Ashington vs Silsden

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Match Report

By Brian Bennett

What a difference a week can make it football!

Seven days previous, before kick off against Ossett United, Ashington were on the bottom of the East Division table but after a 2-1 win, they moved up four places.

In midweek, an identical scoreline over Hallam saw them jump into mid table.

Saturday’s late, late show and slender triumph over new basement occupants Silsden saw the Colliers rise to tenth spot – only a few points adrift of a promotion play off place!

Recently, the Woodhorn Lane outfit were a side lacking in confidence but the hat-trick of wins has certainly restored some belief in Nick Gray’s side and against league newcomers Silsden, they not only salvaged victory out of the jaws of defeat but also found a way to win when all appeared to be lost.

If home supporters thought their outfit would easily account for the North Yorkshire outfit who lost 10-1 against Redcar Athletic only a fortnight ago, then they were in for a shock – and moreso after the visitors had edged ahead early in the second half.

The first period had seen little in the way of chances – the two opportunities which did materialise both falling to Ashington.

Yet even then, supporters had to be patient as after a lot of huff and puff, 26 minutes were on the clock when Ryan Wombwell found Josh Gilchrist down the right but when the striker pulled the ball across the face of goal, Jay Hornsby’s shot deflected off a defender to go behind for a corner.

Then on the stroke of half time, a flag kick from the left by Liam Noble was spilled by ‘keeper Tommy Brown but Scott Lowery – an early replacement for the injured Ryan Donaldson – hooked the ball wide on the turn at the far post.

In truth, the visitors were the more prominent side from the start of the second half. Forty seconds in, a long throw-in was glanced on by skipper Harry Coates but Kayle Price steered the ball wide.

However, in the 50th minute, Price’s finishing was clinical when he clipped home a cross from six yards following a move down the right.

Ashington survived some anxious moments and minutes later they had a let off when from a corner on the left, a header by Corey Billy hit the frame of the goal and was cleared.

Gradually the Colliers began to gain control and on the hour after a lay-off by Gilchrist, Noble had a right footer which was held by Brown before substitute Henderson blasted another opportunity well over.

Jordan Carroll clipped a half chance over the bar from 16 yards then when play switched to the other end, an effort by Henderson was blocked by Coates.

But a game which at best had been average, suddenly sparked into life in the closing stages.

On 86 minutes, Silsden full back Cammy Clark saw red after a challenge on Henderson near the touchline before the Ashington striker scored the equaliser.

The inspirational Noble was at the heart of the move with an inch perfect forward pass which Henderson side footed home on the volley.

Not content with a point, Ashington strived for more and in the first minute of time added on, they found a winner.

After the ball was headed on by subs Ethan Bewley and Henderson it dropped to Craig Spooner who steered the ball home from the edge of the area, wide of the despairing hands of Brown and just inside the post to record his third goal in four games.

*Before kick-off, players, officials and supporters observed a minutes silence as a mark of respect to 21 year old footballer Billy Vigar who tragically passed away after suffering a head injury whilst playing for Chichester City against Wingate and Finchley.

Details

Date Time Competition Season Attendance
Sat 27/9/2025 3:00 pm Northern Premier League - East Division 2025-26 318

Ground

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

Officials

Referee
Ryan Moore