Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s winning sequence continued on Saturday when they made it four consecutive victories after a 1-0 success over Bishop Auckland at the Vest Construction Stadium.

The Colliers gave their supporters some pre Christmas festive cheer but extra pats on the back will go to Craig Spooner and Matty Alexander.

Spooner came up with the all important goal on the quarter hour mark whilst Alexander pulled off a brilliant penalty save from Auckland substitute Dean Thexton with eight minutes of normal time remaining.

Turning the clock back to the 2022-23 season, it was at the same stadium when Andrew Cartwright converted a spot kick which gave the Wansbeck side a 1-1 draw against the two blues to book their spot in the Inter Step play off final against Glossop North End. The following week, Ashington won 3-0 to clinch promotion to the NPL’s East Division.

However, whilst the contest at Bishop Auckland a few years ago will live long in the memories of Colliers supporters, sadly the same cannot be said about Saturday’s clash!

Chances were kept to an absolute minimum in what was a dour battle from start to finish with the only piece of quality resulting in the only goal of the game.

Liam Noble charged through in the Auckland half before playing the ball out wide to Louis Burns.

The forward crossed where Spooner volleyed home with his left foot from eight yards.

Seven minutes before the interval, the visitors ought to have doubled their lead. Spooner turned provider when he found Burns but after cutting inside, the on-loan forward from South Shields fired narrowly wide of ‘keeper Harrison Bond’s right hand post.

Early in the second half another opportunity fell Ashington’s way. Substitute Liam Wotherspoon found Spooner down the left and when his centre was only partially cleared by the home defence, the ball fell into the path of Liam Henderson but he side footed over from the edge of the area as he looked to place his effort into the net.

Just prior to the half way mark, Spooner had a 25 yarder tipped over by Bond then in the 82^nd minute, Wayne Whitfield was sent tumbling inside the area near the by line by substitute Josh Cairns and referee Sam Packer pointed to the spot.

Thexton stepped forward but saw his penalty pushed away by Alexander, diving to his left.

Henderson headed over the bar following a cross from skipper Karl Ross before the final whistle brought Ashington another welcome three points.