then Henderson firing wide.

In the closing stages, substitute Ryan Donaldson had a 20-yarder parried by Flatters then Ryan Wombwell clipped an effort wide but in truth the Colliers – who went into the game looking for a third win on the bounce – could have played until midnight and still not scored.