Match Report

By Brian Bennett

On an historic day when the attendance of 1,488 supporters set a new ground record at Woodhorn Lane, it was a pity that the derby match served up by the players of Ashington and Blyth Spartans was out of place to match the occasion.

That detail will be irrelevant to all connected with the Croft Park club, who as a result,  moved off the bottom of the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League courtesy of a stoppage time goal at the end of the first half by Jack Foalle.

After a ball played down the line by Robert Kinninburgh, the live wire striker got on the end of a cross by Michael Fowler which eluded home ‘keeper Matty Alexander to score with a diving header at the far post.

In truth it was the only high spot of the entire game – a contest which was ruined as a spectacle from the fourth minute.

It was clear that there was plenty of tension with both sides showing nerves from the kick-off as they regularly lost possession.

Then came the dramatic fourth minute when Chris Reid, making his home debut, saw red.

Initially, the former Whitley Bay and Morpeth Town defender was aggrieved at not being awarded a penalty after he and Paul Van-Zandvliet grappled inside the area from a Liam Noble free-kick.

Play continued but with the ball near the touchline and harmlessly running out of play, Reid lunged in on Van-Zandvliet from behind and was sent off by referee Tyler Dutton.

Supporters had to remain patient as it was over half an hour before the first opportunity arrived.

Before then, both sides had had a half chance apiece.

Foalle’s cross-cum-shot from the left landed on the roof of the net whilst at the other end, Noble found Marc Ellison who fired over from an acute angle.

From the 32^nd minute play was non stop for a short period. Following a throw in by Karl Ross, Ryan Donaldson produced a fantastic slalom type of run through the middle evading a couple of challenges but when he ventured into the area, Kinniburgh made a crucial interception to clear.

Play switched with Foalle through on the right but with support, he elected to unleash a right footer which went over.

Fowler burst down the left flank but his dangerous cross was cut out at the near post by Rory Powell then Ross and Craig Spooner combined but the latter pulled the ball back too much for Liam Wotherspoon.

In the 44^th minute, Henderson’s effort from 16 yards lacked power and was easily held by ‘keeper Callum Dobson before Foalle nodded Spartans in front.

On the hour Foalle fired wide and Ashington cleared off the line from a corner before substitute Noah Millington dragged the ball wide from distance.

In the closing stages, Spooner blasted over from the edge of the area then Alexander held an effort from Millington.

The final piece of action came in the third minute of time added on when Blyth cleared the ball off the line but the assistant had his flag raised for offside.